Multimillion-Euro Contract Goes to Rheinmetall
March 29, 2021 | RheinmetallEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The German Bundeswehr has placed a new order for the cutting-edge MELLS antitank guided missile system with EuroSpike GmbH, a joint venture of Rheinmetall and its partners Diehl Defence and Rafael. Another 666 guided missiles and 82 integrated command and launch units have been called off from the existing framework contract. The latest order is worth around €88 million. Rheinmetall will be supplying key components to EuroSpike, maker of the MELLS, a multirole-capable lightweight guided missile system. For Rheinmetall, the new call-off will mean incoming orders worth around €17 million net. Delivery will take place during the 2022-2024 timeframe.
The fourth lot of MELLS missiles to be ordered by the Bundeswehr, the systems are earmarked for German infantry and mechanized infantry units. Rheinmetall will be supplying 82 integrated command and launch units as well as 666 sets of components for the Rafael-made Spike LR (long-range) guided missile. Now on order, the latest version of the launch system is already capable of firing the enhanced Spike LR 2 guided missile.
Concluded in October 2019, the framework contract contains an option for fabricating and supplying around 100 integrated command and launch units as well as thousands of MELLS guided missiles during the period 2024 to 2031. In total, this would mean incoming orders for Rheinmetall in the three-digit million-euro range.
Made by EuroSpike – a joint venture in which Rheinmetall holds a 40% stake – the MELLS is a latest-generation effector designed for engaging armoured ground targets at ranges of up to 4,000 metres, or 5,500 metres with the Spike LR-2.
Rheinmetall possesses extensive experience with the MELLS. The company has already integrated this modern guided missile into the Marder infantry fighting vehicle and is currently doing so in the Puma IFV. Another contractor is now integrating the system into the Wiesel airmobile weapon carrier.
Looking ahead, enhanced networking of the integrated command and launch units with Rheinmetall’s “Future Soldier – Expanded System” soldier system via the TacNet command and information system may also offer future potential. This would further optimize the sensor-to-shooter chain.
Suggested Items
Cadence, TSMC Collaborate on Wide-Ranging Innovations to Transform System and Semiconductor Design
04/25/2024 | Cadence Design SystemsCadence Design Systems, Inc. and TSMC have extended their longstanding collaboration by announcing a broad range of innovative technology advancements to accelerate design, including developments ranging from 3D-IC and advanced process nodes to design IP and photonics.
Siemens’ Breakthrough Veloce CS Transforms Emulation and Prototyping with Three Novel Products
04/24/2024 | Siemens Digital Industries SoftwareSiemens Digital Industries Software launched the Veloce™ CS hardware-assisted verification and validation system. In a first for the EDA (Electronic Design Automation) industry, Veloce CS incorporates hardware emulation, enterprise prototyping and software prototyping and is built on two highly advanced integrated circuits (ICs) – Siemens’ new, purpose-built Crystal accelerator chip for emulation and the AMD Versal™ Premium VP1902 FPGA adaptive SoC (System-on-a-chip) for enterprise and software prototyping.
Taiyo Circuit Automation Installs New DP3500 into Fuba Printed Circuits, Tunisia
04/25/2024 | Taiyo Circuit AutomationTaiyo Circuit Automation is proud to be partnered with Fuba Printed Circuits, Tunisia part of the OneTech Group of companies, a leading printed circuit board manufacturer based out of Bizerte, Tunisia, on their first installation of Taiyo Circuit Automation DP3500 coater.
Vicor Power Orders Hentec Industries/RPS Automation Pulsar Solderability Testing System
04/24/2024 | Hentec Industries/RPS AutomationHentec Industries/RPS Automation, a leading manufacturer of selective soldering, lead tinning and solderability test equipment, is pleased to announce that Vicor Power has finalized the purchase of a Pulsar solderability testing system.
Lockheed Martin Successfully Transitions Long Range Discrimination Radar To The Missile Defense Agency
04/23/2024 | Lockheed MartinThe Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) at Clear Space Force Station in Clear, Alaska, completed DD250 final acceptance and was officially handed over to the Missile Defense Agency in preparation for an Operational Capability Baseline (OCB) decision and final transition to the Warfighter. In addition, prior to this transition, the system has started Space Domain Awareness data collects for the United States Space Force.