Rheinmetall Wins Multimillion-Euro Order from Australia for Sea Mines

RWM Italia S.p.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG in Italy, has won an order from Australia to deliver a significant quantity of smart sea mines.

For Rheinmetall, the order is worth a figure of low three-digit million-euro range with potential growth in the coming years, a company statement said Aug 29.

This important contract underscores once again the great trust Australia places in Rheinmetall and its products. The Australian Defence Forces (ADF) have purchased latest generation of Rheinmetall smart sea mines, which will strengthen the Australian maritime defence capabilities, with mines able to be deployed from several platforms.

The Department of Defence evaluated market options last year, and has selected RWM Italia to provide the capability.

RWM Italia was assessed by the Commonwealth of Australia to possess both the technology to meet ADF strategic objectives and the ability to produce the quantities of mines required. “The types and numbers of sea mines to be provided are classified,” the statement said but added that delivery is expected to commence this year.

Rapidly deployable and technologically sophisticated, the RWM Italia smart mines will provide a new level of deterrence to any potential adversary. Australian Industry will be engaged in the ongoing sustainment of the capability.

The Group’s centre of excellence for underwater defence systems, RWM Italia is a leader in the strategic domain of multi-influence naval mines and mine-clearing systems, with a presence in over 20 countries.

Together with Rheinmetall Defence Australia Pty Ltd, Rheinmetall’s lead unit in Australia, RWM Italia is committed to supporting the ADF in the long-term use of these systems. –rm/adj/mgm (Image: Rheinmetall)