Rheinmetall Germany

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Mechanised Infantry Vehicle Boxer UK Update

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• MIV Programme moving to formal customer trials at Millbrook

• Two Command variant prototype vehicles taking part in the trials

• Following £40m investment into Telford site

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Vehicle trials​

From January 2024, the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme has moved into the start of formal customer Verification and Validation trials taking place at Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedford UK. These trials will qualify the design against the MIV technical requirements, demonstrating the Boxer vehicle’s capability and performance for the British Army.


There are two Rheinmetall prototype vehicles in the Command variant that will conduct the trials, as part of the Army’s modernisation plan. They will focus on mission systems including C4I, Electronic Counter Measures, User Human Machine Interface, Electromagnetic Compatibility and Climatics. The trials are supported by ARTEC and KNDS.

Vehicle Production​

MIV first series production vehicles will be delivered this year – an important phase of the programme for both the customer and industry. These will be Command variants, built in the Rheinmetall factory in Kassel, Germany. They are currently in the final stages of their build before being shipped to the UK.


The production of UK Boxer vehicles has commenced in the UK. This also drives the delivery of UK economic and prosperity benefits, with jobs in the land industry in the UK. A further commitment made by Rheinmetall has seen the UK supply chain providing into European programmes.

Boxer – versatile and battle-tested​

In 2019, the UK Ministry of Defence placed an order for 523 Boxer vehicles, and went on to increase the order by 100 in April 2022. The Boxer is a highly-protected 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicle. Its modular architecture enables a greater number of variants than any other vehicle system. The British Army is procuring four variants, including Infantry Carrying Vehicle, Command & Control, Field Ambulance and Specialist Carrier variants.

UK Prosperity​

All of the investment into Telford and our Bristol headquarters demonstrates Rheinmetall’s commitment to investing in high value jobs, enabling the pursuit of export opportunities.


MIV Production facilities were commissioned and installed through RBSL’s Industrialisation Programme, with a £40m investment into the Telford site to transform it into a world-class manufacturing facility. The programme is working with a vibrant UK supply chain, supporting economic growth and level-up regional economic opportunity. It focuses on supporting and enhancing UK supply chain, and developing the skills and expertise in-country.


Through the progression to the first series delivery, we are supporting the economic and prosperity benefits of the programme, as there is an increase in land industry jobs in the UK, and the UK supply chain involved are also contributing into European programmes.


There has been a significant recruitment effort, both at RBSL and across the UK supply chain, to support the MIV Programme. At RBSL, there has been a focus on apprenticeships, with many apprentices joining to support the programme and beginning a career in the industry.

Rheinmetall

The MIV programme is moving to formal customer trials at Millbrook, demonstrating the Boxer vehicle’s capability and performance for the British Army.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Starting gun sounds for Germany's advanced short - and very short - range air defence system - developement contract awarded​

Germany’s military procurement agency, the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), signed a development contract today with the Short- and Very Short-Range Air Defence System Consortium (ARGE NNbS) for the “Air Defence System, Short- and Very Short-Range”, or LVS NNbS. Set up in 2021, ARGE NNbS has three member companies: Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH of Bremen, Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG of Überlingen, and Hensoldt Sensors GmbH of Taufkirchen. The contract is worth around €1.2 billion (including VAT), with Rheinmetall accounting for €607 million, Diehl for €339 million, and Hensoldt for €284 million, reflecting their respective workshares.


Making sure that Germany lives up to its role as NATO’s lead nation in ground-based air defence and the European Sky Shield Initiative, the introduction of the LVS NNbS is a decisive step, closing one of the Bundeswehr’s significant capability gaps.


The core objective of the LVS NNbS development project is to optimize medium-range air defence as well as developing high-mobility air defence capabilities for protecting manoeuvre forces from aerial threats – even when on the move.


Key objectives include achieving the necessary networking of individual components; integration of the medium-range IRIS T-SLM guided missile; assuring interoperability; and extending the intercept zone to include short-range threats.


Networking will enable connection to the IRIS T-SLM fire units currently under procurement as well as to the Skyranger 30 ground-based mobile air defence system, to be procured in future.


The project is in the hands of the German defence industry; ARGE NNbS is the German government’s contract partner.


By bundling complementary core capabilities – including those of other German defence contractors – ARGE NNbS brings together the foundational knowledge, capabilities and expertise needed to meet the requirements. In the process, key technologies will stay in Germany, where they will be be preserved and perfected.


Rheinmetall and its Electronic Solutions and Vehicle Solutions divisions bring technological know-how and longstanding experience in the development and delivery of defence systems, especially in combat vehicles, communications and systems integration.


Diehl Defence specializes in developing and fabricating guided missiles. Thanks to its advanced system solutions for ground-based air defence, it is established force in the international market.


A supplier of key national technologies, Hensoldt brings to the working group its expertise and tried-and tested products such as radar systems. These products feature comprehensive commonalities based in part on product family concepts, primarily in airspace surveillance, classification and identification.

Rheinmetall

Germany’s military procurement agency BAAINBw signed a development contract with ARGE NNbS for the “Air Defence System, Short- and Very Short-Range” (LVS NNbS).

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Ammunition production capacity increasing: Várpalota ammo plant continues to grow

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• Rheinmetall’s Várpalota plant expanding as planned

• Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Zrt. factory to start ammo production in 2024, with full capacity attained in 2026

• Production of medium- and large-calibre ammunition

• 200 jobs to be created in Várpalota

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The new Rheinmetall ammunition plant in Várpalota, Hungary, currently being built by the Hungarian holding company N7 on behalf of the joint venture company Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Zrt., is now poised to expand as planned. The second phase of construction started in January 2024.


The concept for a multi-phase expansion of the plant existed prior to February 2022 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The project constitutes a strategic Hungarian investment in cooperation with Rheinmetall in response to the shortfall in ammunition already apparent at the time given the anticipated increase in demand in Europe and NATO. Furthermore, it has the added aim of reducing Europe’s dependence on overseas imports.


Just one year ago, the foundation stone was laid in Várpalota for the first part of the new Rheinmetall plant, where the joint venture company Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Zrt. will in future produce ammunition for various systems. The first expansion phase of the plant will enable production of 30mm medium-calibre ammunition for the Lynx infantry fighting vehicles which will be built by Rheinmetall at its new tank plant in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. Production starts in 2024.


Now set to begin, the “Várpalota 2.0” expansion will increase the size of the plant by 20 hectares to approximately 120 hectares. The number of employees will grow to up to a total of 200.


In addition, the product range will expand to include new types of ammunition, principally 155mm artillery shells for the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer and 120mm ammunition for the Leopard 2 main battle tank and its potential follower, the Panther KF51 EVO. Production is slated to begin in early 2026. Furthermore, Rheinmetall also plans to carry out development and acceptance testing at Várpalota.


