The Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall has been commissioned by the Swiss Confederation to manufacture and supply 81mm mortar cargo ammunition. The total value of the order is in the mid double-digit million euro range. The entire scope of supply comprises 81mm MX2-KM mortar weapons from Rheinmetall EXPAL Munitions SA as well as 81mm mortar cartridges Cargo for illumination white light, illumination infrared and smoke discharge based on RP (Red Phospor), which are manufactured by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH at the Neuenburg am Rhein plant.
The delivery is scheduled to be completed by 2025 and includes various additional services as part of the product launch. The cartridges are qualified for the MX2-KM mortar of the Swiss armed forces and, together with the weapon system, form a mortar system in which both the ammunition and the weapon system are manufactured by Rheinmetall. At the end of the qualification measures, the cargo cartridges were verified at a test site on the Spanish coast. The order underscores Rheinmetall’s expertise in the production of state-of-the-art steep-fire mortar ammunition.
With its recent takeover of Spanish ammunition maker Expal, Rheinmetall has further reinforced its already extensive expertise in the field of infantry fire support. The Group’s product range encompasses a complete array of 120mm, 81mm and 60mm mortar ammunition. Augmenting these are fire control systems and mortar weapon systems like the 120mm Ragnarök and the innovative RSG60, a 60mm mortar system. Thanks to its enhanced range, heightened precision and optimum combat effectiveness, Rheinmetall mortar ammunition can assure favourable outcomes even during operations in difficult terrain and urban environments.
Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, S.A.U. of Madrid is a world-renowned ammunition and armament manufacturer specialised in artillery ammunition, mortar and medium calibre rounds as well as fuzes and rocket propulsion systems. In many cases, Expal’s ammunition products are produced as “full shot”, from propellant to fuse. Since 1 August 2023 the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall. With a total of 7 operating sites in Spain and the USA, Rheinmetall Expal Munitions has a state-of-the-art production network and supplies to more than 60 countries. Rheinmetall AG is the fifth largest arms manufacturer in Europe, and produces a variety of armored fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, in both wheeled and tracked versions.
