On Monday, January 5, 2025, the German group Rheinmetall AG announced the conclusion of a contract worth several hundred million euros, under a framework agreement from December 2022, for additional 30 mm multipurpose ammunition for the Rheinmetall MK 30-2/ABM automatic cannon, which is the main armament of the Puma SPz infantry fighting vehicles. The application to finance the contract was approved on December 18 of last year by the Bundestag’s Budget Committee (Haushaltsausschuss).
SPz Puma / Photo: Bundeswehr
It is also worth noting that in December of last year, the purchase of 200 additional Puma SPz vehicles was approved under a new framework agreement covering a total of 254 vehicles. By way of reminder, 405 vehicles were contracted under the first framework agreement, and since 2020 the acquisition of a second batch of 229 vehicles had been planned (now increased by 25). In May 2023, the first 50 Puma S1 vehicles were ordered, with deliveries scheduled for 2025–2027.
Separate provisions were also made for the procurement of conversion kits to upgrade Puma infantry fighting vehicles to the S1 variant, as well as for the serial purchase of gunnery and combat training simulators and the expansion of the capabilities of the simulator prototype.
It should also be recalled that in December 2022, BAAINBw signed a framework agreement with Rheinmetall AG for the supply of 30×173 mm ammunition for the Puma SPz. This framework agreement, valid through 2029, was extended in terms of delivery quantities and order volume. It предусматри the delivery of several hundred thousand rounds with a total value of approximately 1 billion EUR. At the same time, a mid-six-figure quantity of ammunition was procured. The value of the order amounts to several hundred million euros.
KE-TF DM21 / Photo: Rheinmetall AG
The Puma SPz is armed with the 30 mm MK 30-2/ABM (Airburst Munition) automatic cannon, which combines a high rate of fire with programmable, state-of-the-art ammunition technology. This makes the MK 30-2/ABM an extremely reliable and uncompromising weapon system. With an effective range of more than 2,000 meters, the MK 30-2/ABM is highly effective against land, aerial, and maritime targets.
Rheinmetall is a key supplier of combat ammunition to the Bundeswehr. The group manufactures and supplies two types of combat ammunition for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle: the 30×173 mm KE-TF DM21 and KE DM33. Both types of ammunition have been developed and certified in accordance with the latest standards, offering unmatched reliability, effectiveness, penetration, and accuracy worldwide. The programmable KE-TF (Kinetic Energy Time Fuse) ammunition is highly reliable and enables the Puma SPz to engage larger unarmored and lightly armored targets, as well as drones.
The new order underscores Rheinmetall AG’s position as the leading supplier of 30 mm medium-caliber ammunition to the Bundeswehr. It reflects the armed forces’ efforts to replenish stocks and increase ammunition reserves in light of the current security environment. Rheinmetall AG is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of medium-caliber ammunition.
▶️ Framework contract extended: Bundeswehr orders 30mm ammunition for Puma infantry fighting vehicles from Rheinmetall – new order worth several hundred million euros pic.twitter.com/8wrjb66IOu
— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) January 5, 2026
