Rheinmetall announced on 17 July 2024 that it has finalised a framework contract with the Bundeswehr concerning the delivery of 70 mm practice rockets for its Tiger combat helicopters.
The German armed forces want to procure rockets with a possible order value of over EUR 100 million. An initial order worth a mid-double-digit-million-euro amount was booked in the second quarter of 2024, with a pilot lot expected to be in 2024. Upon acceptance of the delivery, the serial production will commence between 2025 and 2029.
Regarding the development, qualification and production of the unguided 70 mm rockets, Rheinmetall co-operates with FZ: a Belgian subsidiary of the Thales Group.
The German Army has a fleet of 55 Tiger combat helicopters, which can fire pod-mounted 70 mm rockets to engage infantry targets, prepared positions and unprotected or lightly armoured vehicles. Each Tiger can carry up to 52 70 mm rockets.
The now-ordered practice rockets allow combat helicopter crews to fire those weapons in realistic training scenarios.
