Rheinmetall has been commissioned by the German Armed Force (Bundeswehr) in a key project for tactical communications which is of cross-sectional importance for the entire force. The technology company has been contracted to supply up to 191,000 sets of the “intercom with hearing protection function”. The framework contract has a seven-year term and a potential order volume of up to €400 million net. The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag had imposed conditions on the project. 30,000 sets including connection cables with delivery in 2024 have been firmly ordered. A call-off for the delivery of a further 30,000 sets for 2025 is expected. These two delivery batches financed from the special fund will have a net value of up to around €140 million.
The intercom with hearing protection function (abbr. SmG in German, for “Sprechsatz mit Gehörschutzfunction”) includes modern active capsule ear protection that attenuates harmful impulse noise and amplifies quiet sounds. It also has a microphone and can be connected to various radio devices so that radio communication is possible. In addition to the combined headset, the scope of supply includes various push-to-talk (PTT) buttons and different cable sets for connecting to a range of radios and on-board communication systems. Rheinmetall has involved two leading manufacturers as subcontractors for the project: 3M Peltor with the ComTac VIII headset and CeoTronics AG with CT-Multi PTT 1C and 3C. The SmG is compatible with the Rheinmetall-supplied new combat helmet as well as with other Bundeswehr helmet types.
This order underlines Rheinmetall’s leading role in the field of military equipment. The technology company is the prime contractor for the System Infantry Soldier of the Future – Expanded System to the Bundeswehr. Rheinmetall markets various configurations of its Gladius soldier system internationally. Rheinmetall AG is a German automotive and arms manufacturer, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Group was promoted to the DAX, Germany’s leading share index, on March 20, 2023. It is the fifth largest arms manufacturer in Europe, and produces a variety of armored fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, in both wheeled and tracked versions. With its Vehicle Systems divisions, Rheinmetall is primarily active in the field of wheeled and tracked military vehicles. The Weapon and Ammunition division is active in weapon systems and ammunition. The Electronic Solutions division produces solutions for the digitalisation of armed forces, infantry equipment, air defence and simulation.
