German-Indian alliance sparks major ammo production in India
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, marking a step towards strengthening supply chains and the development of both companies.
The German company Rheinmetall and Reliance Defence Ltd from India have signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation in the field of ammunition production. This agreement includes the delivery of explosives and propellants by Reliance for medium- and large-caliber ammunition produced by Rheinmetall.
The agreement also involves the construction of a modern manufacturing plant by Reliance Defence Ltd in the Watad Industrial Area in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. This factory will be one of the largest in South Asia, with an annual production capacity of up to 200,000 artillery shells, 11,000 short tons of explosives, and 2,200 short tons of propellant charges.
Cooperation with Reliance provides the Rheinmetall conglomerate with access to key raw materials, strengthening supply chains and opening new development opportunities. The new plant in India will help supply the armed forces of the country and fulfill the government's vision of a defense export value of USD 5 billion.
This is the artillery ammunition Rheinmetall produces
The largest volume of artillery shells consists of the simplest and most economical DM121 shells, which feature a rear cut-off and achieve a range of up to 19 miles when used with 52-caliber barrel artillery systems, such as the Polish Krab or the German RCH 155.
These shells are essentially 19-pound TNT-filled cast shells with a thread on top meant for a detonator. The detonator can be a simple impact device or something more advanced, like a Ralec fuse that allows for airburst detonation, for example, 33 feet above the target.
The second largest group includes somewhat more expensive M1711A1 shells equipped with a gas generator. Located at the shell's base, it generates smoke that reduces its base drag, rather than providing propulsion. Consequently, with the same amount of TNT as the simplest shells, the effective range increases by about 30%, reaching up to 25 miles for long-barrel guns.
The third and smallest category, due to complexity and cost, includes shells like V-LAP with rocket boosters, which, at the cost of a slightly reduced TNT charge, can strike targets over 31 miles away. It also includes self-targeting shells like SMArt 155, which can home in on targets such as tanks.
However, all types of shells require propellant charges and TNT or other explosives, which have become scarce since February 2022. It seems that the Germans have found an adequate source in India, which is very interested in developing its defense industry and ammunition production.