Part of this strategic expansion of capacity for the production of ammunition in Hungary is also an additional plant for the production of explosives (RDX), which is being built in parallel on the same site and also in a joint venture between Reinmetall and N7. This will also make a major contribution to ensuring the security of supply of this elementary raw material for ammunition production in Europe.


Part of the Várpalota’s output will meet the needs of the Hungarian armed forces, with the rest destined for export.


In addition to the newly built plant operated by Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Zrt., today Rheinmetall already produces ammunition in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, South Africa, Australia and the United States.

Rheinmetall

The ammunition plant in Várpalota, currently being built by the Hungarian holding company N7 for Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Zrt., is expanding as planned.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

[Bürküt]

Major order for Rheinmetall- international partner orders additional kits for Fuchs 2 production

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• Order for kits to build three-digit number of Fuchs 2 armoured vehicles

• Contract includes conversion kits and spare parts packages

• Delivery between 2024 and 2028

• Total of around 1,800 vehicles built to date

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An international partner has awarded Rheinmetall an order to supply Fuchs 2 components for producing the wheeled armoured vehicle at a factory in the partner country. The current follow up orders also include kits for conversion and the supply of spare part packages. Booked in December 2023, the order is worth a figure in the three-digit million-euro range. Delivery of the kits — both for production and conversion — starts this year and will be complete in 2028.


The production facility in the partner country has seen an increase in added value in recent years as well as investments to ensure high-quality machining, welding and surface treatment. This long-standing strategic partnership is thus entering a new, promising phase, including the potential export of Fuchs 2 vehicles produced in the partner country.


The Fuchs success story continues with this large-volume order. As a versatile 6x6 wheeled armoured vehicle, it has been in service with the Bundeswehr as for almost half a century.


Around 1,800 Fuchs vehicles have been built to date. The armed forces of many nations deploy various versions of the vehicle, which can be used as an armoured personnel carrier, mobile command post, field ambulance or for NBC reconnaissance. The German Bundeswehr has fielded multiple versions of the Fuchs 1 since 1979, deploying over a hundred of these vehicles in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The Fuchs 2 is an advanced version of the Fuchs 1, featuring a larger interior, a more powerful engine, an updated chassis, improved modern protection, and a digital electrical system.


The Bundeswehr has a total of around 940 Fuchs vehicles in its inventory, 272 of which are version 1A8. This version of the Fuchs 1 offers substantially better protection against mines and improvised explosive devices compared to earlier models; it also features enhanced protection against ballistic threats. Among the principal modifications found in the Fuchs 1A8 are structural changes to the hull, new seats and seat suspension systems in the fighting compartment for decoupling from the floor of the hull, reinforced wheel housings, doors and window mountings, additional storage boxes and reinforcement of the vehicle exterior.

Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall has received an order from an international partner to supply additional Fuchs 2 components for the production of the wheeled armoured vehicle.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Strategic acquisition in Romania: Rheinmetall acquires majority stake in military vehicle maker Automecanica Media SRL

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• Rheinmetall takes up 72.5% majority holding in Automecanica Mediaș of Romania

• Annual sales potential of up to €300 million

• Truck build-ons and trailers will augment Rheinmetall’s product portfolio

• To be known as “Rheinmetall Automecanica”, the new company will form part of the Group’s global production network

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Continuing to expand its presence in Romania as a leading manufacturer of military vehicles, Rheinmetall is taking up a majority share in Romanian vehicle maker Automecanica Mediaș. The acquisition deepens the Düsseldorf-based technology enterprise’s footprint in Central Europe, opening the door to new customer countries in the region with substantial sales potential. Rheinmetall already has locations in two other countries on NATO’s eastern flank, Hungary and Lithuania. In December 2023, moreover, Romania awarded Rheinmetall a major air defence order worth €328 million.


Through Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, the Group will hold a 72.5% stake in the company, which will operate in Romania under the name Rheinmetall Automecanica SRL. The remaining shares in the company will stay in private hands. The contractual agreement still requires approval by the relevant government authorities before it takes effect.


In the medium term, Rheinmetall puts the annual sales potential of the newly acquired company at around €300 million and expects incoming orders in the current financial year to be in three-digit million-euro range.


As Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger sees it, “Bringing Automecanica Mediaș into the Rheinmetall family marks another important milestone in our strategy of strengthening the Group’s presence in Central Europe, which in turn contributes to bolstering the defensive capabilities of the EU and NATO on Europe’s eastern flank. We look forward to supporting Romania in future projects in the vehicle domain as well as with other Rheinmetall technologies. Here, the inclusion of local partners and strengthening the Romanian economy are matters of central concern to us. We want to meet the expectations of the Romania’s politicians and military in the best possible way.”


Automecanica Mediaș is a longstanding maker of special vehicles, truck build-ons and trailers for the civilian and military market. Rheinmetall has been cooperating with Automecanica since 2022, when the two partners joined forces to operate a maintenance and repair facility for military vehicles in Satu Mare, Romania.


The plant in Mediaș, Romania is poised to play a key role in maintaining the operational readiness of Western-built combat vehicles in Ukraine, as well as assuring logistical support. Rheinmetall’s presence in Romania means that forces deployed on NATO’s eastern flank will be able to count on shorter response times and more robust supply chains.


The acquisition constitutes a further expansion of Rheinmetall’s global vehicle production network, which already includes plants in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, the Netherlands and Germany. As well as significantly expanding the Group’s production and maintenance capacity, the move adds to its current portfolio of military vehicles.


Truck build-ons, trailers and other special vehicles developed and produced by Automecanica augment and complement Rheinmetall’s existing range of military trucks, a domain in which Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) is a major force in world markets.


Looking ahead, the chassis of antiaircraft systems belonging to the Romanian military are to be maintained and modernized here as well.


Automecanica has long been an efficient and effective partner of the Romanian armed forces. In the new constellation, Rheinmetall, moving forward with Automecanica, now seeks to be a leading partner of the Romanian armed forces as well as those of neighbouring countries, with a significantly expanded array of products and services.

Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall is taking up a majority share in Romanian vehicle maker Automecanica Mediaș, and consolidates its leading role in military vehicle manufacturing.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Bundeswehr awards Rheinmetall contracts for production and supply of 40-mm automatic grenade launcher ammunition - order worth around £ 30 million

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• Bundeswehr procures 40-mm service and training ammunition

• Two separate contracts; total order value comes to around €30 million, including VAT

• Delivery in 2024

• Modern programmable ammunition for automatic grenade launchers

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The German Bundeswehr has placed two separate orders with Rheinmetall for production and supply of 40-mm ammunition for automatic grenade launchers. Rheinmetall will thus be supplying tens of thousands of programmable 40 mm x 53 Airburst Munition (ABM) DM131 service cartridges. This order is worth around €22.9 million, including value added tax. The Bundeswehr has also placed an order for around 200,000 rounds of 40mm x 53 Üb DM158 practice ammunition, worth around €7.2 million, once again including VAT. Delivery of the ammunition is to be complete in 2024.


