Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) will supply 40 mm grenade ammunition to the Spanish military under a recently signed contract, with deliveries to begin this year, till 2026.
“RDM, as part of the Rheinmetall Group, is proud to be selected by another NATO user for the supply of ammunition from South Africa into the NATO community, confirming RDM’s status as the ‘System House for Indirect Fire’ providing innovative and reliable solutions supported by self-developed technologies,” the RDM announced.
RDM will supply 40×53 mm high velocity grenades to equip the SB Lag-40 and Mk 19 grenade launchers in service with the Spanish Armed Forces. Deliveries will take place over four years, starting in 2022.
The 40 mm ammunition includes the High Explosive (HE) grenades, High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) and Practice Ammunition as well as Practice-Tracer Rounds.
All Rheinmetall high explosive HV and MV cartridges can be equipped with a unique, jamming-proof, affordable airburst time-delay capability.
While the medium velocity grenades has a muzzle velocity of 100 m/sec, the MV practice and high-explosive cartridges can attain a range of up to 700 metres. Rheinmetall MV cartridges can be used with most standard LV launchers.
The high velocity grenades has a maximum range of 2,200 metres with any standard 40mm HV automatic grenade launcher.
In the past few months, RDM has witnessed significant windfall in defense orders.
This April, the Hungarian Ministry of Defence contracted with Rheinmetall to supply an extensive package of ammunition worth several hundred million euros. The order encompasses ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, artillery, and decoy systems. Delivery is starting in 2023 and is to be complete by 2031.
Two years ago, RDM secured a contract for 40 mm grenade and 76 mm naval gun ammunition from an international client.
That same year, RDM was awarded a contract to supply the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) with new 40 mm medium velocity ammunition for the newly purchased Y4 grenade launchers from Milkor, as part of Project Kamogelo.