Bundeswehr orders 120mm tank ammunition

The Bundeswehr has expanded an existing framework contract with Rheinmetall for the delivery of tank ammunition to a volume of around 4 billion euros. The order emphasizes Rheinmetall's role as a significant supplier to the Bundeswehr in the area of 120mm tank ammunition. The order reflects the armed forces' efforts to close existing gaps in stocks and increase ammunition reserves overall in response to the security situation. The framework contract also includes the delivery of a significant quantity of tank ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces.

By the end of 2030, several hundred thousand combat and practice rounds of various types in the caliber 120mm x 570 can be procured from the framework contract just concluded, as fired by the main gun of the Leopard 2 battle tank for example. An initial order for ammunition worth around 309 million euros was placed immediately upon signing the contract. The delivery spectrum includes a multi-purpose tank ammunition with a non-programmable fuze as well as a variant also developed by Rheinmetall that can be programmed in three fuze modes: impact detonation with and without delay, and airburst. The order also includes various types of practice ammunition with reduced range and cost advantages, but otherwise comparable ballistic characteristics.

For many user states of the Leopard battle tank with its 120mm smoothbore gun, Rheinmetall is the main ammunition supplier in this caliber. Existing framework contracts not only secure long-term ammunition supply for the Bundeswehr, but also for other partner states by allowing production processes to be better planned and existing capacities to be optimally utilized. Considering the secure long-term production of various types of ammunition during the contract period and resulting shorter availability, the framework agreement offers significant logistical advantages. For Rheinmetall, the contract constellation ensures a solid basic utilization of tank ammunition production for the coming years.

RHEINMETALL online