A one-stop shop for 40mm systems, Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of ammunition, weapon systems and fire control and aiming technology. Rheinmetall’s 40 mm x 53 high-velocity ammunition can be fired from any standard 40mm automatic grenade launcher. The rounds attain a maximum velocity of more than 240 m/s and have a maximum effective range of 2,200 metres. The Group’s wide assortment of cartridges in this segment includes the just-ordered programmable 40 mm x 53 ABM. Because the rounds can be timed to detonate in the air, it is possible to engage troops taking cover behind walls, etc. The 40 mm x 53 ABM, which the Bundeswehr refers to as the DM131, is qualified for use by the German armed forces. Other NATO armed forces have this advanced munition in their inventories as well.


Developed and qualified in accordance with the latest standards, the ammunition types now on order are unequalled worldwide in terms of combat effectiveness and precision. Moreover, the design status of the two cartridges fully corresponds to the stipulations contained in the European directive covering the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

Rheinmetall

The German Bundeswehr has placed two separate orders with Rheinmetall for €29.5 million worth of 40-mm ammunition for automatic grenade launchers.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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500 Palletised Load System Trucks contract awarded to Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles UK - worth € 282m

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• RMMV UK have been awarded a contract to deliver 500 HX PLS trucks to the UK MOD

• Contract worth £282 (€330) million; delivery to be completed in March 2024

• Currently more than 20,000 HX trucks in service across the world

• The PLS is a system carrier, which can load and unload up to 16.5 tonnes of equipment

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Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles UK (RMMV UK) have been awarded a £282 million contract under Rapid Procurement, to deliver 500 HX 8x8 Palletised Load System (PLS) trucks to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).


The contract was placed under rapid acquisition within seven months from initial discussions. RMMV UK will deliver this key capability for the British Army within three months of contract award. Currently, 320 vehicles are already undergoing modifications to the UK specification at RMMV UK’s facility in Doncaster, with a further 180 being supplied by 31 March 2024. The PLS trucks will deliver a key capability to the British Army providing support to operational activity, including carrying essential logistics, as such ammunition, food, water and support material, to operational locations.


Rebecca Richards, Managing Director of RMMV UK, said “We are pleased to deliver under the Rapid Acquisition Process, working collaboratively with our customer to contract this key capability and first delivery to the British Army within seven months. The enhanced transport capability that the trucks provide will increase the user’s agility and responsiveness, with significant protection, all within an accelerated time frame.”


Major General Darren Crook, Director or the Land Equipment Operating Centre for Defence, Equipment & Support (DE&S), said “I’m delighted that together with industry that we have been able to turn around this contract from conception, through approvals to contract award and first delivery, in just seven months.”


Since discussions commenced, RMMV UK have been preparing for the programme and building up the fleet at their site in Doncaster, UK, ahead of the delivery to ensure the trucks are delivered within three months of contract award. The multi use trucks will continue to be built at Rheinmetall’s global production facility in Vienna enabling this capability to be delivered at pace to the British Army. They are then converted to the agreed UK specification at the RMMV UK facility in Doncaster.

HX Capability​

The HX truck is NATO logistics backbone, delivering interoperability for user nations. Currently, there are more than 20,000 HX trucks in service across the world in NATO countries including Australia and New Zealand and European customers including Germany, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The additional 500 HX PLS trucks being delivered to the British Army build on this in-service fleet and the existing HX fleet in service in the UK.


The RMMV HX PLS truck is an advancement of the original fleet built for the UK, currently in service with the British Army, offering an increase in capability. The next generation HX truck sees improvements in the protection of the vehicle with a fully integrated armoured cab, improved carrying capacity, improved drive train and updated electronic architecture.


The HX PLS truck can load and unload up to 16.5 tonnes of equipment without the need for the operator to leave the cabin. The HX provides a quicker, easier and safer method for getting stores around the battlefield and offers improved interoperability with other NATO nations.

Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles UK has been awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence to supply 500 HX 8x8 trucks with Palletised Load System (PLS).

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense deliver prototypes for first phase of U.S. Army's Common Tactical Truck Program

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• American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense have delivered 3 HX3 CTT prototype trucks to the U.S. Army for the CTT program

• The HX3 CTT trucks enhance Soldier safety and capability through critical advancements in technology

• The HX3 CTT is the latest generation of truck in the highly successful, combat proven, HX family of trucks

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American Rheinmetall Vehicles, LLC (Sterling Heights, MI) and GM Defense LLC (Washington, DC) have successfully delivered 3 prototype trucks for the first phase of the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) Program. The aim of the multi-phased program is to replace the Army’s family of heavy tactical trucks, with production of up to 40,000 trucks valued at up to $14 billion. The two powerhouse defense companies formed a strategic collaboration in 2022 to compete in the program; bringing together two world-class engineering and manufacturing giants to deliver a modern, tactical truck that focuses on Soldier safety and protection while enhancing capability through advanced technologies including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), increased off-road mobility, cybersecurity hardening, superior survivability, autonomy readiness, and improved fuel efficiency among other critical emerging technologies. These capabilities, currently on most commercial vehicles, help reduce military vehicle accidents and lower the number of Soldiers exposed to dangerous convoy operations.


The team’s offering, the HX3 CTT, is the latest generation of trucks in the highly successful, combat proven, HX family of trucks which are in service with a number of NATO and U.S. allied nations. The HX family of trucks derives from MAN Truck and Bus commercial truck offerings bringing a high degree of commerciality to the fleet, a priority for the Army in the CTT program. The HX3 CTT next-generation system has enhanced on and off-road mobility, integrated survivability, and an open digital architecture supporting ADAS, and enabled for autonomous vehicle operation. Combined with the open architecture, the commercial backbone of the HX3 CTT will support persistent modernization and allow for rapid increases in capability as technologies mature, to include robotic and autonomous operations. With a global footprint of 20 user nations, including our staunchest allies and a commercial dealer network, the HX3 CTT provides a basis for optimized lifecycle costs and service support to the Army around the globe.


“We are committed partners to the Army, bringing tremendous operational capability coupled with advanced safety features, ensuring our Soldiers can achieve their mission safely and effectively. Together our team delivers a transformational truck that leverages the commercial strengths of our partners, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles and General Motors, and the commonality of the HX3 CTT design,” said Matthew Warnick, Managing Director for American Rheinmetall Vehicles.


“Today marks a significant milestone that brings this partnership one step closer to delivering the Army’s next generation Common Tactical Truck,” said Steve duMont, President of GM Defense. “I’m proud to celebrate along with our American Rheinmetall Vehicles teammates and look forward to leveraging the deep expertise that both of our companies bring to this competition to deliver a modern, American-made truck that will best support our warfighters today, and into the future.”

