The Netherlands has signed a framework agreement with Rheinmetall to produce and supply a wide range of hand grenades for the Dutch armed forces.
The contract covers an initial five-year period, with an option for a two-year extension, for the delivery of around 15 different grenade variants. However, the types of grenades included were not specified.
While the exact contract value was not revealed, the Düsseldorf-based company described the deal as falling within “the double-digit million-euro range.”
Production will take place at Rheinmetall’s facilities in Trittau and Silberhütte in Germany, as well as in Schwanenstadt, Austria.
The framework agreement builds upon Amsterdam’s existing deals with the German defense contractor for 155mm artillery shells and 40mm ammunition.
“This contract highlights the confidence which our Dutch partners have in Rheinmetall’s capabilities and reliability as a leading European systems provider in the field of ammunition,” said Robbin Reijm, Rheinmetall’s Sales Director for the Benelux countries, adding that it will strengthen the company’s industrial base at several European sites.
Broader Ammunition Resilience Effort
The deal reflects a wider trend among European NATO members — including Germany and Estonia — to secure predictable, long-term ammunition supplies through framework agreements with regional manufacturers.
Since the war in Ukraine exposed vulnerabilities in ammunition stockpiles and supply chains, several European militaries have moved toward scalable procurement models that allow rapid ordering without renegotiating contracts.
For the Netherlands, the agreement ensures continued access to infantry munitions critical for close-quarters combat, urban operations, and training cycles, while reducing dependence on non-European supply chains.
