The partnership seeks to create “new possibilities” for enhancing naval drone defenses amid rising geopolitical tensions.

According to Rheinmetall, both companies bring “complementary skills” in developing and integrating laser weapon technologies.

The two firms previously worked together on a laser demonstration onboard a German Navy frigate, successfully firing over 100 test shots at representative targets.

With the new collaboration, Rheinmetall and MBDA hope to introduce a maritime product to the defense market within the next five to six years.

Low-Cost Solution

There have been increasing calls for more affordable solutions to neutralizing drone threats, with a Pentagon official acknowledging that the costs of firing counter-drone weapons and munitions are becoming “too high.”

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have mocked the US for using $2-million air defense missiles to intercept drones that cost only $2,000.

Even US Department of Defense undersecretary for acquisition William LaPlante admitted that current military efforts to eliminate enemy drones now exceed $100,000 per shot.

Laser weapons present a cost-effective alternative, with the UK saying its DragonFire can shoot down drones at $13 per shot.

Israel’s Rafael also claims its 100-kilowatt Iron Beam ground-based laser air defense system has “almost zero cost per interception.”

While promising, laser weapon development poses challenges, as it requires extensive research and design processes.

The post Rheinmetall, MBDA to Jointly Develop Maritime Laser Weapon appeared first on The Defense Post.

During the recent Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD2024) exhibition in the UK, the two firms unveiled a prototype of the Boxer Armored Mortar Variant, which features Patria’s NEMO 120-millimeter turreted mortar system.

The system can achieve a maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute, providing military units with increased lethality and sustained firepower.

Additionally, the vehicle can fire up to five rounds simultaneously to neutralize multiple targets and overwhelm enemy positions.

According to Patria Senior VP Market Area Europe Hugo Vanbockryck, the armored mortar variant “represents a significant leap forward in superior battlefield capabilities.”

He added, “We are proud to partner with Rheinmetall in delivering this state-of-the-art solution to our customers.”

‘Fire on the Move’

The 8×8 Boxer vehicle was initially designed as a transport platform capable of carrying up to nine soldiers at speeds reaching 103 kilometers (64 miles) per hour.

The first prototype was delivered to the British Army in January for evaluation and trials.

Nearly eight months later, the new mortar variant was produced, offering a “fire on the move” capability to reduce the risk of counter-fire.

Unlike other mortar platforms, the NEMO allows the vehicle to carry out both direct and indirect fire at an effective range of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

Additionally, the vehicle features superior protection for enhanced crew survivability.

“This collaboration with Patria underscores our shared commitment to advancing military technology and providing the UK’s armed forces with the best possible equipment,” Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems International Deputy CEO Rebecca Richards said.

More Variants

In January, the UK announced plans to develop additional variants of the Boxer armored vehicle to maximize its operational use.

Apart from transport and mortar variants, the country will procure Boxer Repair and Recovery and Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge versions this year.

So far, the British Army has ordered at least 146 infantry carriers, 200 specialist carriers, 212 command and control vehicles, and 65 medical variants of the Boxer.

The post Patria, Rheinmetall Unveil New Boxer Armored Vehicle Variant appeared first on The Defense Post.

The futuristic anti-tank mission system concept, Panzerjaeger in German, is designed to provide a combination of situational awareness and fire superiority to ground forces.

Germany disbanded its tank destroyer force in 2006 due to little perceived necessity, which featured Jaguar and KanJPz tracked anti-tank platforms.

Russia’s Ukraine invasion, however, has revived interest in anti-tank capabilities, considering the enormous Russian armored fleet.

Weapon System

The 4×4 wheeled platform is equipped with the Israeli-designed Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile as its main weapon system, featuring a range of 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles).

A pair of Spike launchers with four ready-to-fire missiles are mounted on the vehicle, in addition to a 7.62mm x 51 machine gun on a Natter remotely controlled weapon station.

The platform’s open architecture allows the integration of other guided missiles and HERO loitering munitions, according to Rheinmetall.

Reconnaissance 

The Panzerjaeger features an EOS500 electro-optical sensor system mounted on a telescopic mast for reconnaissance, providing direct visual view with a target detection range of over 11 kilometers (6.8 miles).

Additionally, it is equipped with three fully integrated Rheinmetall “Recce S” unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as HERO-R, with a reconnaissance range of 8 kilometers (5 miles).

The charging station is on board.

It also features the Rosy rapid obscurant system and the Acoustic Platform for Vehicles (APV) for self-protection.

The APV can calculate the enemy’s position through the detection of the munition’s launch signatures.