HX3 Common Tactical Truck​

Technology for the future: The HX3 CTT features an advanced, interchangeable protected cab design, ADAS, and drive by wire operation. The new open systems electrical architecture allows rapid integration of leader-follower, tele-operation, and fully autonomous capabilities that focus on protecting our most valuable combat asset – the Soldier.


Commonality to support a family of vehicles: The HX3 CTT is the new, next-gen variant of the globally successful HX family of military-off-the-shelf tactical trucks. It possesses an extremely high level of commonality and modularity across variants: cargo, load handling systems, tankers, and line haul tractors. With an HX family that can scale from 4x4 to 10x10, the HX3 CTT can meet any military need.


Commerciality in its DNA: The HX3 CTT leverages best-in-class advances in commercial truck technology, safety, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. Ruggedized for the stresses of military service, the HX family provides an “off the shelf” capability. This commercial backbone reduces obsolescence risk/cost, expands parts availability, and reduces sustainment demands.


Allied Interoperability: The HX family of trucks have been sold to 20 customers globally including an active Allied user group consisting of United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, creating common global supply chains, training opportunities, and integrated operations among key allies operating around the world.

 

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Shoring up national security preparedness: Rheinmetall to build new ammunition plant - German Chancellor and Prime Minister of Denmark take part in groundbreaking ceremony

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• Rheinmetall building new ammo plant at Unterlüß in northern Germany

• Move strengthens Germany’s national security preparedness

• Annual production capacity for 200,000 artillery shells, 1,900 tonnes of explosive as well as rocket engines and warheads

• €300 million investment; 500 new jobs

• Complete German value added chain planned

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Rheinmetall is taking an important strategic step to bolster Germany’s national security preparedness. The Düsseldorf-based tech enterprise is building a new factory at its Unterlüß site in the Lüneburg Heath in Lower Saxony, further enhancing the country’s self-reliance in ammunition production. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, and German defence minister Boris Pistorius joined Rheinmetall AG executive board chairman Armin Papperger for the official ground-breaking ceremony of “Werk Niedersachsen”, the Group’s new ammunition factory. Numerous other prominent personalities from the world of politics, administration, the armed forces and industry were present as well.


In future, Werk Niedersachsen will produce artillery ammunition, explosives and rocket artillery components. The factory will eventually manufacture some 200,000 artillery shells a year, along with up to 1,900 tonnes of RDX explosive and, optionally, other components for producing ammunition charges. In addition, production of rocket engines and possibly warheads could take place here, which will be necessary for the planned German rocket artillery project, for example.


“To secure Germany’s strategic sovereignty in the large-calibre ammunition domain, we’re creating a national production facility that sets new standards and will primarily meet the needs of the German Bundeswehr”, declares Armin Papperger, going on to note that “with Werk Niedersachsen, we’re establishing another European centre for producing artillery ammunition and other effectors at our historic Unterlüß site. The move reflects our sense of responsibility and resolve to contribute materially to the ability of our country and our NATO partners to defend itself.”


This company-financed project represents investment volume in the €300 million range. Rheinmetall is therefore shouldering the entire cost of constructing the factory, with no government involvement. The factory will also mean around 500 new jobs in Unterlüß.


Rheinmetall’s new factory will make it possible to meet the Bundeswehr’s own needs through domestic production and – especially in a crisis – to assure unrestricted transfers to partner nations. Previous dependency on export permits issued by other countries will thus be eliminated, giving Germany full sovereignty in this national security-relevant domain. In the process, Rheinmetall will create a complete value-added chain for artillery ammunition in Unterlüß, enabling it to offer the ‘full shot’ from a single source, including the shell, fuse, explosive charge and propelling charge.


Werk Niedersachsen will operate largely autonomously, with all the work steps necessary for producing artillery shells carried out on location. In building this plant, Rheinmetall is pursuing a modular, scalable concept for assuring a secure supply of ammunition, one with the potential for additional growth.


The top priority for the new factory is the earliest possible start of production. Following a construction period of around twelve months – proceeding from the date of the contract – annual capacity will be 50,000 shells a year. Germany’s initial share of value added will come to 50 percent, gradually increasing in the second year of production to 80 percent and to 100 percent in the third. By this point, Germany will have a fully autarkic supply of artillery ammunition, with value added generated entirely at home.


In terms of volume, annual capacity will reach 100,000 shells in the second year of production, later rising to 200,000 a year.

Background:​

Artillery is a vital capability of land warfare. The war in Ukraine shows how immense the need for ammunition is. The Bundeswehr’s depots are empty; replenishing its stocks will cost an estimated €40 billion. Enormous consumption of ammunition in Ukraine is exacerbating current shortages. The western world’s available production capacity is not structured to meet demand on this scale. Like other countries, Germany therefore plans to procure large amounts of ammunition over an extended period.


Rheinmetall is a leading defence contractor and one of the world’s largest producers of ammunition. In recent months, the Group has already been investing substantially in its production network. By 2025, Rheinmetall aims to produce up to 700,000 rounds of artillery ammunition at its plants in Germany, Spain, South Africa, Australia and Hungary, as well as 10,000 tonnes of powder.

Rheinmetall

With the new ammo plant Rheinmetall further enhances the country’s self-reliance in ammunition production. Ground-breaking ceremony with the Federal Chancellor.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Join venture with Ukrainian partner: Rheinmetall to produce artillery ammunition in Ukraine

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• Rheinmetall and Ukraine plan to set up joint venture to produce 155mm artillery ammunition
• Annual production of a six-digit number of shells
• Rheinmetall will have a 51 percent stake in the new company, with remaining 49 percent share held by Ukrainian Partner
• Signing during Munich Security Conference

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Rheinmetall, Europe’s largest ammunition maker, plans to open a new plant in Ukraine. Rheinmetall and a Ukrainian partner company have signed a memorandum of understanding to set up a joint venture which in future will produce ammunition in Ukraine. The MoU was signed in the presence of Alexander Kamyshin, the Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries, during the Munich Security Conference.


The "Ukrainian Competence Center for Ammunition" is to produce a six-digit number of 155mm calibre bullets per year in the future, including the corresponding propelling charges. To achieve this, the partners plan to build and jointly operate a new production facility. Rheinmetall will have a 51 percent stake in the new company, with the remaining 49 percent share held by the Ukrainian partner.


Just the other day, on 12 February, Chancellor Scholz took part in the ground-breaking ceremony for a new plant at Unterlüß in Lower Saxony which, along with explosives and rocket artillery components, will also produce artillery ammunition starting in 2025.


“Demand for ammunition in many countries is enormous – first and foremost in Ukraine, of course. Our intention of establishing another joint venture underscores our support for Ukraine. This joint venture will make a vital contribution to the country’s ability to defend itself – and thus to the security of all Europe”, declares Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG.


