RWM Italia S.p.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG in Italy, has won an order from the Commonwealth of Australia to deliver a significant quantity of smart sea mines. For Rheinmetall, the order is worth a figure of low three-digit million-euro range with potential growth in the coming years. This important contract underscores once again the great trust the Common-wealth of Australia places in Rheinmetall and its products. The Australian Defence Forces have purchased latest generation of Rheinmetall smart sea mines, which will strengthen the Australian maritime Defence capabilities, with mines able to be deployed from several platforms.
The Australian Government Department of Defence evaluated market options last year, and has selected RWM Italia to provide the capability. RWM Italia was assessed by the Commonwealth of Australia to possess both the technology to meet ADF strategic objectives and the ability to produce the quantities of mines required. The types and numbers of sea mines to be provided are classified, but delivery is expected to commence this year. Rapidly deployable and technologically sophisticated, the RWM Italia smart mines will provide a new level of deterrence to any potential adversary. Australian Industry will be engaged in the ongoing sustainment of the capability.
The Group’s centre of excellence for underwater defence systems, RWM Italia is a leader in the strategic domain of multi-influence naval mines and mine-clearing systems, with a presence in over 20 countries. RWM Italia, the Group’s centre of excellence for underwater defence systems, is a leader in the strategic field of multi-influence mines and minesweeping systems, with a presence in over twenty countries. RWM Italia is headquartered in Ghedi in northern Italy and has a production plant in Sardinia at Domusnovas.
Together with Rheinmetall Defence Australia Pty Ltd, Rheinmetall’s lead unit in Australia, RWM Italia is committed to supporting the ADF in the long-term use of these systems. Rheinmetall AG is a German automotive and arms manufacturer, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. Its shares are traded on the Frankfurt stock exchange. As of early 2021 the existing Defence and Automotive units of Rheinmetall are to merge and five business divisions. Rheinmetall AG’s Defence arm produces equipment and systems for government, security and military ground, air and naval forces. The defence arm was initially reorganised in 2012 when the then six divisions were restructured into three new divisions, Combat Systems, Electronic Solutions and Wheeled Vehicles.
