New Rapid Smoke/Obscurant Cartridges for Swiss Army 

Rheinmetall’s Maske smoke/obscurant cartridges provide armored vehicles with effective protection against weapon systems with visual or infrared optical aiming systems, seekers, laser target illuminators and laser rangefinders By DA Staff / 25 Feb 2022

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Rheinmetall Maske 76
Follow DA

Rheinmetall will deliver a new generation of Maske 76 rapid smoke/obscurant cartridges to Switzerland under a new ‘mid-two-digit million-euro’ contract from the Swiss procurement authority armasuisse.

A pilot lot of cartridges is due to undergo acceptance testing starting in November 2022. Delivery of the final lot is expected to take place in August 2027. 

The Maske 76 is designed to be fired from tactical vehicles as a force protection measure. Based on a bi-modular, bi-spectral ammunition concept, the Maske family of cartridges comprises two rapid-reaction decoy modules that generate an intensive blooming effect using proven deception technologies. A long-lasting decoy module employs visible and infrared smoke/obscurant to interrupt the enemy line of sight in the visual and infrared spectrum. This way, Maske smoke/obscurant cartridges provide armored vehicles with effective protection against weapon systems with visual or infrared optical aiming systems, seekers, laser target illuminators and laser rangefinders. Maske rapid smoke/obscurant cartridges come in a variety of different calibers. 

Issued at the end of 2021, the order will enable the Swiss Army to replace the Maske-C predecessor generation that has been in service for approximately 25 years. An additional contract was concluded for conducting periodic test firing during the entire lifespan of the smoke/obscurant shells.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Meltio Expands Additive Manufacturing Distribution Network in Portugal

Meltio has announced a new strategic partnership with PrimeOut to expand its presence in Portugal’s metal additive manufacturing market

May 02, 2025
New Mobile Troposcatter Technology Supports GPS Denied Operations

Spectra Group is set to unveil a mobile troposcatter solution enhancing Comtech’s COMET system, delivering high-bandwidth, satellite-independent communications in contested and GPS-denied environments

May 02, 2025
Micropol Expands Tactical Communications Capabilities with New Production Facility

Micropol Fiberoptic is expanding its tactical communications capabilities with a new high-capacity production facility strategically located along Sweden’s E6 highway in Halmstad

May 02, 2025
ALE: Secure Battery Solutions for DoD & Aerospace Systems

American Lithium Energy (ALE) is a trusted provider of secure, high-performance batteries, delivering essential power solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and other high-demand sectors

May 02, 2025
Partnership to Enhance Networking Capabilities for Defense Platforms

Amphenol Aerospace and BotBlox have partnered to distribute and integrate compact, rugged Ethernet hardware for defense platforms, enhancing networking capabilities and accelerating product development for uncrewed and mobile systems

May 01, 2025
USMC Receives Extended Range MQ-9A Reaper® from GA-ASI

The U.S. Marine Corps has received a technologically advanced MQ-9A Reaper® UAS from GA-ASI, featuring wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear for extended 30+ hour endurance

May 01, 2025

Featured Content

Partnership to Enhance Networking Capabilities for Defense Platforms

Amphenol Aerospace and BotBlox have partnered to distribute and integrate compact, rugged Ethernet hardware for defense platforms, enhancing networking capabilities and accelerating product development for uncrewed and mobile systems

May 01, 2025
Sky Power to Showcase ISR UAV Propulsion Technology at XPONENTIAL 2025

Sky Power International will present advanced UAV propulsion technologies at XPONENTIAL 2025, highlighting powerful engines, hybrid systems, and customized solutions for ISR and civilian applications

Apr 29, 2025
Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.