Rheinmetall’s Initiative in Munition Disposal: A Strategic Response to Legacy Challenges

Overview of the Disposal Project

On September 3, 2025, Rheinmetall announced its intention to undertake significant operations for the destruction of obsolete munitions in the Dillingen an der Donau district of Bavaria, Germany. This initiative is part of comprehensive explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) efforts aimed at addressing both historical and contemporary stockpiles of munitions.

Scope of the Disposal Effort

Rheinmetall’s plan encompasses:

• Historical Munitions: Legacy munitions from the two World Wars.
• Contemporary Stockpiles: Newer ammunition held by NATO forces and the Bundeswehr, reflecting a modernized approach to munitions management.

The Scale of the Challenge

The scale of munitions posing environmental and safety risks is substantial:

• North Sea and Baltic Sea: An estimated 1.6 million tonnes of legacy ordnance lie on the seabed, including:

  • Artillery shells
  • Land mines
  • Underwater explosives

• World War II Legacy: Over 2 million tonnes of explosives were dropped on German soil and occupied territories. In southern Germany alone, over 20,000 tonnes of munitions remain unaccounted for and await neutralization.

Facility Development and Operational Plans

To facilitate the disposal operations, Rheinmetall has procured a 41-hectare site located on Lerchenberg in Zusamaltheim. The planned ammunition disposal facility is set to begin operations in early 2026. Key features include:

• Historical Usage: The site was previously utilized as a Bundeswehr depot, implying established infrastructure.
• Storage Capacity: Comprising 32 bunkers, capable of holding up to 900 tonnes of net explosive mass.

Strategic Acquisitions

In April 2025, Rheinmetall strategically acquired Stascheit GmbH, an ammunition recovery enterprise based in Gardelegen, Saxony-Anhalt. This company specializes in the:

• Detection and evaluation of explosive remnants
• Recovery and deactivation of ordnance, particularly in offshore contexts such as wind farms

The integration of Stascheit into Rheinmetall’s Projects & Services business unit reflects a commitment to enhancing operational capabilities in ordnance disposal.

Conclusion

Rheinmetall’s initiative represents a proactive approach to managing legacy ammunition challenges. By combining strategic acquisitions, the establishment of robust disposal facilities, and a focus on environmental safety, the company positions itself as a leader in munitions management and explosive ordnance disposal in Europe. This effort not only addresses important historical legacies but also contributes to NATO’s overarching commitment to security and environmental stewardship in the region.