German Military Buys $109M in Practice Rockets for Combat Helicopters

The German Armed Forces is investing more than 100 million euros ($109 million) in boosting its helicopter training with a recent order of 70mm practice rockets.

Rheinmetall said in a press release that the unguided weapons will be fitted into the country’s Tiger attack chopper to upskill helicopter crews.

The company stated that the Bundeswehr can expect initial deliveries later this year.

Upon acceptance, Berlin can start serial production in 2025.

Developed in collaboration with Thales subsidiary FZ, the 70mm rockets are considered an integral part of the Tiger’s armament.

They can effectively engage infantry targets, fortifications, and light armored vehicles.

The practice version of the weapon is designed to provide military aviators with realistic training.

Rheinmetall said the latest order “underlines high trust of customers” in its munition expertise.

Airbus’ Tiger is a multi-role attack helicopter designed for complex environments and high-intensity conflicts.

It has been proven in combat, with previous deployments in Afghanistan, Mali, and the Central African Republic.

The four-bladed aircraft boasts improved survivability thanks to its enhanced ballistic protection and high crashworthiness.

Earlier this year, the Bundeswehr announced that it would retire its entire Tiger attack fleet in 2032, six years earlier than previously reported.