German defense company Rheinmetall has received a new international order for 155mm artillery ammunition, further highlighting the rapidly growing demand for large-calibre ammunition among NATO and allied countries.
According to Rheinmetall, production of the ordered ammunition has already begun, with deliveries and completion of the contract scheduled for 2027. The identity of the customer, contract value and exact quantity of ammunition have not been disclosed.
The company said the 155mm projectiles covered by the contract are already in service with several NATO countries. They are compatible with a wide range of NATO-standard 155mm artillery systems and are designed to provide long-range fire support and high effectiveness.
NATO-Standard 155mm Ammunition
The 155mm calibre has become one of the most important standards in modern Western artillery.
It is used by a broad range of self-propelled and towed artillery systems, including platforms such as the PzH 2000, M109, AS90, Archer and CAESAR.
Rheinmetall produces several families of 155mm ammunition and associated propellant systems. Depending on the projectile and weapon combination, modern 155mm ammunition can provide significantly extended ranges compared with conventional artillery rounds.
The company’s DM121 high-explosive projectile, for example, is designed for use with NATO-standard 155mm artillery systems. Rheinmetall also produces the DM125 smoke/obscurant projectile and other specialized 155mm ammunition.
Growing Demand for Artillery Ammunition
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the enormous ammunition requirements associated with sustained high-intensity artillery operations.
As a result, European NATO members have accelerated efforts to expand domestic ammunition production and rebuild stockpiles after years of relatively low production rates.
Rheinmetall has responded by investing heavily in both existing production facilities and new manufacturing capacity.
The company is expanding production of 155mm projectiles, explosive components, propellant charges and other ammunition-related products across its European industrial network.
Rheinmetall’s 1.5 Million-Round Goal
Rheinmetall aims to dramatically increase its ammunition output over the coming years.
The company has stated that it is targeting production capacity of around 1.5 million 155mm artillery shells per year by 2030.
This represents a major expansion compared with the company’s pre-Ukraine-war production levels and reflects the strategic importance NATO countries now place on maintaining sufficient artillery ammunition reserves.
Rheinmetall has also been expanding production at facilities in Germany, Spain, Hungary and other European locations as part of its broader ammunition-capacity expansion.
Why the Contract Matters
The latest contract demonstrates continued international demand for NATO-standard 155mm ammunition.
For Rheinmetall, the order provides another opportunity to utilize its expanding production network while strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading large-calibre ammunition manufacturers.
The undisclosed international customer will receive ammunition already integrated into the inventories of several NATO countries, simplifying interoperability with existing 155mm artillery fleets.
With production already underway and completion expected in 2027, the contract is another indication that Western ammunition production is moving toward a substantially higher level of sustained output.
Rheinmetall’s longer-term objective is clear: build the industrial capacity required to produce approximately 1.5 million 155mm artillery shells annually by 2030.
