German army inks record £7.7bn ammunition deal with Rheinmetall
The German Bundeswehr announced on Friday that it has signed a contract with the Rheinmetall Group for the supply of artillery ammunition worth up to 7.7 billion pounds. It is the largest contract in the company's recent history.
The contract for the supply of 155mm calibre ammunition with a range of 40 kilometres was signed on Thursday, Rheinmetall announced. The ordered ammunition is to replenish the stocks of the German armed forces and allied countries, but it will also be used to "support Ukraine in its defensive fight" against Russia. "The number of rounds ordered was not disclosed, but it is likely to be several million units." writes the portal of the "Bild" daily.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger emphasized that this is "the largest order in the company's recent history", and the German government is keeping its word and ensuring the utilisation of the company's plant capacity, which will be established in Unterlüß in Lower Saxony.
Rheinmetall announced that ammunition deliveries will begin in early 2025. The Federal Republic of Germany will be the primary recipient, ensuring part of the deliveries to Ukraine. Partner countries, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Denmark, are also involved in the order.
Rheinmetall, which also produces tanks, military trucks, and weapons, is Germany's largest arms manufacturer.
German giant opens plant in Ukraine
Last week, Rheinmetall and the state-owned Ukrainian concern Ukroboronprom opened a joint plant in Ukraine. Armoured vehicles will be produced and repaired there.
This will accelerate the repairs of combat vehicles and their return to the front line, and also enable manufacturers from that country to produce new equipment for the Ukrainian army. Ukrainian specialists will perform most of the work in the joint plant, while representatives of the German partner will provide technical supervision.
