Why Middle Eastern markets demand bespoke AFV solutions
In this expert analysis, Christopher Foss looks at how armoured vehicle suppliers to the Middle East are increasingly tailoring platforms for the region’s specific operational requirements.
Rheinmetall Denel Munition manufactures 40mm grenade ammunition in three variants. (Photo: RDM)
The South African subsidiary of Rheinmetall has two obtained new orders from unnamed Asian militaries to supply 40mm ammunition.
One customer — new to Rheinmetall Denel Munition — ordered 400,000 low-velocity (LV) 40mm grenades for delivery by December 2022.
The other deal will see an existing customer receive 100,000 rounds of medium-velocity (MV) grenades between December 2022 and February 2023, Rheinmetall noted in an 11 July statement.
The combined value of the two orders is about €25 million ($25.04 million).
‘Negotiations are already underway to increase the quantities,’ Rheinmetall added.
Rheinmetall Denel Munition manufactures 40x46mm LV, 40x53mm high-velocity and 40x51mm MV grenades.
The latter can hit targets 800m away, while the LV grenade is effective out to 400m. In both variants, the high-explosive dual-purpose projectile can be used against bunkers and armoured targets, being capable of penetrating 50mm rolled homogenous armour.
In this expert analysis, Christopher Foss looks at how armoured vehicle suppliers to the Middle East are increasingly tailoring platforms for the region’s specific operational requirements.
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