As Mr Papperger puts it, “We want to be an effective partner of Ukraine, to help rebuild the country’s once powerful defence industry, and to assure Ukrainian autonomy in ammunition production. Already today, we are Kyiv’s most important defence industry partner. We are currently processing several billion euros worth of projects on behalf of Ukraine, with more almost daily.”


Rheinmetall is not only the world’s largest producer of artillery ammunition and a defence technology leader. It also has the expertise needed to plan, build and operate facilities for producing ammunition.


In October 2023 Rheinmetall AG and Ukraine’s state-owned enterprise Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC (UDI, the former Ukroboronprom) established a first joint venture in Kyiv – Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC. In a first step, the company will maintain and repair combat vehicles; later, armored vehicles will also be built in Ukraine.

Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall and a Ukrainian partner company sign a memorandum of understanding to set up a joint venture to produce 155mm artillery ammunition in Ukraine.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Rheinmetall at Enforce TAC 2024 - new products for armed forces and law enforcement

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• Rheinmetall will be exhibiting at Enforce Tac from 26 to 28 February 2024
• Highlights: a complete system for ballistic body armour; new laser light modules; SSW40 grenade launcher; Caracal special ops vehicle; Survivor-R; tactical pyrotechnics
• Visit us at Stand 7-755!

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The year’s Enforce Tac security tradeshow runs from 26 to 28 February in Nuremberg. A powerful partner of the armed forces and law enforcement, Rheinmetall AG will once again be on hand at this special show. For users, procurement officials and specialist visitors alike, the Düsseldorf-based technology group has several innovative new products in store as well as additional elements from its tactical portfolio, including items from its Vehicle Systems, Weapon and Ammunition, and Electronic Solutions divisions.


New products include:

Ballistic body armour – for the first time, Rheinmetall will be introducing itself at Enforce Tac 2024 as a complete supplier of ballistic body armour solutions. A new VPAM7-class ballistic vest, a protective high-visibility vest developed for traffic stops, and a modular ballistic vest for SWAT-Teams will be on display at the Group’s stand.


Laser/ laser light modules – the LLM-PTAL laser light module for pistols and the MTAL Venom laser module for assault rifles are both celebrating their premiere at this year’s Enforce Tac.


Personal position marker and warning device – the Functional Protection System Beacon (FPS-Beacon) enables visible, non-visible and thermal position marking and warns in dangerous situations and when detected by lasers.


Soldier System Gladius Light – a variant of the Gladius 2.0 soldier system configured for special operations forces.


Rapid Obscuring System ROSY – the tried-and-tested rapid obscuring system ROSY protects land, air and sea vehicles even when on the move with a spontaneous smoke screen. At Enforce Tac 2024, the ROSY_L variant can be seen on the Fieldranger weapon station of the Survivor R protected special vehicle and on the Caracal airborne vehicle.


Other Rheinmetall highlights at this year’s Enforce Tac include:

Caracal – developed in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz and ACS Armoured Car Systems, Rheinmetall now offers a fast, versatile, powerful and compact 4x4 family of vehicles for airmobile and special forces units.


Survivor R – highly mobile, superbly protected and versatile, the Survivor R is a special emergency response vehicle for security forces. Based on a 4x4 MAN chassis, it was developed in cooperation with Achleitner, a maker of special vehicles. Germany’s Federal Police and the public order units of several German states have already chosen this state-of-the-art special purpose vehicle.


Squad Support Weapon SSW40 – the world’s first automatic, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired 40mm grenade launcher. In terms of weight, dimensions and handling, the SSW40 closely approximates an assault rifle.


Tactical pyrotechnics – Rheinmetall offers a wide variety of tactical pyrotechnical products, including the 9-Bang stun grenade and the square-shaped Spectac, both of which feature bottom top venting for maximum handling safety.


Paramir – light and compact, this versatile signalling rocket includes different coloured flares, infrared, smoke and NBC signal variants. It attains an altitude of around 100 metres, with an illumination time of approximately 15 seconds.


You are cordially invited to visit us at Stand 7-755 at Enforce Tac 2024, where we look forward to familiarizing you with our vehicles, command & control and tactical law enforcement resources.

Rheinmetall

A powerful partner of the armed forces and law enforcement, Rheinmetall will be at the Enforce Tac tradeshow, taking place 26 to 28 February 2024 in Nuremberg.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Market breakthrough in Austria: Rheinmetall supplying Skyranger air defence system on Pandur wheeled armoured vehicle

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• Austria procuring 36 Skyranger 30 air defence systems on Pandur EVO 6x6 vehicles from GDELS
• Serial production order a market breakthrough for Skyranger 30
• Delivery starts in 2026
• Versatility: Suitable platforms Lynx, Boxer, Pandur
• Armament: highperformance 30mm automatic cannon and Mistral guided missiles
• Effective defence against aerial threats, especially drones

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As part of its ongoing military build-up, Austria has awarded the Düsseldorf-based tech group Rheinmetall a significant air defence project. Worth a figure in the mid-three-digit million-euro range, the contract encompasses the cutting-edge Skyranger air defence system. Delivery commences in 2026.


Under the project, Rheinmetall is serving as a subcontractor of GDELS, the vehicle maker tasked with upgrading Austria’s fleet of Pandur wheeled armoured vehicles, part of the Austrian Army’s push to improve its operational mobility. The Skyranger is a versatile turret solution that can be mounted on a variety of suitable vehicle platforms, including the 6x6 GDELS Pandur EVO.


Part of Austria’s Pandur fleet – 36 vehicles – will be equipped with the Skyranger turret, giving them a mobile air defence capability. Skyranger combines state-of-the-art sensors with a high-performance 30mm automatic cannon and guided missiles, in this case the Mistral.


Coming in the wake of a Skyranger development contract from Hungary in December 2023, this first series production order marks a major market breakthrough for the innovative new system.


The Skyranger 30’s breakthrough in Austria sets the stage for further advances in Europe. Orders from Germany and Denmark are expected soon, and – following successful conclusion of the development contract – from Hungary as well.


In the words of Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG, “We greatly appreciate the trust of our friends and partners in Austria. Developed in Switzerland by Rheinmetall, this system will make a decisive contribution to improving air defence capabilities, first in Austria but soon in other countries, too.”


The procurement of thirty-six Skyranger 30 air defence systems mounted on the 6x6 GDELS Pandur EVO places Austria at the forefront of mobile ground-based air defence in Europe. Following an extraordinary, comprehensive, internationally acclaimed situation analysis, the Austrian Army made the complete renewal of its air defence capabilities a top priority. Decided on in December 2023, the modernization and upgrade of Austria’s existing stationary 35mm systems to Skyguard Next Generation (NG) status was the first step. Now, following the decision to introduce the Skyranger 30, the capability gap in mobile air defence will soon be bridged as well.


“This order underscores once again Rheinmetall’s technological lead in short-range air defence”, declares Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence.


With the almost simultaneous introduction of a rapidly deployable 35mm solution, the Austrian military is now pointing the way in contemporary air defence. Progressive networking and integration of existing and higher-echelon systems will result in decisive strategic advantages.


