The German Armed Forces has ordered more than 130 million euros ($152.6 million) worth of advanced communication headsets from Rheinmetall, combining hearing protection with battlefield communication.
Rheinmetall will deliver a total of 50,000 Sprechsatz mit Gehörschutzfunktion (SmG) sets. The headsets combine active hearing defenders with microphones that connect to multiple radio devices, enabling voice communication while dampening harmful impulse noise and amplifying quiet sounds.
The items include push-to-talk buttons, optional cables for onboard communication systems, and compatibility with new and existing combat helmets.
Rheinmetall works with subcontractors 3M Peltor and CEOTRONICS AG to supply ComTac VIII headsets and associated components.
Rheinmetall’s Role in German Forces
Beyond the SmG order, Rheinmetall has secured multiple contracts supplying communication headsets to the German Armed Forces over the past two years.
This marks the third delivery lot under a seven-year framework contract. The framework, awarded in April 2024, allows for up to 191,000 SmG sets with a potential total value of around 400 million euros ($469 million).
Previous delivery lots, totaling approximately 150 million euros ($176 million), will be fully completed by the end of 2025.
In 2024, Rheinmetall delivered additional ComTac VIII headsets with hearing protection and push-to-talk interfaces to support the force’s mechanized units.
