Bundeswehr Orders Additional Ammunition and Expands Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle Fleet

Ammunition Acquisition

On January 5, the Bundeswehr issued a significant order to Rheinmetall for an expanded quantity of 30 mm ammunition designated for use in its Puma infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).

• Contract Value: The current order is part of an overarching framework contract established in December 2022, now totaling several hundred million euros.
• Ammunition Details: This recent acquisition builds upon an existing agreement that will encompass the delivery of 30×173 mm ammunition through 2029, with current deliveries tallying a medium six-figure quantity. The newly added order is expected to augment amounts by several hundred thousand cartridges, bringing the total value of this deal to approximately EUR 1 billion (about USD 1.2 billion).

Expansion of the Puma Fleet

On December 19, 2025, the Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) confirmed an extension of a May 2023 framework agreement with Projekt System & Management GmbH (PSM). This joint venture, formed by Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland, is tasked with the provision of an additional 200 Puma vehicles to enhance the Bundeswehr’s operational capabilities.

• Contract Overview: The initial May 2023 contract included a provision for 50 Puma vehicles.
• Total Procurement Value: The comprehensive procurement agreement is valued at EUR 4.2 billion, evenly divided between KNDS and Rheinmetall’s subsidiary, Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. The first units are projected for delivery in the second quarter of 2028.

Performance Capabilities of the Puma

The Puma IFV, equipped with Rheinmetall’s advanced MK30-2/ABM (Airburst Munition) cannon, boasts impressive capabilities.

• Range: The cannon can effectively engage ground, aerial, and naval targets at distances exceeding 2,000 meters.
• Ammunition Types: Rheinmetall manufactures two distinct types of ammunition for the Puma:
  • KE-TF (Kinetic Energy Time Fuse) DM21: This programmable round enhances the Puma’s utility against larger soft or semi-hard surface targets, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
  • KE DM33: Another version in the 30×173 mm caliber designed to complement the Puma’s versatility.

This strategic enhancement to the Bundeswehr’s arsenal reflects an ongoing commitment to modernize defense capabilities and maintain readiness in an evolving security landscape.

For further detailed analysis on the Bundeswehr’s restructured operational framework, access specialized reports and resources available to defense professionals.