Rheinmetall to develop prototype naval airburst munition
The new MK 340 Kinetic Energy Electronically Timed is derived from the 30mm x 173 Kinetic Energy Timed Fuze cartridge. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Rheinmetall claims that its new 30mm x 173mm Kinetic Energy Electronically Timed airburst round would aid point defence for surface vessels.
Rheinmetall on 30 June revealed a ‘considerable’ order from the USN for new medium-calibre ammunition, after US-based American Rheinmetall Munitions obtained a $14.3 million Other Transaction Agreement to develop a prototype 30mm x 173mm airburst round.
The aim is to create a ‘low-cost engagement capability that increases the effectiveness of existing and future naval gun weapon systems against air and surface threats’, Rheinmetall noted in a statement.
It hopes that the new prototype system will lead to IOC for the 30mm x 173mm MK 340 MOD 0 Kinetic Energy Electronically Timed (KEET) airburst munition.
The MK 340 KEET is derived from the NATO-qualified Rheinmetall 30mm x 173mm Kinetic Energy Timed Fuze cartridge currently fielded by the Australian, German, and Hungarian militaries.
Rheinmetall claimed that the new system ‘will provide significant lethality improvements and a reduction in rounds fired due to the increased first-round hit probability’.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog]()
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
-
![US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation]()
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
![Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare]()
Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare
Australia’s new defence innovation strategy indicates a shift from platform-centric to network-centric undersea warfare, with Ocius and Anduril Industries pointing to fast-growing opportunities for local industry.
-
![Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs]()
Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs
Asian customers have placed one of the largest known international purchases of US-built uncrewed surface vessels, highlighting accelerating regional demand for autonomous maritime capabilities and distributed naval operations.
