RHEINMETALL DENEL MUNITION: Sights Set Firmly on the Future

As an integrated technology group, Rheinmetall AG stands for a strong, internationally successful company that operates in various markets world-wide with an innovative range of products and services. Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM)’s own establishment came about in September 2008, when the Denel divisions comprising Somchem – the Somerset West and Wellington sites – Swartklip, Boksburg and Naschem all became part of the Rheinmetall Defence Group. As such, Rheinmetall Defence became the majority shareholder and Denel retained its own 49% of the share.

Denel has been a foremost force in South African national security since it was established as a state-owned industrial company in April 1992, having equipped the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other major players with hardware, technology and other products. Its Somchem division is known globally for its vision of being the best in solid propulsion products and energetic material applications, and Swartklip Products has origins dating back to 1948, twice decorated in the chemical company category of the Technology 100 competition.

Naschem’s heritage goes back even further, starting at the Lenz Factory which was used as an in explosives depot for the gold mines in 1896. The facility was overhauled in 1970 as a result of South Africa’s need for self-sufficiency in the armaments field and Naschem followed in 1978. At the Boksburg production plant forged shell bodies and metal components of outstanding quality are manufactured. 

“We are a world leader in the field of artillery, mortar and infantry systems as well as plant engineering,” RDM offers as an opening shot. “Our people work together across all of our sites to produce and sell world-class artillery ammunition, to ensure that we go the distance, and then some.”

BUSINESS BOOMS

RDM enjoys being able to draw on an extensive product portfolio when serving its core markets, encompassing ammunition and metal components, minefield breaching systems, 40mm infantry ammunition as well as pyrotechnics and artillery ammunition. Primary business focus remains locked on Asia, the Middle East, South America, South Africa and African countries, however in July RDM’s compelling expertise in the world of indirect fire systems brought a colossal order from a key NATO customer.

With delivery to take place over the next two years Rheinmetall Denel Munition has been courted to supply 155mm ammunition from its tried-and-tested Assegai product line, a contract worth a figure in the upper-two-digit million-euro range. “We’re known worldwide for our long-range Assegai indirect fire technology and are pleased to be able to welcome a new partner nation to the Assegai family”, commented Jan-Patrick Helmsen, Rheinmetall Denel Munition CEO.

“As a systems maker, we work constantly to improve our cutting-edge technologies so that we can provide our customers’ soldiers with the best-possible, most reliable solution.”

The new order encompasses the complete 155mm Assegai ammunition system, including fuses, different projectile types such as high-explosive service rounds, and Assegai artillery propelling charges. The Assegai family of artillery ammunition can be fired from any NATO STANAG-compatible artillery system, including the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer, one of RDM’s three recent new world-record holders for the 67 kilometres’ distance its 52-calibre gun propelled a shell during a test fire event in South Africa in 2019.

The Assegai system approach produced long ranges with various artillery systems. A non-NATO 155mm artillery gun with 52 calibre lengths and a 25-litre propelling charge chamber achieved a record range of 76 kilometres, and Rheinmetall Denel Munition is already working on other future artillery technologies; the rocket motor in conventional 155mm Assegai projectiles is being improved, while a new development is imminent that will boost the maximum range to over 155 kilometres.

Further successes were hailed of late in the field of 40mm ammunition and the award of contracts for the supply of 40mm ammunition by two customers in Asia, one of which is a first-timer who has ordered 400,000 40mm low-velocity grenades and marks a significant expansion of its customer base. The other is for an existing customer constituting 100,000 rounds of medium velocity grenades to be delivered between December 2022 and February 2023, with a total value approaching €25 million.

“With these two contracts, we are expanding our customer base in Asia,” Helmsen explained, as negotiations are already well underway to increase these quantities.

CLIMATE NEUTRAL

Rheinmetall has set itself the goal of attaining CO₂ neutrality by 2035, and RDM has taken the first steps toward improving its climate footprint in support of the crucial and admirable global goals. introducing e-vehicles and off-grid, solar-powered charging stations at its Somerset West location. “Around the world, we’re focusing a lot of attention on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals,” details Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG.

“All over the Group, we’re committed to taking visible steps that demonstrate our sense of responsibility for the environment and society. The initiative in South Africa is just one example.”

In 2021 Rheinmetall signed the United Nations Global Compact, which fosters responsible, sustainable, and transparent corporate governance. RDM’s locations occupy a total of 5,000 hectares, meaning that large distances have to be covered not only between plants but also when onsite. The company’s app-based transport system has now been expanded to include e-scooters and e-bikes, to engender enhanced employee mobility and a much-diminished environmental impact.

Helmsen himself unveiled the new vehicles at the company’s main location in South Africa, where they will operate as well at Rheinmetall’s Boskop plant in Potchefstroom. “As part of the Rheinmetall organisation, which has set itself the goal of being climate neutral by 2035, RDM is supporting this ambitious objective with a masterplan that involves implementation of solar energy and green hydrogen,” he enthused.

“These, along with other projects in the renewable energy domain, are intended to lead to climate neutrality. An important step here is our move away from the internal combustion engine in our fleet of vehicles, with a completely new mobility concept at all four RDM locations in South Africa.”