Rheinmetall wins major order for medium-calibre ammunition
In a significant development, the German Ministry of Defence, acting on behalf of Ukraine, has awarded Rheinmetall a contract for the provision of 300,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition specifically designed for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank, which is currently in operation by the Ukrainian military. The contract is valued in the low three-digit million euro range.
Rheinmetall will deliver 150,000 rounds each of two types of ammunition: Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot – Tracer (APDS-T) and High Explosive Incendiary – Tracer (HEI-T). This ammunition mix will facilitate effective targeting across a wide variety of threats. The initial deliveries of the APDS-T rounds are expected to commence in summer 2023, while a transition to the production of HEI-T rounds is planned for mid-2024.
To accommodate the growing demand for medium-caliber ammunition, Rheinmetall is expanding its production capabilities at its facility in Unterlüß, with the new line set to become operational in summer 2023. This expansion underscores Rheinmetall’s strategic response to the heightened global demand for military ammunition.
As one of the leading manufacturers of advanced weapon systems for air defense worldwide, Rheinmetall excels in gun- and guided missile-based systems. The company stands out as the sole single-source supplier of essential fire control technology, automatic cannons, integrated guided missile launchers, and Ahead airburst ammunition. Among its notable advanced systems is the Skyranger 30, which is mounted on the versatile Boxer wheeled armored transport vehicle.
