Bundeswehr orders 70mm-practice rockets for combat helicopters for over €100m
Rheinmetall has finalized a framework-contract with the Bundeswehr concerning the delivery of 70mm-practice rockets. The German Armed Forces want to procure rockets with a possible order value of over €100m. An initial order worth a mid-double-digit million euro amount was booked in the second quarter of 2024. It is foreseen to deliver the pilot lot in 2024. Upon acceptance of the delivery, the serial production will commence between 2025 and 2029.
Concerning the development, qualification and production of the unguided 70mm rockets, Rheinmetall cooperates with the Belgian subsidiary FZ of the Thales Group. The rockets are also in use as armament of the combat helicopter Tiger. The helicopter can fire the unguided rockets out of a firing pod for possible engagements at infantry targets, positions or unprotected and lightly armoured vehicles. The now ordered practice-rockets allow combat helicopter crews to operate in realistic training scenarios.
Once more, the newly placed commissions underline Rheinmetall’s leading technological position for munition development and production in Europe.
The Tiger combat helicopter is a two-seater helicopter powered by two powerful engines. It provides the army with a future-proof, highly mobile, rapidly deployable, powerful and multifunctional flying platform. The Tiger can carry out all types of airmobile operations across the entire spectrum of tasks performed by the armed forces. This also includes the implementation of special operations and the support of special forces.
The Tiger combat helicopter can be used in the air for command and reconnaissance, combat and support. It also supports soldiers on the ground directly with fire from the air. The Tiger has a total of four weapon stations - two on each side. Various combinations of weapons can be attached to them, unguided 70mm rockets included. Two launch containers with up to 19 unguided 70mm rockets each can be attached to the inner or outer mounts. The Tiger can engage soft targets and lightly armored vehicles up to six kilometers away with the missiles with high-explosive warheads.
