Spain orders 155mm artillery shells in $228 million contract
Rheinmetall has had its order book for ammunition further boosted. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Rheinmetall has become a major source of artillery ammunition across Europe, especially for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion, and the German manufacturer has received orders for billions-of-dollars worth ammunition in recent years.
Spain has placed an order with Rheinmetall for 94,200 155mm rounds under a €208 million (US$228 million) framework agreement.
The artillery rounds will be delivered to the Spanish Army between the end of 2024 and the end of 2025, with a two-year extension option.
The same ammunition has already been in use by the Spanish customer and this marks the second framework agreement.
The artillery ordered is ER02A1 high-explosive (HE) projectiles which have a maximum range of 30km in the boat-tail (BT) variant and almost 40km in the base-bleed (BB) variant.
The latter has a special device at the base of the projectile which heats the air generated by the projectile itself in its trajectory, thus reducing drag and increasing the maximum range.
The latest contracts in the field of 155mm artillery ammunition has underlined Rheinmetall’s position in European ammunition development and production. The company has framework agreements with various NATO countries for the supply of artillery ammunition.
Last month, a ground-breaking ceremony was held for a new plant in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony, which will produce explosives and components for rocket artillery, as well as artillery ammunition in particular.
In the same month, Rheinmetall and a Ukrainian partner company signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will also enable the production of artillery ammunition in Ukraine in the future.
More from Land Warfare
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded]()
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
