Rheinmetall, a global leader in defense technology, has received additional major orders for the delivery of 155 mm artillery ammunition, reflecting the growing demand for such systems amid a tense international security environment. An international customer has placed two orders with Rheinmetall Denel Munition, the company’s South African subsidiary, for extended range, full bore (ERFB) 155 mm artillery ammunition. These contracts, valued at a high double-digit million amount, encompass the supply of projectiles, propellants, and fuses, demonstrating Rheinmetall’s ability to deliver comprehensive solutions as a systems provider.
Dr. Frank Dirksen, CEO of Rheinmetall Denel Munition, expressed the company’s appreciation for the confidence shown by its clients. “We are very grateful for the trust that our business partners and customers place in our globally proven extended-range ammunition and our technology for long ranges,” he said. “As a system supplier, we are constantly working to improve our cutting-edge technologies to offer the best possible solutions to modern armed forces.” His words emphasize Rheinmetall’s dedication to advancing its offerings and supporting military forces worldwide with reliable, high-performance ammunition.
These new orders come as part of a broader surge in global demand for artillery ammunition, spurred by instability and uncertainty in the international arena. Rheinmetall, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, stands as one of the world’s top manufacturers of large-caliber ammunition. To keep pace with this rising need, the company has been expanding its production capacity since 2022, with a clear goal in sight: producing at least 1.1 million 155 mm artillery shells per year by 2027. This ambitious target reflects Rheinmetall’s proactive approach to addressing the evolving requirements of its customers.
Rheinmetall Denel Munition plays a central role in these efforts, working tirelessly to increase its production capabilities while incorporating advanced technological innovations. One notable achievement is the validation of precision projectiles capable of reaching a range of 73 kilometers when fired from howitzers compatible with NATO’s Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding (JBMOU). This extended range enhances the survivability and offensive power of military units, allowing them to strike targets from greater distances with precision and effectiveness. Such advancements ensure that Rheinmetall’s products remain at the forefront of battlefield performance.
The company’s commitment to its long-standing business partners and end customers is evident in its focus on delivery reliability and robust technical support. Rheinmetall Denel Munition’s expertise extends across the full spectrum of 155 mm ammunition production, covering all energetic and mechanical components—whether for rocket-assisted projectiles, those designed for increased effect, or options with even scattering capabilities. This comprehensive manufacturing structure enables the company to maximise the performance and lifespan of 155 mm howitzers, a critical asset for modern armed forces. Looking ahead, Rheinmetall Denel Munition anticipates a steady rise in orders and adjusts its five-year production plan to align with the needs of its key clients.
In July 2023, Rheinmetall Denel Munition announced it was operating around the clock and investing heavily to meet the global appetite for artillery ammunition. During a demonstration for military attachés at the company’s Boskop facility near Potchefstroom, CEO Jan-Patrick Helmsen shed light on the driving forces behind this effort. He noted that the current state of global instability has prompted countries to redirect resources toward national security, fueling a thriving defence industry. In Europe, the long-standing trend of shrinking defence budgets has reversed, and worldwide military spending exceeded $2 trillion in 2022—a figure that continues to climb as nations prioritise preparedness.
This growing demand has also brought historic opportunities for Rheinmetall Denel Munition. In June 2023, its parent company, Rheinmetall, signed a landmark framework agreement with the German military for 155 mm artillery ammunition, valued at up to €8.5 billion—the largest contract in Rheinmetall’s history. Signed in Koblenz, Germany, by Annette Lehnigk-Emden, President of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), alongside Rheinmetall representatives, this deal aims to replenish the Bundeswehr’s ammunition reserves and bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts. Deliveries are slated to begin in early 2025, with Germany as the primary buyer, joined by partner nations including the Netherlands, Estonia, and Denmark.
Rheinmetall Denel Munition is deeply engaged in fulfilling this contract and others secured by its German parent company. Among these is a €848 million multi-year agreement to supply ammunition to the Hungarian armed forces and a €192 million contract to build an explosives factory in Hungary. To meet these commitments and the broader global demand, the subsidiary has implemented 24-hour shifts at its South African facilities and is boosting its production capacity from 100,000 to 150,000 shells per year. These investments and operational changes highlight the company’s critical role within Rheinmetall’s worldwide operations.
The latest orders for 155 mm artillery ammunition affirm Rheinmetall’s ability to deliver the tools modern militaries need in an increasingly unpredictable world. Through innovation, expanded production, and a steadfast focus on customer needs, the company continues to strengthen its position as a trusted supplier. As Dr. Dirksen’s comments suggest, Rheinmetall Denel Munition’s work goes beyond merely meeting demand—it’s about providing the best possible solutions to ensure the effectiveness and safety of armed forces globally. With its sights set on the future, Rheinmetall remains a vital player in addressing the pressing security challenges of our time.
