Tactical Communication: German Armed Forces Orders Additional Communication Headsets With Hearing Protection Function from Rheinmetall

December 11, 2025

The German Armed Forces has once again commissioned Rheinmetall to supply the communication headset with hearing protection function. In December 2025, a third delivery lot was called up from the framework contract, awarded in April 2024. A total of 50,000 sets with hearing protection function (German "Sprechsatz mit Gehörschutzfunktion", abbreviated as "SmG") and other items are to be delivered. The order value is over €130 million net.

The framework contract serves for the delivery of up to 191,000 SmG sets and has a duration of seven years, and a possible total volume of around €400 million net. The German Bundestag's Budget Committee had imposed conditions on the project. As a result, only a total of 60,000 sets were initially ordered for delivery in 2024 and 2025. The two delivery lots financed by the special fund include additional items such as connection cables. The two orders had a net value of approximately €150 million. These first two delivery lots will be fully delivered by the end of 2025.

The SmG is a key project for the soldiers' individual equipment. A SmG set includes modern active ear defenders that dampen harmful impulse noise and can amplify quiet sounds. Furthermore, the system has a microphone and can be connected to various radio devices, enabling voice communication. In addition to the combined headset, the scope of delivery includes various push-to-talk (PTT) buttons and optional cable sets for connecting to various radio devices and on-board communication systems. Rheinmetall has engaged two leading manufacturers as subcontractors for the project: 3M Peltor with the ComTac VIII headset and CEOTRONICS AG with CT-Multi PTT 1C and 3C, as well as WPTT and cables. The SmG is compatible with the new combat helmet also supplied by Rheinmetall, as well as with other types of helmets used by the German Armed Forces.

With this latest order, Rheinmetall underscores its leading role in the field of soldier equipment. For example, the technology company is the prime contractor supplying the German Armed Forces with the Future Soldier System – Advanced System. Rheinmetall markets various configurations of its Gladius soldier system internationally.

Source : Rheinmetall AG