German Rheinmetall receives order for 100,000 120 mm rounds for Ukraine's Armed Forces
Vira Kasiyan
news editor at LIGA.net
German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has secured a contract from its government to supply approximately 100,000 120mm artillery shells to Ukraine, as announced by the company on November 8.
While the exact value of the contract remains undisclosed, it reaches into the "three-digit million euros" range. This deal is part of a 400 million euro military aid package for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The delivery is set to commence in the near future and will span the next two years.
With the acquisition of the Spanish ammunition manufacturer Expal, the German arms maker has significantly bolstered its capabilities in ammunition production, including fragmentation, smoke and incendiary munitions.
The product range of the group encompasses a full spectrum of 120mm, 81mm and 60mm mortar ammunition. These are complemented by fire control and mortar systems, such as the 120mm mortar Ragnarök and the innovative 60mm mortar system RSG60.
"Thanks to extended range, increased precision and optimal combat effectiveness, Rheinmetall mortar munitions can yield favorable results even during operations in challenging terrain and urban conditions," stated the German conglomerate.
On July 18, the Bundeswehr and Rheinmetall have signed a framework contract for the supply of hundreds of thousands of artillery shells worth around 1.2 billion euros. These shells are intended to replenish Bundeswehr's reserves, a significant portion of which has been provided as military aid to Ukraine.
On October 6, Rheinmetall announced a contract for 155mm shells for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Bundeswehr, and on October 10, it confirmed an order from the German government for over 100,000 155mm artillery shells for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These shells will be manufactured by Rheinmetall's new Spanish subsidiary Rheinmetall Expal Munitions.
On October 24, 2023, Ukroboronprom and Rheinmetall created a joint venture to repair equipment.
On November 3, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba met with the CEO of Rheinmetall to discuss the supply of weapons.