Rheinmetall wins $145 million contract for subsystems to replace howitzers sent to Ukraine
Germany committed to sending PzH 2000 SPH to Ukraine shortly after Russia’s invasion of the East European country. (Photo: Bundeswehr)
The Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) was developed in the mid-1980s to meet a German Army requirement to replace its M109 SPHs and 185 were delivered. Export orders from Greece (24), Italy (70, of which 68 were produced locally) and the Netherlands (57) increased production to more than 330 systems.
Germany’s Rheinmetall will supply components for 22 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers (SPH) to prime contractor KNDS (KMW+NEXTER Defense Systems) as part of an effort to replace Bundeswehr (German Army) weapons which have been sent for service with the Ukraine Army.
The deal will entail a total contract volume of around €135 million (US$145 million) for Rheinmetall of which the first artillery systems will be delivered to the Bundeswehr in mid-2025. Rheinmetall will also supply L52 155mm weapon systems and undercarriages.
As of end-March 2024, the German government said it had supplied 14 PzH 2000 as part of its joint contribution with the Netherlands and 18 as part of a sole contribution.
Germany has also provided second-hand PzH 2000 to Lithuania with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) announcing in March 2022 that it had delivered the last refurbished system.
As well as manufacturing new systems, company subsidiary Rheinmetall Waffe Munition has been developing new 155mm Extended Range Charge (ERC).
Under plans outlined in 2022, the new ERCs can be used with any standard 155mm projectile, as well as the Rheinmetall Denel Munitions velocity-enhanced artillery projectile or BB/rocket-assisted projectiles that extend range to 60km.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Oshkosh awarded $215 million in truck contracts]()
Oshkosh awarded $215 million in truck contracts
Oshkosh Defence has sold more than 2,000 Family of Medium Truck Vehicles (FMTV) A2 trucks and completed air drops of the M1093A2 (A2) FMTV trucks from Boeing C-17 heavy lift and Lockheed Martin C-130 tactical lift aircraft in 2024.
-
![UK and US militaries advance mobile directed energy weapon systems]()
UK and US militaries advance mobile directed energy weapon systems
Recent tests have demonstrated how the UK and US armed forces have been scaling DEWs for mobile field-based operations.
-
![GDLS plans to deliver prototype armed Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle in 2025]()
GDLS plans to deliver prototype armed Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle in 2025
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is building the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) Command, Control, Communications, Computers/Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C4/UAS) for the US Marine Corps (USMC). Approximately 500 ARV 30mm autocannon (ARV-30) are expected to be procured by the USMC.
-
![Future of the US Army’s IVAS programme remains unknown]()
Future of the US Army’s IVAS programme remains unknown
Despite recently releasing an Request for Information (RfI) under the IVAS programme, it remains unclear if the US Army will recompete the initiative.
-
![Italy aims for $26 billion vehicle investment and prepares for cyber defence]()
Italy aims for $26 billion vehicle investment and prepares for cyber defence
Italy’s Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS) system began seven years ago in an effort to replace older vehicles such as M113s and the force is also looking to replace its C1 Ariete Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
