Under the agreement, RDM will deliver projectiles from the Assegai family alongside bimodular propelling charges between 2025 and 2027. These munitions will be integrated into the customer’s artillery systems, providing extended range capabilities of over 40,000 metres with enhanced performance.
“The Rheinmetall Assegai user group is growing rapidly across the globe, and we are delighted that another customer has now also selected Rheinmetall Assegai to be delivered fast and in volume,” said Dr Frank Dirksen, CEO of Rheinmetall Denel Munition. The Assegai suite, already in use with multiple nations, includes ballistically matched high explosive, illumination, infrared illumination, smoke, pre-formed fragmented, and rocket-assisted projectiles.
Rheinmetall continues to expand its manufacturing capacity in response to rising global demand for modern 155mm ammunition. The company has been investing in facility upgrades and new production lines since 2022, aiming to produce approximately 1.5 million shells annually by 2027.
Rheinmetall is recognised as one of the world’s leading producers of large-calibre ammunition. The company’s focus on interoperability ensures rapid integration of its Assegai systems into allied forces’ operations.
“Rheinmetall Denel Munition is a proud member of the South African defence industry, employing more than 2,500 workers across South Africa,” Dr Dirksen added. “Major multi-year contracts like this provide us the ability to continue on our growth path which contribute directly to the South African economy.”
