Rheinmetall signs framework contract with Dutch army for production of hand grenades

Rheinmetall has signed a new multi-year framework contract with the Dutch armed forces for the production of hand grenades, the company announced on 30 January 2026.

Referring to previous framework contracts including 155 mm artillery and 40 mm ammunition, this latest agreement covers the delivery of approximately 15 different types of hand grenades from various Rheinmetall production sites across Germany and Europe.

The contract was signed for an initial term of five years, with the option of extending it for a further two years, and has a value within a double-digit-million-euro range, according to Rheinmetall. Under the deal the Royal Netherlands Army will be able to procure different types of hand grenades flexibly and in line with its requirements throughout the entire term of the contract.

The hand grenades are manufactured at Rheinmetall’s plants in Trittau and Silberhütte, Germany, as well as in Schwanenstadt, Austria. They are manufactured in accordance with the latest safety and quality requirements and will enhance the operational readiness and training of the Dutch armed forces.

“This contract highlights the confidence which our Dutch partners have in Rheinmetall’s capabilities and reliability as a leading European systems provider in the field of ammunition”, Robbin Reijm, Rheinmetall’s sales director for the Benelux countries, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “At the same time, it will strengthen our industrial base at several European sites.”

This contract is one of a series of framework agreements between Rheinmetall and the Netherlands and “reaffirms the long-standing and close co-operation between the two parties in the areas of security and industrial policy relating to modern defence technology”, Rheinmetall stated.

Peter Felstead