3 July 2025 – A European NATO country has signed a multi-year contract with Rheinmetall’s subsidiary Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RF) Pty Ltd (RDM) in South Africa for the delivery of 155 mm projectiles from the Assegai family and bimodular propelling charges. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2025 and is worth several hundred million euros. Deliveries will begin in 2025 and conclude with final delivery in 2027. The order is the largest in the history of Rheinmetall Denel Munition.
The Rheinmetall Assegai 155mm projectiles and bi-modular propelling charges will be integrated into the customer’s artillery weapon systems, delivering range capability of more than 40,000m with optimal performance in the target area.
“The Rheinmetall Assegai user group is growing rapidly across the globe, and we are delighted that another customer has now also selected Rheinmetall Assegai to be delivered fast and in volume.” says Dr. Frank Dirksen, CEO of Rheinmetall Denel Munition.
Capacity
Rheinmetall continue to invest heavily into capacity enhancement of existing facilities and establishing new manufacturing facilities which provide the ability to serve the growing demand for modern 155mm projectiles and charges. Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of large-calibre ammunition. The Düsseldorf-based Technology Corporation Rheinmetall has been increasing its production capacity since 2022, and aims at producing around 1.5 million 155 mm artillery shells per year by 2027.
Technology
The Assegai suite of projectiles and Charges are qualified and in-service with multiple user nations, providing interoperability and a fast-track integration into service.
The Assegai projectile suite consist of ballistically matched High Explosive, Illumination, Infrared Illumination, Smoke, Pre-formed Fragmented (PFF) and Rocket-Assisted (V-LAP) projectiles.
South African Economic Benefit
“Rheinmetall Denel Munition is a proud member of the South African defence industry, employing more than 2,500 workers across South Africa. Major multi-year contracts like this provide us the ability to continue on our growth path which contribute directly to the South African economy.” says Dr. Dirksen.
File photo courtesy Rheinmetall Denel Munition