Estonia and Lithuania have awarded Rheinmetall ammunition supply contracts worth a combined 33 million euros ($38 million). Estonia signed a framework deal for hand grenades, with splinter grenades arriving in 2026–2027 and offensive grenades between 2026 and 2029, valued at 17 million euros ($19 million). Lithuania’s 16-million-euro ($18 million) order includes several tens of thousands of 40×46mm high-explosive fragmentation cartridges, set for delivery in 2026 and 2027.
Rheinmetall produces a broad range of 40mm ammunition for NATO forces, from low-velocity rounds with 400-meter range to medium-velocity rounds reaching 900 meters, and high-velocity 40×53mm rounds capable of hitting targets up to 2,000 meters away. These systems provide versatility for different combat needs.
The Baltic states are accelerating defense investments due to heightened security concerns from Russia’s war in Ukraine. Estonia will raise defense spending to a minimum of 5 percent of GDP starting next year, while Lithuania plans to allocate up to 6 percent annually for defense between 2026 and 2030.
