Photo: Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall Demonstrates SSW40 in Live-Fire Trials

Our Bureau - : Jul 8, 2025 - : 11:42 pm

Rheinmetall has conducted the first live-fire demonstration of its Squad Support Weapon 40 (SSW40), presenting the system to defence media representatives during a dedicated event. The SSW40 is described by the company as the first automatic, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired grenade launcher...

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Developed to enhance infantry firepower, the SSW40 offers a compact form factor with a stated effective range of up to 900 metres. According to Rheinmetall, the weapon is operated in a manner similar to an assault rifle and is capable of engaging targets behind cover through airburst munitions. It is also promoted as a potential counter-drone tool.

MV ammunition offers higher velocity, extended range, and greater payload compared to the legacy 40 mm x 46 low-velocity (LV) rounds. The design allows for the use of programmable airburst munitions, and the SSW40’s break-barrel mechanism enables the use of longer cartridge types. Rheinmetall positions MV ammunition as a bridge between LV and the more powerful 40 mm x 53 high-velocity rounds, the latter typically used in crew-served launchers.

The SSW40 weighs approximately four kilograms, measures around 80 centimetres in length, and features ambidextrous controls. Key elements include a combined safety and magazine release, top-mounted bolt catch, break-barrel switch in front of the magazine, and a cocking mechanism integrated into the shoulder stock. A rear-mounted disassembly switch is also present for maintenance.

During the demonstration at Rheinmetall’s Unterlüß test centre, participants fired at steel targets placed at various distances—100, 200, 300 and 500 metres—as well as a wrecked vehicle at 250 metres. TPM-T (Target Practice Marker-Tracer) rounds were used in both low- and medium-velocity formats to facilitate comparison.

Shooters initially used a standard LV launcher before transitioning to the SSW40. According to Rheinmetall, participants reported minimal perceived difference in recoil despite the MV ammunition’s increased energy, attributing this to the launcher’s hydropneumatic recoil damping system. A red-dot sight was used for aiming, with some minor adjustments required for longer-range targets. The weapon’s ergonomics were likened to that of a heavier assault rifle, and its trigger response was noted for contributing to overall accuracy.

Rheinmetall expects to complete internal qualification of the SSW40 in the fourth quarter of this year, with initial customer verification also planned by year-end.

Rheinmetall / Squad-support-weapon-40-ssw40 /

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