The Netherlands has reached a new framework agreement with Rheinmetall to secure long-term supplies of hand grenades for its armed forces, as European militaries move to strengthen ammunition availability. The contract runs for five years, with the option to extend it by two additional years.
Under the agreement, Rheinmetall will produce and deliver around 15 variants of hand grenades, although Dutch officials did not specify the exact models included. While the financial details were not disclosed, the defense contractor described the deal as being worth tens of millions of euros. Manufacturing will take place at Rheinmetall sites in Germany and Austria.
The new contract expands on the Netherlands’ existing ammunition cooperation with Rheinmetall, which already includes 155mm artillery shells and 40mm ammunition. Framework agreements of this type allow armed forces to place orders quickly as needs arise, without renegotiating terms each time.
Following supply shortages highlighted by the war in Ukraine, many NATO countries in Europe are adopting similar long-term procurement approaches to protect readiness. For the Dutch military, the agreement helps ensure steady access to grenades used in combat operations, urban warfare training, and routine exercises, while strengthening Europe-based defense supply chains.