Working in close cooperation with Austria’s exceptionally competent decisionmakers, Rheinmetall specialists designed a special lightweight version of the Skyranger 30 that can be readily integrated into the GDELS Pandur. The Skyranger 30 effectively counters current and emerging aerial threats to ground forces, enabling them to focus on their prime tasks. A meticulously thought-out combination of different effectors, maximum mobility, a large elevation range and state-of-the-art sensors enable autonomous and networked operations alike.


The new contract highlights Rheinmetall’s role in reequipping the armed forces of Europe to contend with new threats, including stationary and mobile air defence solutions from Rheinmetall Air Defence, headed by Oliver Dürr

Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall is strengthening the Austrian armed forces with Skyranger air defence systems. The order is worth a mid three-digit million euro range.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Rheinmetall awarded fifth order for Germany's Modular Medical Facilities

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• Rheinmetall books fifth order for Bundeswehr’s Modular Medical Facilities (MSE) total system
• Order worth a figure in the mid-single-digit million-euro range
• X-ray container enables patient care in accordance with German hospital standards
• Additional MSE-related orders expected

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Germany’s Federal Agency for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has contracted with Rheinmetall to modernize additional parts of the Bundeswehr’s Modular Medical Facilities total system (MSE). For Rheinmetall, the aggregate value of the contract is in the mid-single-digit million-euro range.


The order encompasses X-ray containers that enable X-ray imaging of the entire human body sitting, lying or standing, as well as internal organs in the radiology realm. The X-ray equipment now in service no longer reflects the latest state of the art and must therefore be replaced or regenerated. The regenerated and/or newly fabricated containers will house new Siemens X-ray equipment (scanner and diagnostic station), including accessories for subsequent operation in the container. Following integration, reliable patient care in accordance with current German standards will be assured without limitation in a field hospital consisting of multiple MSE containers.


The Modular Medical Facilities total system comprises military treatment facilities, trauma centres and combat support hospitals utilized in Bundeswehr areas of operation. Here, individual systems take care of special tasks – in this case, X-ray imaging. Care provided inside the container must correspond to current German hospital standards. Like all MSE components, the X-ray container is classified in accordance with the International Convention for Safe Containers. Moreover, because it is stackable, it can be transported by container ship. The systems and equipment they contain are adaptable in terms of scope and functionality depending on customer specifications.


“We’re delighted to have been awarded a fifth contract for the MSE total system and expect to see continued growth in this area in future”, declares Dr Deniz Akitürk, CEO of Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH. Since 2019, Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH has bundled the Group’s resources and capabilities in the operational support domain and is thus responsible for mobile deployed operations solutions. By supplying special services, it seeks to provide customers with long-term operational support. Rheinmetall AG created the company specifically to handle services and projects relating to support of deployed operations.

Rheinmetall

Germany has contracted with Rheinmetall to modernize additional parts of the Bundeswehr’s Modular Medical Facilities total system (MSE).

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Mobile air defence : Rheinmetall to supply the Bundeswehr with Skyranger 30 on Boxer platform - order worth almost €600 million

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• Germany orders Boxer based Skyranger 30
• Order worth €595 million, incl. VAT
• One prototype and 18 production vehicles ordered; option for 30 more systems; prototype ships in late 2024
• Component of Germany’s NNbS air defence system
• Part of European Sky Shield Initiative; other countries have also ordered the Skyranger 30

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The Bundeswehr has tasked Rheinmetall with another important air defence project. The Düsseldorf-based Group will soon be supplying the German armed forces with the Skyranger 30 mobile air defence system. Worth €595 million (including value added tax), the contract encompasses delivery of a prototype and another 18 series production vehicles. In addition, an option exists for a further 30 systems. The prototype is to be delivered by the end of 2024.


Just last month, the Bundeswehr entrusted Rheinmetall and its partner contractors with developing a system for short- and very short-range air defence known as the NNbS, in which the Skyranger 30 will constitute a key component.


An essential part of the NNbS, the Skyranger 30 is embedded in the German government’s European Sky Shield Initiative, in which Germany, acting within a NATO context, has assumed the role of lead nation in ground-based air defence in Europe.


The Skyranger 30 bridges an acute existing capability gap in mobile air defence. The system constitutes an optimum combination of mobility, protection, flexibility and precision, making it a match for new challenges in the short- and very short-range threat spectrum. A hybrid solution, the system’s turret combines the highly effective 30mm x 173 KCE revolver gun, surface-to-air missiles and the necessary sensor suite, all on a single platform. The Skyranger 30 systems earmarked for Germany will be armed with Stinger missiles. Depending on customer requirements, the system can be fitted with various modern guided missiles such as the Mistral, Stinger or special C-UAS missiles.


A meticulously thought-out combination of different effectors, excellent mobility, a large elevation span and state-of-the-art sensors enable autonomous as well as networked operations. Thanks to Rheinmetall’s programmable airburst ammunition, the system is especially effective against drones. The compact turret is integrated into an 8x8 Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle.


The first customer is Austria, which recently ordered thirty-six Skyranger 30 systems. Other NATO and/or EU member states have also expressed an interest in the system or are already in the process of procuring it. In December 2023, Hungary tasked Rheinmetall with developing a concept for a Skyranger 30 turret for the future air defence variant of the Lynx KF41 tracked armoured vehicle. Lithuania is also studying the Boxer-mounted Skyranger 30, while Denmark plans to procure the Skyranger 30 solution in combination with another wheeled armoured vehicle.


As recently as December 2023, a functional demonstrator version of the Skyranger 30 underwent successful live fire field trials at the Group’s proving ground in Ochsenboden, Switzerland, proving itself in stationary mode and on the move. The functional demonstrator resulted in important new findings that will make fabrication and integration of the German verification model faster and less risk prone.

Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall will supply the Bundeswehr with a prototype and a further 18 series production vehicles of the Boxer based Skyranger 30 mobile air defence system.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Rheinmetall supplying European customer with further Skynex air defence systems

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• Rheinmetall supplying European customer with further Skynex air defence systems
• Order value in the lower three-digit million Euro range
• Delivery scheduled for 2025
• Defence against aerial threats

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Rheinmetall has been awarded a further contract to supply Skynex air defence systems to a European customer. The systems will enhance the customer’s ability to defend itself against aerial threats. The order has a value in the lower three-digit million euro range. The deliveries will take place over the course of 2025 and, as with the initial contract, will also include the associated Rheinmetall made HX trucks.


Relying on automatic cannon-based air defence, Skynex lends itself especially well to very short-range contexts where guided missiles are ineffective. Moreover, the use of programmable 35mm Ahead ammunition, as developed by Rheinmetall for this purpose, is significantly less expensive than comparable guided missile-based systems. Equally important: 35mm ammunition cannot be influenced much less jammed by electronic countermeasures when fired. The success of the self-propelled “Flakpanzer” Gepard antiaircraft system in Ukraine underscores the effectiveness of 35mm gun-based air defence against aerial targets, especially cruise missiles and drones.


