Rheinmetall secures another major contract for artillery ammunition replenishment
Hungarian soldiers are trained to operate the Pzh2000 self-propelled howitzer. (Photo: Bundeswehr)
Rheinmetall has signed a €1.3 billion ($1.12 billion) framework contract with the German Armed Forces to supply several hundred thousand shells, fuses and propelling charges and signed a €127 million ($142 million) contract for a first call of shells with deliveries expected shortly.
The two deals relate to 155mm shells and are set to run through 2029.
Additionally, an existing framework agreement for DM121 ammunition has been expanded. In addition to the framework contract cited above, this represents an order volume of around €137 million ($153 million).
Related Articles
Europe rallies to replenish ammunition stockpiles as Ukraine war nears anniversary
Rheinmetall chalks up more munitions and air defence contracts
EU to supply Ukraine with one million artillery shells
The volume of the existing framework contract thus increases from €109 million ($122 million) to a total of €246 million ($276 million).
Featuring insensitive characteristics, the DM121 high-explosive shell is used for training and exercise purposes.
These new deals follow an announcement earlier this week of a framework contract with Rheinmetall to provide 120mm tank munition to a value of €4 billion ($4.49 billion).
A first call-off of ammunition worth €309 million ($346 million) came immediately after signing the contract.
The flurry of orders and framework agreements with Rheinmetall comes in the face of massive demands for ammunition and shells from Ukrainian forces as they attempt to combat Russian forces which invaded the country in early 2022.
Ammunition for artillery pieces, specifically 155mm rounds, is in high demand worldwide, driven by partners drawing down the stocks to donate to Kyiv while also looking to increase their stockpiles.
In March, the EU agreed to supply Ukraine with a million shells over 12 months. The €2 billion ($2.24 billion) plan will see half earmarked for the immediate delivery of shells to Ukraine and the other half for joint procurement of further stocks.
It was announced that a commission would be set up to look into ramping up production capacity.
More from Land Warfare
-
Sweden to purchase IRIS-T air defence systems for $930 million
This recent purchase of the medium-range air defence system adds to the country’s ongoing efforts to ramp up its overall defence readiness and capabilities.
-
GM Defense teams up with NP Aerospace for British Army vehicle requirement
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) has three types of vehicles: medium protected, light protected and light mobility (LMV). US company GM Defense and the UK’s NP Aerospace have teamed up to make an offering for the latter. The LMP will replace more than a dozen vehicle types with as few as three or four models.
-
CTAI’s 40mm cannon gains new A3B airburst round for UAV defence
CTA International (CTAI), a joint venture between KNDS France and BAE Systems, developed the 40mm Cased Telescoped Armament System (40 CTAS) for integration onto armoured vehicles. It has been further developed for ships and ground-based systems.
-
What weapons have Israel and Iran been using against each other?
Tehran has been relying on UAVs and ballistic missiles while Jerusalem uses jets, deep fires and precision-guided munitions.
-
Paris Air Show 2025: Fulgur air defence missile revealed in anticipation of potential market
The missile was first unveiled at SeaFuture 2023 and later at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024. Operational delivery is expected in 2028.
-
Bids in for Canadian Bv206 replacement
If all goes to plan, initial delivery of the selected vehicle could take place in 2029/2030 with final delivery in 2031/2032. The Bv206 were supplied to Canada many years ago and are in urgent need of replacement. More than 11,000 Bv206 were built for worldwide sale.