Integrated System

Due to thin armor, the anti-tank system will be used in support operations, providing fire support to attacking units, fending off counterattacks, or monitoring their flanks.

It will be integrated with ground troops and unmanned systems through digital, software-defined radios in conjunction with Tactical Core middleware. 

The post Rheinmetall Unveils Tank Destroyer Concept for German Army appeared first on The Defense Post.

The 55-million-euro ($61 million) procurement comprises 8,000 command intercom with hearing protection function (SMG) sets and 22,000 soldier SMGs. 

Delivery is expected from July 2025 through the end of 2025.

An initial batch of 30,000 SMGs was ordered in April this year.

Rheinmetall has been commissioned to supply up to 191,000 SMGs for the German military over a span of seven years in a potential 400-million-euro ($430 million) deal.

Intercom With Hearing Protection 

The tactical communication set is compatible with German military helmets, including the new models supplied by Rheinmetall. 

The set includes modern active capsule ear protection and a microphone that can be connected to various radio devices.

The ear protection “attenuates harmful impulse noise and amplifies quiet sounds,” according to Rheinmetall.

“In addition to the combined headset, the scope of supply includes various push-to-talk (PTT) buttons and different cable sets for connecting to a range of radios and on-board communication systems.”

The two subcontractors involved in the project are 3M Deutschland GmbH with the ComTac VIII headset and CeoTronics AG with CT-Multi PTT 1C and 3C.

The post German Military Orders Rheinmetall Hearing Protection Intercom Sets appeared first on The Defense Post.

Witnessed by over 100 military and industry representatives from various countries, the event saw the Keiler NG clear mines at a speed of up to 250 meters (820 feet) per minute.

It also showcased its ability to employ a lane marking system visible in low light to ensure the safety of units behind.

But the highlight of the demonstration, according to Rheinmetall, was during the second part when the platform used its rocket-supported “Plofadder” detonation cord system, which can cut a breach up to 160 meters (524 feet) long and 9 meters (30 feet) wide.

The two Plofadder systems on the Keiler NG reportedly fired in overlapping bursts, making it possible to overcome deep enemy mine barriers.

#Rheinmetall's #Keiler Next Generation, the highly protected #armoured breaching system, demonstrated its #capabilities in a live #demonstration. https://t.co/G15EO5E3ba #defence #military #army pic.twitter.com/AEpJVAd8HS

— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) August 19, 2024

Next-Generation Features

Unveiled at Eurosatory 2024 in June, the Keiler NG is based on the chassis of the Kodiak armored engineer vehicle.

It is equipped with a magnetic signature duplicator that safely detonates second-generation mines.

It also has an integrated crane for loading and unloading Plofadder ammunition boxes.

Its mine plow, which is over 4 meters (13 feet) wide, can be rapidly replaced with a dozer blade for clearing anti-tank obstacles or filling in trenches.

The vehicle also carries the ROSY rapid obscurant system for self-protection.

Rheinmetall is now studying the possibility of a remote-controlled deployment of the Keiler NG to take its two-person crew out of harm’s way.

It is also considering equipping it with an active protection system and sophisticated interface for digitalized operations.

The post Rheinmetall Demos ‘Keiler’ Next-Gen Mine Clearing Vehicle appeared first on The Defense Post.

No further details were shared about the vehicle. However, the report mentioned a ramp up in military vehicle production in Ukraine.

It also talked about a recently opened armored vehicle maintenance and repair center in Ukraine, and the planned opening of an ammunition plant in the country within 24 months.

Armored Vehicle Plant

A joint venture between Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian state firm Ukroboronprom was established for the reported $200 million armored vehicle plant in May 2023.

The plant’s inauguration took place a few months later. It is expected to have a future annual production capacity of 400 vehicles.

Its precise location is being kept secret for security reasons but is reportedly somewhere in the country’s west.

Apart from Leopard tanks and Marder and Lynx infantry fighting vehicles, the factory is supposed to produce personnel carriers such as the Fuchs in service with the German Army.

Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The Lynx armored tracked vehicle features increased ballistic and fire protection.

It is armed with a 30-millimeter automatic cannon with a range of 3,000 meters (9,842 feet).

It can also be outfitted with an anti-tank guided missile launcher and a remote-controlled weapon. 

The post Kyiv to Receive First Ukraine-Built Lynx Infantry Vehicle This Year  appeared first on The Defense Post.

This is part of a German government training initiative, with delivery expected from 2024 to the end of 2026.

