The Australian Department of Defense commissions Rheinmetall to supply naval mines. The order was preceded by a year-long market survey. Rheinmetall was able to prevail over the competition. Deliveries are scheduled to begin this year.
The order is worth a low three-digit million figure. There is also the possibility of extending it. The subject of the contract is intelligent naval mines. Exactly which model is involved and in what quantity it will be delivered is subject to secrecy. What is clear, however, is that the mines will not be manufactured by Rheinmetall itself, but by its subsidiary in Italy and Australia. RMW Italia S.p.A. and Rheinmetall Defence Australia Pty Ltd. are responsible for production.
In Italy, the Düsseldorf-based defence company has located its center of excellence for underwater defence systems. Multi-influence mines and mine sweeping systems are the site’s hobbyhorses. Rheinmetall Defence Australia Pty Ltd. is based in Redbank, Australia, some 20 hours away by air. From there, the Australian forces are to be supported in handling the new system.