Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall has secured a major contract with an international NATO partner for the production of mortar ammunition. The contract, valued in the mid-double-digit million euro range, was confirmed in the third quarter of 2024 and represents an important step in bolstering the military capabilities of NATO member states through cutting-edge artillery solutions. As part of this contract, Rheinmetall’s Spanish subsidiary, Rheinmetall Expal Munitions S.A.U., will manufacture a six-digit number of mortar shells of varying types. Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, which became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall on August 1, 2023, is a renowned ammunition manufacturer with a specialization in artillery, mortar, medium-caliber rounds, fuzes, and rocket propulsion systems. The company operates across seven locations in Spain and the United States, supporting the production of advanced military ordnance for over 60 countries worldwide. Production is set to begin immediately, with the first batch of mortar ammunition scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2025. The contract’s timeline anticipates final deliveries by mid-2026. Beyond the manufacturing of the ammunition itself, Rheinmetall will also provide additional services as part of the product launch, ensuring seamless integration and operational effectiveness for its NATO customer.
Rheinmetall’s expertise in ammunition development is reflected in its new generation of 120 mm mortar ammunition, which sets a new industry benchmark for precision, payload capacity, and range. These advanced shells are equipped with state-of-the-art propelling systems, allowing them to reach ranges of up to 8 kilometers when fired from Rheinmetall’s 120 mm mortar systems. This combination of long-range capability and payload versatility makes Rheinmetall’s mortar systems ideal for indirect fire support in both defensive and offensive operations. In addition to the 120 mm ammunition, Rheinmetall is applying its extensive experience in explosive charge development to its 81 mm and 60 mm mortar ammunition lines. This diversification ensures that NATO and other military customers have access to a full range of mortar options, catering to different tactical needs and operational conditions. The payloads of Rheinmetall’s mortar shells are designed with flexibility in mind, incorporating advanced explosives for a wide range of battlefield applications, from high-explosive rounds to specialized munitions tailored to anti-personnel, anti-armor, or area denial roles. This diversity of ammunition types enhances the tactical versatility of the Rheinmetall mortar systems, ensuring that they can be adapted to various mission requirements.
Rheinmetall Expal Munitions has rapidly grown into a key player in the global defense industry. Based in Madrid, the company has a rich history in ammunition manufacturing, offering a full spectrum of products, from propellants to fuzes. Its world-class production facilities and expertise in munitions manufacturing have positioned it as a leader in supplying NATO forces and other global defense customers. The acquisition of Expal Munitions by Rheinmetall in 2023 marked a significant milestone, allowing the combined entity to leverage both companies’ strengths in armament production, research, and development. With seven operational sites across Spain and the USA, Rheinmetall Expal Munitions is now equipped to meet the growing demand for advanced military munitions, supporting the modernization efforts of armed forces worldwide. Expal’s products are known for their high quality and reliability, with many of its ammunition lines produced as “full shot” rounds, from propellant to fuse. This comprehensive approach to ammunition production ensures that the company can maintain strict quality control at every stage of the manufacturing process, delivering products that meet the rigorous standards of modern military forces.
This latest contract with an international NATO partner underscores Rheinmetall’s critical role in meeting the evolving demands of modern warfare. As global security challenges continue to grow, the need for reliable, high-performance military solutions has never been more pressing. Rheinmetall’s ongoing investments in research, development, and production capacity are designed to meet these needs, ensuring that its customers—both within NATO and beyond—are equipped with the best possible defense systems. With this new order, Rheinmetall is not only reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in defense technology but also contributing directly to the collective security efforts of NATO. As military forces around the world continue to modernize, Rheinmetall’s advanced mortar weapon systems and munitions will remain at the forefront of battlefield innovation, providing the flexibility, reliability, and firepower needed for the missions of tomorrow. In a fast-growing market where the demands for precision, range, and operational versatility are paramount, Rheinmetall stands ready to deliver. Its mission: to support the global defense community with cutting-edge technology that ensures readiness for any future challenge.