The turnkey systems are used on the front line to help carry out life-sustaining interventions on severely injured soldiers.

Forward Surgical Team 

An FST station is a container-based mounted rescue unit, comprising a truck, a trailer, and a total of five interconnected and a separate container.

Each of the interconnected containers has a triage area, an x-ray shelter, a surgery preparation, a surgery shelter, and an intensive care unit.

The support container consists of a power generator and water tanks to keep the system operational for 48 hours on its own.

The order is in the mid-double-digit euros and includes a week’s training for Ukrainian personnel in Germany.

Previous Orders

Ukraine earlier ordered two FST stations from Rheinmetall in June 2023, with delivery in early 2024.

Rheinmetall is also scheduled to deliver a turnkey mobile field hospital (NATO Role 2 standard) to Ukraine in September, comprising 32 beds for patients, including eight for intensive care.

Ten Ukrainian soldiers underwent a two-week training for assembly and disassembly, as well as transportation and operation of the mobile hospital.

“The medical care facilities from Rheinmetall are highly mobile, very fast operational and quality-wise on the highest standard,” Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said. 

“The newly placed order underlines that our first deliveries to Ukraine concerning medical technology have proven their worth. We are happy to play an important part in supporting the Ukrainian Forces also with our medical aid.”

The post Rheinmetall to Deliver Additional Mobile Intensive Care Units to Ukraine appeared first on The Defense Post.

The 205-million-euro ($223 million) framework agreement will be executed from mid-2024 to the end of 2025, including a two-year extension option with a corresponding increase in value.

Propellant charges for the M109 and SIAC 155mm howitzers are being procured to replenish the Spanish Army’s ammunition stocks depleted by donations toward the Ukraine war.

Previous Purchases

Recent purchases by the army of Rheinmetall products include mortar shells and 155mm artillery ammunition in April and March. Both deals will be completed by 2025.

The ER02A1 high-explosive projectile comes in boat-tail and base-bleed variants, offering a range of 19 miles (30 kilometers) and 25 miles (40 kilometers), respectively.

Meanwhile, mortar shells can be fired at a range of 1.6 to 5 miles (2.6 to 8.3 kilometers).

The mortar deal is in the double-digit-million euro range for 104,000 rounds, while the 208-million-euro ($227 million) artillery ammunition deal comprises 94,200 shells.

The post Spanish Army Orders Half a Million 155mm Propellant Charges From Rheinmetall appeared first on The Defense Post.

Valued at 100 million euros ($107 million), the agreement is meant for the Skyrangers of Germany and Austria. Denmark could also benefit from the deal, as it recently signified its intent to procure the German-made air defense system.

According to Hensoldt, its SPEXER family of radars is capable of automatic detection and classification of ground, sea, and low-flying air targets.

It utilizes active electronically scanned array technologies to enable a very high target location accuracy and improved situational awareness.

With the radar’s imminent integration into the Skyranger 30, the anti-aircraft system is expected to be able to precisely track targets even while on the move.

About the Skyranger

Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30 is designed to provide robust and versatile air defense capabilities to modern military forces.

It is armed with a 30-millimeter revolver cannon, which boasts a high rate of fire and precision.

The air defense system can neutralize a wide range of aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and other low-flying aircraft.

The reported operational range of the weapon is 3 kilometers (1.86 miles).

Recently, Rheinmetall partnered with MBDA to equip the Skyranger 30 with small anti-drone missiles.

The post Rheinmetall Orders SPEXER Radars for Skyranger Air Defense System appeared first on The Defense Post.

The low three-digit million euro contract covers the technical equipment for the factory through to commissioning.

Rheinmetall will be responsible for operating the plant along with its Ukrainian partner, whose identity has not been revealed for security reasons. 

The plant’s location has also not been disclosed. 

Production in 24 Months

A joint venture between Rheinmetall and the state-run Ukrainian firm will be established, with production expected to commence within 24 months.

Measures are also being taken to create the necessary infrastructure for the company.

“We are putting our words into action and together with our partner we will create a Ukrainian competence center for ammunition,” Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said.

“The order underlines the confidence in Rheinmetall’s expertise and manufacturing capacities. We are grateful to be able to support the country in its re-industrialisation and in strengthening its defense capability.”

Additional Ventures

This is the second Rheinmetall venture in Ukraine after a contract was signed in October with state-run UDI to repair military vehicles in the country.

The Dusseldorf-based firm is also planning to establish a joint venture to produce and repair air defense systems in Ukraine.

The post Rheinmetall to Build Arms Factory in Ukraine appeared first on The Defense Post.