With "Force protection is our mission" as its motto, Rheinmetall is displaying a range of its product portfolio at the ongoing Eurosatory Exhibition (11-15 June), including:

Tracked and Wheeled Fighting Vehicles: On display is the Boxer armoured transport vehicle in its Bundeswehr command post configuration, together with the protected Armoured Multi Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).

Mobility: Rheinmetall is showcasing an advanced version of the protected HX series for the first time. The vehicle is equipped with the ADS active hard-kill system. Also on view at the Rheinmetall stand are various versions of the HX 8x8, which, among other things, is the Group’s entry in the competition to supply Canada’s projected “Medium Support Vehicle System Standard Military Pattern” (MSVS SMP).

Another Eurosatory premiere: the lightweight Amorok M. RMMV is thus systematically expanding its range of commercial off-the-shelf vehicles in the under 3.5 t weight class.

Protection: “Soft-kill” solutions offer excellent active protection for ground vehicles as well as fixed-wing aircraft helicopters and ships. Smoke/obscurant systems like “Rosy” make vehicles invisible to the enemy in the event of an ambush, etc. Constituting the last line of defence, “hard-kill” systems such as Rheinmetall’s ADS neutralize incoming projectiles before they reach their target.

Sensors and Fire Control Technology: For the first time at Eurosatory, the Rheinmetall Electro-Optics division is presenting its cost-efficient Vingtags SLR observation system. Besides Rheinmetall’s own sensors, it can also accommodate third-party devices. It is able to collect and transmit target data even at long ranges.

Its big brother, the Vingtaqs II, is on show as well. Laser pointers, laser target marker and laser light modules are also on display.

Soldier Systems: On behalf of the German Bundeswehr, Rheinmetall developed its modular Future Soldier – 2 (IdZ-2) array of combat kit, which is currently being fielded under the name “Gladius”. The system brings dismounted troops directly into the loop of network-enable operations. At Eurosatory, Rheinmetall is presenting the version now being procured by the German military.

Munitions: The Group’s comprehensive portfolio of 40mm x 46 (low velocity/LV and medium velocity/MV) and 40mm x 53 high velocity (HV) ammunition underscores Rheinmetall’s compelling lead in the 40mm field. Concept studies can be examined at Eurosatory.

In the field of 60mm mortar ammunition Rheinmetall can also lay claim to a leadership role. This new family of insensitive ammunition meets all the requirements of STANAG 4439. It encompasses service, multi-purpose and practice rounds. The VingPods fire control unit, already successfully deployed in the 81mm mortar sphere, is currently being modified to meet the requirements of this new ammunition family.

Also on show are Rheinmetall’s two new 120mm tank rounds, the HE Temp. DM11 and the HE SQ (standing for “high explosive super quick) RH31.

LANCE is a state-of-the-art Rheinmetall medium-calibre turret system. It can be configured for manned operation or serve as a remote control turret. At Eurosatory, visitors can view a LANCE training demonstrator at the Rheinmetall stand. Moreover, MOWAG is showcasing a Piranha APC mounted with a LANCE turret.

Air Defence: Modern air defence systems have to be able to contend not just with the traditional threat from above, but also with random asymmetric attacks, i.e. rocket, artillery and mortar fire (RAM). Rheinmetall Air Defence’s response to this tactical and technical challenge is the Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system. It is designed to protect military installations and critical civilian infrastructure from RAM attacks on the home front and during deployed operations abroad – whether in high-intensity conventional conflicts or military operations other than war (MOOTW). The Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system is based on Rheinmetall’s Ahead airburst technology. Germany has already procured two Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM systems, which it refers to as the MANTIS.