The advanced Skynex air defence system is based on a concept that keeps airspace surveillance separate from the effectors. Owing to this modularity, and depending on the mission, the necessary assets can be linked to the command-and-control network. The system enables integration of radar equipment from various manufacturers. Skynex also offers great freedom with respect to effectors, enabling integration of many different advanced air defence weapons into the system. Having its own tracking unit is the sole prerequisite. Besides individual sensors and effectors, existing air defence systems like the Skyshield and Skyguard families can be built into the new architecture as fire units. In a remotely located command and weapon engagement centre, the recognized air situation is depicted on a map together with the sensors and effectors positioned in the field, thus simplifying allocation of targets to air defence assets connected to the system.

Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall is to supply Skynex air defence systems to a European customer in 2025. The order value is in the low three-digit million euro range.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Major order: Rheinmetall supplying NATO member nation with multiple rocket launcher ammunition and other systems worth more than € 300 million

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• Rheinmetall supplying a European NATO nation with several hundred guided artillery rockets
• Order worth more than €300 million without VAT
• Delivery of rockets takes place from 2024 to 2027

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Rheinmetall has won an order to supply a European member of NATO with multiple rocket launcher ammunition. Delivery is to take place from 2024 to 2027. The order, which was already booked in December 2023, represents sales volume for Rheinmetall of more than €300 million, without value added tax.


Rheinmetall Expal Munitions of Spain is responsible for manufacturing and delivering the rockets, which have a maximum range of 300 km. The order also encompasses additional services and other systems.


This is Rheinmetall’s first sales success in rocket artillery, vindicating the recent strategic expansion of its product portfolio. Just the other day, on 12 February, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wielded a shovel at the ground-breaking ceremony took place at Unterlüß in Lower Saxony for a new factory that will produce explosives, artillery ammunition and rocket artillery components.


In artillery systems, 120mm smoothbore tank ammunition, cannon-based air defence and the production of medium-calibre ammunition, Rheinmetall is a leading global supplier. Ever since its foundation over 125 years ago, the company has been a reliable partner of the artillery branch, supplying seamless barrels for big guns. In the ammunition domain, today Rheinmetall supplies a comprehensive array of ammunition types in various calibres.


The latest orders for artillery rockets and 155mm artillery ammunition underscore Rheinmetall’s technological edge in ammunition development and production in Europe. Framework contracts for artillery ammunition help to make sure that the needs of the armed forces of Germany and other NATO nations are reliably met. They enable better planning of production processes and optimum exploitation of existing capacity.

Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall has won an order worth over €300 million for artillery rockets from a NATO country. Delivery is planned between 2024 and 2027.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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American Rheinmetall Vehicles conducts live-fire demo and continues to deliver autonomous ground vehicles to the U.S. Marine Corps for testing , training , and deployement

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• Rheinmetall entities put on a live fire demo for the USMC in early February to show an armed variant of their A-UGV.
• American Rheinmetall Vehicles has delivered autonomous, unmanned ground vehicles to the USMC leading to multiple follow on orders.
• Rheinmetall’s A-UGVs are driven by PATH technology: a platform agnostic solution that brings autonomous mobility to any vehicle.

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American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI) and Rheinmetall Canada have successfully conducted a live-fire capability demonstration for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) in Fort Clinton, Ohio to highlight the unique capabilities of the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV) paired with the Fieldranger Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). This armed variant of the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP provides Marines a variety of remote operated capabilities including armed reconnaisance, sentry over watch, fire support, flank security, screening capability, and more. Having completed numerous test and evaluation events with the Mission Master SP, American Rheinmetall Vehicles continues to deliver ground-breaking advancements in A-UGV systems to the USMC. It first made deliveries to the USMC in early 2023, and several follow-on orders for A-UGVs are proceeding in 2024. The platforms have the potential to substantially enhance the way Marines fight.


Mission Master SPs furnished by American Rheinmetall Vehicles were also extensively tested by the USMC during the Talisman Sabre Exercise (TS23) in Queensland, Australia, in summer 2023 and as part of the Apollo Shield exercise at Marine Corps Base, Twentynine Palms, California, in fall 2023, both in support of Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) evaluations. The Mission Master SPs’ participation supported MCWL’s one year, crawl-walk-run, bilateral effort to test equipment capabilities and evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures of Infantry squads equipped with A-UGVs. Tasks the Mission Master SP A-UGVs took on during the exercises included casualty evacuations (CASEVAC), resupply missions, fully autonomous road marches reaching ranges up to 50 kilometers, and operating in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) environments. Feedback from the Marines and their Commanders drove A-UGV design modifications and solidified the benefits of A-UGVs among Marines.


In December 2023, American Rheinmetall Vehicles received an order to manufacture and deliver six Mission Master SPs which are slated for delivery to III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) to support further training and evaluation. Four of the Mission Master SPs will support 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, who will be the first unit to conduct pre-deployment work-ups and deploy with the A-UGVs.


“Bringing the capabilities of the Mission Master SP A-UGV to today‘s Marines gives me great pride in knowing that lives will be saved and Marines will be better prepared for battle,“ said Mike Brooks, Gunner (CW05) USMC Ret., and Director of Business Development for American Rheinmetall Vehicles.


"MCWL’s experimentation with state-of-the-art autonomous systems exemplifies our commitment to harnessing innovative technologies that enhance our tactical capabilities, ensuring our Marines are better equipped, more agile, and always a step ahead on the battlefield," stated Maj Steven Atkinson, Robotics & Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Branch Head for the Science and Technology Division of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.

Rheinmetall

American Rheinmetall Vehicles and Rheinmetall Canada successfully conducted a live-fire demonstration for the U.S. Marine Corps with the A-UGV Mission Master.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Artillery ammunition for Spanish army: Rheinmetall wins €208 million order

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• Rheinmetall receives order for almost 100,000 artillery shells for Spanish army
• Order worth over €200 million
• Second framework agreement for 155mm ammunition with two-year extension option

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The Spanish government has commissioned Rheinmetall, the world's largest manufacturer of artillery ammunition, to supply a total of 94,200 155mm rounds. The framework agreement concluded for this purpose has a volume of around €208 million. The artillery rounds are to be delivered to the Spanish army between the end of 2024 and the end of 2025, with a two-year extension option.


The ammunition now ordered is already being used by the Spanish customer; this is the second framework agreement. The new order emphasises Rheinmetall's reliability as a partner to the Spanish army for the supply of key products.


The ER02A1 high-explosive (HE) projectiles have a maximum range of 30 kilometres in the boat-tail (BT) variant and almost 40 kilometres in the base-bleed (BB) variant. The latter has a pyrotechnic device at the base of the projectile, which is activated when fired. The release of combustion gases reduces the negative pressure behind the projectile. This reduces the effective air drag and increases the range.


