German defense company Rheinmetall has received a record order for 155mm artillery shells from the Bundeswehr. Part of the ammunition will be designated for Ukraine, according to the press service of Rheinmetall.
According to the company, the contract worth up to € 8.5 billion was signed by Annette Lehnigk-Emden, head of the Bundeswehr Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Operational Support, and representatives of Rheinmetall.
The company added that the main purpose of the order is to replenish the stocks of the Bundeswehr and its allies, as well as to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia.
The start of ammunition deliveries is scheduled for early 2025. Germany will be the main customer. The Netherlands, Estonia and Denmark will also participate in the order.
"We are pleased with the largest order in the current history of our company. This large-scale framework contract stresses Rheinmetall's leading role as an ammunition supplier in Germany and our position as the world's largest producer of artillery ammunition," said Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger.
Shells for Ukraine
The artillery shells donated by Western countries are one of the main needs of Ukrainian defenders.
With the help of artillery, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have the opportunity to deter Russian offensive attempts, which have an advantage in manpower and equipment.
In particular, Ukraine is already receiving shells as part of Czechia's initiative to purchase them from third countries. Ukrainian soldiers are expected to receive hundreds of thousands of shells by the end of the year.