Rheinmetall Set to Revolutionize Tank Armament with Unprecedented 130mm Cannon

In a groundbreaking move, German defense giant Rheinmetall is nearing the mass production phase of a new 130mm tank cannon, marking the first introduction of a new caliber in tank weaponry in the past 50 years. This cutting-edge development aims to significantly enhance the kinetic energy of projectiles, boasting a 50% increase compared to the legendary Rh-120 cannon, which has been in service for over half a century.

The journey towards this formidable 130mm cannon began several years ago, with its first public unveiling at the Eurosatory defense forum in 2016. The challenges in developing this cannon have been substantial, stemming from the need to engineer new ammunition and technical innovations, including a barrel length of approximately 6.6 meters and projectile weights exceeding 30 kilograms.

Rheinmetall’s major challenge lies in justifying the necessity of this new caliber, as the 120mm has long been the standard for Western tanks. However, spokespeople for the company assert that the 130mm cannon provides a significant boost in firepower, potentially changing the landscape of armored warfare.

The development of Rheinmetall's cannon presents an interesting contrast to French rival Nexter, which is also working on a new tank cannon—the 140mm Ascalon for the MGCS project. Both companies are key players in this initiative, highlighting a fascinating dynamic in the future of tank armament as each seeks to outdo the other in terms of power and capability.