Rheinmetall Unveils SSW40 Automatic Grenade Launcher with 900 m Range and Airburst Rounds

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall’s new SSW40 is the first automatic, magazine-fed grenade launcher firing 40 mm MV rounds, combining assault-rifle ergonomics with extended range and airburst capability up to 900 meters. The lightweight, ambidextrous design accepts both MV and existing LV ammunition. Live‐fire tests demonstrated its accuracy and low recoil, even at 500 meters, owing to a hydropneumatic damping system. Qualification is scheduled for Q4 2025, with customer trials to follow before year-end.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 9-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall has debuted the Squad Support Weapon 40 (SSW40), the world’s first automatic, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired grenade launcher chambered for 40 mm medium velocity (MV) ammunition, in a live‐fire demonstration. Attendees from defense media outlets had hands-on access to SSW40 prototypes loaded with the new 40 × 46 MV cartridges—designed to marry the ergonomics of an assault rifle with the firepower of a crew-served system.

The SSW40 launches both armor-piercing and programmable airburst rounds out to 900 meters, and also fires all existing 40 mm low velocity (LV) grenades thanks to its break-barrel design. At just four kilograms empty and roughly 80 cm long, the launcher features ambidextrous controls—an integrated safety and magazine release, a top-mounted bolt catch, a break-barrel switch, and a stock-mounted cocking lever—enabling intuitive operation and rapid field stripping.

During testing at Rheinmetall’s Unterlüß range, steel plates were positioned from 100 to 500 meters and a wrecked vehicle at 250 meters. After firing single shots from a standard 40 mm LV launcher, participants then discharged two four-round bursts with the SSW40 using TPM-T ammunition. Reporters praised its rifle-like handling, accurate Aimpoint-assisted aiming, and virtually imperceptible recoil—thanks to an encapsulated, self-regulating hydropneumatic damping system. Most targets, including those at half a kilometer, were consistently engaged by experienced shooters with minimal sight adjustment.

Rheinmetall plans to complete the weapon’s qualification in Q4 2025, with initial customer verification expected by year’s end.

Media Contacts:

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Public Relations
Rheinmetall AG
Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4748
oliver.hoffmann@
rheinmetall.com

Dr. phil. Jan-Phillipp
Weisswange
Deputy Head of Public Relations
Rheinmetall AG
Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4287
jan-phillipp.weisswange@
rheinmetall.com

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG