Rheinmetall’s Advanced 40-mm Ammunition to Elevate Bundeswehr’s Combat Effectiveness

Rheinmetall’s Advanced 40-mm Ammunition to Elevate Bundeswehr’s Combat Effectiveness

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall Secures €30 Million Bundeswehr Contract for 40-mm Ammunition The German Bundeswehr has awarded Rheinmetall two significant contracts, totaling approximately €30 million, for the supply of 40-mm ammunition. The orders consist of around tens of thousands of programmable 40 mm x 53 Airburst Munition (ABM) DM131 service cartridges, valued at approximately €29.5 million, and roughly 200,000 rounds of 40 mm x 53 Üb DM158 practice ammunition, valued at around €7.18 million. These deliveries are expected to be completed in 2024. Rheinmetall, a leading global provider of ammunition, weapon systems, and fire control technology, offers a comprehensive range of 40mm systems, with the ordered ammunition meeting the highest combat effectiveness and precision standards.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 5-Feb-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall AG (ETR: RHM), a German integrated technology group active in the automotive and defence industries, has been awarded two separate contracts by the German Bundeswehr, with a combined total order value of approximately €30 million, inclusive of VAT. These contracts are set to revolutionize the Bundeswehr’s ammunition capabilities, introducing cutting-edge 40-mm ammunition for automatic grenade launchers.

Under these contracts, Rheinmetall will deliver tens of thousands of programmable 40 mm x 53 Airburst Munition (ABM) DM131 service cartridges, valued at around €29.5 million, VAT included. Additionally, the Bundeswehr has commissioned approximately 200,000 rounds of 40 mm x 53 Üb DM158 practice ammunition, totaling approximately €7.18 million, including VAT. Delivery of these advanced ammunition products is scheduled for 2024.

Rheinmetall’s reputation as a one-stop shop for 40mm systems is firmly established, making it a natural choice for the Bundeswehr. The company is renowned for its excellence in ammunition, weapon systems, fire control, and aiming technology. Its 40 mm x 53 high-velocity ammunition is compatible with standard 40mm automatic grenade launchers, achieving remarkable performance milestones. These rounds boast a maximum velocity exceeding 240 meters per second and possess an exceptional effective range of up to 2,200 meters.

A standout feature of this ammunition is the programmable 40 mm x 53 ABM, also known as the DM131 by the Bundeswehr. This advanced munition offers precise timing for mid-air detonation, enabling troops to engage enemy forces sheltered behind obstacles, such as walls, with unparalleled accuracy. The DM131 is not only qualified for use by the German armed forces but is also adopted by several NATO member nations, reflecting its global recognition.

Furthermore, these ammunition types have undergone meticulous development and qualification processes, aligning with the latest industry standards. Their combat effectiveness and precision are unmatched worldwide, underscoring Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering excellence in military equipment. Moreover, the design of these cartridges adheres rigorously to the European directive covering the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), ensuring that they meet the highest international safety and environmental standards.

In summary, these contracts signify a significant advancement in the Bundeswehr’s ammunition capabilities, thanks to Rheinmetall’s state-of-the-art 40-mm ammunition. This cutting-edge ammunition, characterized by its high velocity and precision, is poised to enhance the effectiveness of the German armed forces across a wide range of operational scenarios.

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Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Press and Public Relations
Phone: +49 211 473-4748
Fax: +49 211 473-4157

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG