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.
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.
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 special device at the base of the projectile. This heats the air generated by the projectile itself in its trajectory, thus reducing drag and increasing the maximum 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.
Rheinmetall is a global industry leader who is highly experienced in mastering the entire weapon and ammunition system. The division focuses on capabilities spanning large and medium calibre weapons and munitions, protection systems, propulsion systems, charge systems and propellant powders. Rheinmetall successfully combines world-class gun, ammunition, charge and fuse technologies to offer precise and effective solutions against enemy threats. The main armament of the Leopard 2 – the world’s most effective tank –, the PzH 2000* self-propelled howitzer system, and an innovative new generation of enhanced range ammunition are just a few of the cutting edge products made by Rheinmetall.
