German-Indian alliance to boost ammunition production
The Rheinmetall AG conglomerate from Germany and Reliance Defence Ltd from India have established a strategic partnership in the field of ammunition. The agreement covers the supply of explosives and propellant charges, representing a significant step towards strengthening supply chains and the development of both companies.
The German Rheinmetall and Reliance Defence Ltd from India have signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation on ammunition production. The agreement outlines the delivery of explosives and propellants by Reliance for medium and large-calibre ammunition produced by Rheinmetall.
The agreement also includes the construction of a modern manufacturing plant by Reliance Defence Ltd in the Watad Industrial Area in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The facility will be among the largest in South Asia, with an annual production capacity of up to 200,000 artillery shells, 10,000 metric tonnes of explosives, and 2,000 metric tonnes of propellant charges.
Cooperation with Reliance provides the Rheinmetall conglomerate with access to key raw materials, reinforcing supply chains and opening new development opportunities. The new plant in India will help supply the country's armed forces and contribute to fulfilling the government's vision of reaching a defence export value of USD 5 (CAD 6,9) billion.
This is the artillery ammunition Rheinmetall produces
For artillery shells, the largest volume consists of the simplest and most economical DM121 shells with a rear cut-off, achieving a range of up to 30 kilometres when used with artillery systems featuring 52-calibre barrels, such as the Polish Krab or the German RCH 155.
These types of shells are essentially a 9-kilogram TNT-filled cast shell with a threaded top intended for a detonator. This can be a simple impact solution or something more sophisticated like a Ralec fuse, which allows detonation in the air, for example, 10 metres above the target.
The second largest group consists of somewhat more expensive M1711A1 shells equipped with a so-called gas generator. Placed at the bottom of the shell, it generates smoke that does not serve a propulsive function but reduces the base drag of the shell. As a result, with the same amount of TNT as in the simplest shells, the effective range increases by about 30%, reaching 40 kilometres for long-barrel guns.
The third category, which, due to its complexity and costs, is the smallest, includes, for example, V-LAP shells with rocket boosters. At the cost of a slightly reduced TNT charge, these shells are capable of striking targets at distances of over 50 kilometres, or self-targeting shells like SMArt 155, which self-guide onto targets such as tanks.
However, all of them require propellant charges and TNT or other explosive charges, which have become scarce since February 2022. It appears that the Germans have found an adequate source in India, which is eager to develop its defence industry and ammunition production.