The latest contracts in the field of 155mm artillery ammunition underline Rheinmetall's leading technological position in European ammunition development and production. Framework agreements with various NATO member states secure the supply of artillery ammunition.


It was only on 12 February 2024 that the symbolic ground-breaking ceremony for a new plant was held in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony, in the presence of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The plant will produce explosives and components for rocket artillery as well as artillery ammunition in particular. On 18 February 2024, Rheinmetall and a Ukrainian partner company signed a memorandum of understanding that will also enable the production of artillery ammunition in Ukraine in the future.

Rheinmetall

The Spanish government has commissioned Rheinmetall, the world's largest manufacturer of artillery ammunition, to supply a total of 94,200 155 mm rounds.

www.rheinmetall.com

 

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Multi-billion-euro contract for Rheinmetall: The "Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry" provides the Army's medium forces with firepower amd rapid mobility

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• German Federal Armed Forces commissions Rheinmetall to supply the heavy infantry weapon carrier
• Boxer 8x8 with Lance turret; main weapon 30mm automatic cannon
• Up to 123 vehicles; delivery from 2025; order value around €2.7 billion
• Production to include MILVEHCOE in Australia
• High manoeuvrability and firepower for the German Army's new "medium forces"

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The German Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply the "Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie (Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry)". Following the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag approved the proposal on 20 March 2024, the contract was signed today on 21 March 2024. The German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) will procure up to 123 vehicles “Schwerer Waffen-träger Infanterie”. The contract is worth around €2.7 billion, which also includes service and maintenance. Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2025.


The Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry serves as a replacement for the Wiesel (“weasel”) tracked vehicle for direct tactical fire support of infantry units. It is also a core element of the German Army's new force category, the "medium forces" are able to rapidly deploy over long distances and thus contribute to credible national and alliance defence.


The Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry is based on the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV), the wheeled armoured reconnaissance vehicle of the Australian Defence Force, also supplied by Rheinmetall. This is the proven 8x8 combat vehicle with an armoured reconnaissance mission module including the two-person Lance turret. The main weapon is the Rheinmetall MK30-2 ABM automatic cannon, which is also installed in the German Puma infantry fighting vehicle. In addition, the multi-role guided missile system (“mehrrollenfähiges leichtes Lenkflugkörpersystem” or MELLS), which enables the Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry to provide anti-tank defence, is also fitted.


Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG: "We are very proud to have been selected to supply the Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie, an essential element of the German Army's new force category, the 'medium forces'. In order to be able to provide the Army with the required combat vehicles as quickly as possible, we are integrating not only our German but also the Australian sites in our Rheinmetall network."


The vehicles earmarked for the Bundeswehr will use production capacities at Rheinmetall's state-of-the-art Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Redbank, south-east Queensland - together with the Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles produced for the Australian Defence Forces.


Comprehensive German-Australian cooperation on this programme was initiated in 2023. In July 2023, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed a corresponding agreement in principle in Berlin on the fringes of a visit to Germany. A declaration of cooperation had previously been signed in Canberra on 23 March 2023 by the Australian Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy MP, and the German Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence, Thomas Hitschler. This lays the foundation for further contractual arrangements between the Australian and German Ministries of Defence and Rheinmetall.


John Abunassar, head of Rheinmetall's Vehicle Systems Division, emphasised the similarities between the Australian and planned German Boxer vehicles and the trust that both allies place in Rheinmetall. "The Bundeswehr Boxers, some of which are to be built at MILVEHCOE, are based on the design of the successful Australian Boxer wheeled armoured reconnaissance vehicle. This would be one of the largest Australian defence exports in the country's history and supports Rheinmetall's goal to further develop the capabilities of the Australian defence industry and integrate it into the company's global supply chains."


"Rheinmetall has more than 900 employees in Australia, high-tech capabilities and an established manufacturing facility in Redbank that produces vehicles, armour and electronics. Our Australian and global supply chain will grow and bring further prosperity to small and medium sized businesses as we secure new orders to complement existing export programmes. We welcome the close defence industry partnership between Australia and Germany as the two nations work together to enhance global security," added Nathan Poyner, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia.


The Boxer is a modern 8x8 armoured vehicle that is in service or under procurement with various armed forces around the world. The Boxer provides increased safety and protection for crews and has a high level of firepower and mobility for prolonged peacekeeping operations as well as near-peer conflict.


In Australia, Rheinmetall is the largest supplier of military vehicles to the country's armed forces. In addition to the 211 Boxer vehicles delivered as part of the Land 400 Phase 2 project - 133 of them in the CRV variant with the crewed Lance turret - the company also supports the Australian Defence Force's HX fleet, which comprises over 2,900 vehicles. Rheinmetall also provides the Multi-Ammunition Soft-Kill System to the Royal Australian Navy, manages training systems for Defence and has delivered more than 200 HX Trucks to the New Zealand Defence Force.

Rheinmetall

The “Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry” will provide high manoeuvrability and firepower for the German Army's new "medium forces".

www.rheinmetall.com

 

[Bürküt]

Success in Brussels: Rheinmetall receives over €130 million in EU-funds to increase production capacities in the artillery sector

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• Act of Support in Ammunition Production of the EU to promote the production of ammunition
• More than €130 million go to Rheinmetall
• Six Rheinmetall projects in four European countries are being funded
• First EU support measure to expand ammunition production

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Rheinmetall receives over €130 million in funding from the European Union to increase the production of ammunition. Hence, more than a quarter of the total sum of €500 million awarded by the EU under the Act of Support in Ammunition Production (ASAP) in order to expand the production of 155mm artillery ammunition and powder will be channelled into a total of six projects by Rheinmetall AG's European subsidiaries. The programme will support projects in Germany, Hungary, Romania and Spain.


ASAP is the first EU funding programme for the expansion of ammunition production. The corresponding grant agreements are expected to be signed in May 2024.


"We are grateful that the European Union has placed its trust in us as one of the most important European suppliers of 155mm ammunition, to significantly consider us in its funding programme", says Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. "The great importance of artillery is evident from the Ukraine's battle to defend its country. The European armed forces also need to replenish their stocks of artillery ammunition. We are ready for this and we are already working on it".


Rheinmetall has been increasing its production capacities since 2022 and the company aims at producing up to 1.1 million artillery shells per year by 2027. In addition, up to 1.5 million propellant modules and 3,000 tonnes of RDX explosives are to be produced annually starting in 2026.


Further tenders are expected in the future. In its recently published proposal for a European Defence Investment Programme (EDIP), the EU plans to promote the expansion of production capacities for other defence products.

Rheinmetall

Under the Act of Support in Ammunition Production (ASAP) the EU is promoting the increase of production of 155mm artillery ammunition and powder.

www.rheinmetall.com