The Bundeswehr has Rheinmetall once again with the delivery of the headset with hearing protection function. A third delivery lot from the framework framework agreement awarded in April 2024 was called off. The aim is to supply 50,000 sets of the intercom set with hearing protection function (SmG) and other delivery items. The order is worth over 130 million euros.
The framework agreement provides for the delivery of up to 191,000 SmG sets and has a term of seven years as well as a possible total volume of around 400 million euros. However, the budget committee of the German Bundestag had imposed conditions on the project, which is why only two call-offs totaling 60,000 sets were initially commissioned with deliveries in 2024 and 2025. The two delivery batches financed from the special fund include additional delivery items, such as connection cables, and had a net value of around 150 million euros. These first two delivery lots should be delivered in full by the end of the year.
The SmG includes a modern active earmuff that reduces harmful impulse noise and can amplify quiet sounds. The system also has a microphone and can be connected to various radio devices to enable radio communication. In addition to the combined headset, the scope of delivery includes various push-to-talk (PTT) buttons and different cable sets for connecting to the various radios and on-board communication systems.
Rheinmetall has involved two leading manufacturers as subcontractors for the project: 3M Deutschland GmbH with the ComTac VIII hearing intercom set and Ceotronics AG (-> Ceotronics lands largest order to date) with CT-Multi PTT 1C and 3C. The SmG is compatible with the new combat helmet also supplied by Rheinmetall as well as with other Bundeswehr helmet types.
Here for further news from Rheinmetall and here to further reports on the Bundeswehr.
