An unnamed NATO customer has just placed an order with the Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) to supply 155mm ammunition from the Assegai product line.
The multi-million dollar contract was awarded in July, and the delivery will take place over the next two years.
The new order comprises of the complete 155mm Assegai ammunition system, including fuses, different projectile types such as high-explosive service rounds, and Assegai artillery propelling charges.
According to RDM, the Assegai family of artillery ammunition can be fired from any NATO STANAG-compatible artillery system, including the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer.
“We’re known worldwide for our long-range Assegai indirect fire technology and are pleased to be able to welcome a new partner nation to the Assegai family”, says Jan-Patrick Helmsen, managing director of Rheinmetall Denel Munition.
“As a systems maker, we work constantly to improve our cutting-edge technologies so that we can provide our customers’ soldiers with the best-possible, most reliable solution.”
Back in 2019, Rheinmetall succeeded in setting a new maximum range record in South Africa with the Assegai family and other Group products like the new Topcharge. A non-NATO 155mm artillery gun with 52 calibre lengths and a 25-litre propelling charge chamber achieved a record range of 76 kilometres.
Rheinmetall Denel Munition is already working on other future artillery technologies. For example, the rocket motor in conventional 155mm Assegai projectiles is being improved. In addition to this, a new development is on the way that will boost the maximum range to over 155 kilometres.
in AApril last year, RDM signed a ten-year agreement with Northrop Grumman to develop precision and long-range ammunition technology for future artillery operations.
Both companies will focus on developing an enhanced range 155 mm artillery round fitted with an integrated M1156 precision guidance kit (PGK), as well as on developing a new 155 mm projectile with an improved integrated propulsion system.
This new order signifies the growing demand for RDM’s ammunition from NATO and non-NATO forces.
Earlier this year, the Hungarian Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Rheinmetall to supply an extensive package of ammunition worth several hundred million euros. The order encompasses ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, artillery, and decoy systems. Delivery is starting in 2023 and is to be complete by 2031.
Within that period, Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) was asked to supply 40 mm grenade ammunition to the Spanish military, under a recently signed contract, with deliveries to begin this year, till 2026.
Likewise, more recently, Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) announced that it will be supplying 40mm ammunition to two Asian countries in a new €25 million contract.