The Spanish government has contracted with Rheinmetall to supply 84 81mm EIMOS (Expal Integrated MOrtar System) mortar systems. Worth around €150 million, the framework agreement was signed with Rheinmetall subsidiary Rheinmetall Expal Munitions. It also includes maintenance and training components. The systems are to be delivered to the Spanish Armed Forces between the end of 2024 and the end of 2027. The order will be booked at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2024. Rheinmetall AG has completed its takeover of all shares in Expal Systems S.A.U. of Madrid. The transfer of Expal S.A.U.’s business activities to Rheinmetall took place on 1 August 2023.
The order underscores Rheinmetall’s reliability as a partner of the Spanish Army (Ejército de Tierra) in the supply of key products. It also highlights Rheinmetall’s leading role in the field of weapons and ammunition technology.The 81mm Eimos mortar systems are platform-based systems. They are to be used by the Spanish Army, Navy and Air Force. As part of the UTEX programme, which was launched by the Spanish Ministry of Defence in 2017, various tactical light vehicles have been tested on an experimental basis, on which the mortar systems can be installed.
EIMOS is a truck-mounted integrated mortar system designed and manufactured by Spanish defence company EXPAL Systems. The EIMOS mortar system can be mounted on a 4×4 high mobility lightweight vehicle. It can also be deployed on the ground, can operate in all weather conditions, and can be transported by sea, land and air. The system has a maximum height of 2.05m / 1.75m and a base diameter of 780mm. It weighs up to 500kg, depending on the configuration. The weapon system can perform first firing in less than 10 seconds. It can locate targets in 180 grades within 20 seconds.
In acquiring Expal, Rheinmetall aims to secure and strengthen its core business in weapons, ammunition and propellants. The current Expal Systems product portfolio encompasses artillery ammunition, mortar and medium-calibre rounds as well as fuses and rocket propulsion systems. In this market environment Rheinmetall is an important supplier to the Ukrainian armed forces with large amounts of medium- and large-calibre ammunition, including 20mm automatic cannon rounds for the Marder infantry fighting vehicle, and 105mm and 120mm tank ammunition for the Leopard 1 and Leopard 2. In addition, a first lot of 35mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank will soon be ready for shipment.
