Rheinmetall can cover only 8% of Ukraine’s long-range shell needs for 2026

German defense group Rheinmetall will be able to deliver no more than 100,000 155mm extended-range artillery shells out of the 1.2 million requested by Ukraine — approximately 8%.

This was reported by the military portal Defence Express.

The figures were announced by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger at a conference on the company’s first-quarter 2026 results. He also specified that the company is prepared to supply ammunition capable of striking targets at distances of up to 60 km.

Defence Express analysts noted that Ukraine’s request for long-range 155mm shells aligns with the priorities set by the country’s General Staff and Ministry of Defense. Rheinmetall’s catalog already includes the DM121 shell with a range of up to 30 km, and up to 36 km when used with special ERC charges. Its M1711 variant, equipped with a base-bleed generator, is capable of hitting targets at distances of up to 47 km. According to the publication, these munitions are already being used by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

In addition, the group’s product line includes Assegai shells, manufactured at the Rheinmetall Denel plant in South Africa. They can strike targets at ranges of 30–40 km, while certain models fitted with a rocket booster can reach 50–60 km. “Of course, such a very long range is achieved with very expensive and scarce munitions, and mass deliveries will still rely on simpler variants. However, this generally demonstrates the availability of a solid range of options,” Defence Express wrote.

The shortfall of 1.1 million shells will need to be covered from other sources. According to the publication, “Ukrainian Armored Vehicles” plans to manufacture 60,000 shells. The authors of the article point to the need to bring in additional suppliers and raise a question to the Defense Procurement Agency regarding the timely conclusion of contracts — which, in their assessment, is critically important for meeting the million-unit requirement.

The speed of payment remains a separate problem. Papperger previously stated that ready batches of shells are not being purchased due to delays in financing. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, for his part, stated that Berlin is ready to finance the production of this type of ammunition for Ukraine.

Spain will transfer an additional batch of 155mm shells to Ukraine. Along with the ammunition, the country will also send 100 VAMTAC armored tactical vehicles.