Live Fire Demonstration of Rheinmetall’s SSW40 Grenade Launcher Showcases Versatile Firing and Expanded Tactical Range

In July 2025, Rheinmetall publicly demonstrated its Squad Support Weapon 40 (SSW40) at the Unterlüß test center in Germany, marking a significant development in infantry support armaments. The SSW40 is described as the world’s first automatic, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired grenade launcher chambered for 40 mm medium-velocity (MV) ammunition. This event provided defense media representatives with firsthand experience of the weapon’s capabilities, including its compatibility with both traditional low-velocity (LV) and the newer MV ammunition types.

SSW40. Rheinmetall

The SSW40 is engineered to bridge the operational gap between handheld LV grenade launchers and crew-served high-velocity (HV) systems. MV ammunition offers increased range up to 900 meters and a higher payload capacity, including programmable airburst capabilities. This positions the SSW40 as a versatile platform for engaging targets behind cover and countering aerial threats such as drones.

From a design perspective, the SSW40 incorporates several features aimed at enhancing usability and operational flexibility. It weighs approximately four kilograms and measures around 80 centimeters in length. The weapon includes ambidextrous controls, a break-barrel system for loading longer ammunition types, and a self-regulating hydropneumatic recoil damping system. This recoil system reportedly minimizes the impact of firing MV rounds, making the experience comparable to firing LV ammunition.

During the live-fire demonstration, participants engaged targets at distances ranging from 100 to 500 meters using Target Practice Marker-Tracer (TPM-T) rounds. A wrecked car placed at 250 meters served as a focal target, with shooters also successfully hitting steel plates at various distances. The weapon was equipped with an Aimpoint red-dot sight, which facilitated target acquisition. Observers noted that minor adjustments were sufficient for accurate long-range targeting, and the trigger mechanism was described as having a clean break, contributing to precision shooting.

The SSW40’s compatibility with both LV and MV ammunition types is enabled by its break-barrel design and recoil system. This dual compatibility allows operators to adapt to mission-specific requirements without changing platforms. Additionally, the weapon’s modularity supports future integration with fire control units and airburst munitions, potentially expanding its tactical applications.

Rheinmetall anticipates completing full qualification of the SSW40 by the fourth quarter of 2025, with customer-level verification expected to follow by year-end. The company’s development of the SSW40 reflects ongoing efforts to enhance infantry firepower while maintaining the portability and handling characteristics of conventional assault rifles.

The introduction of MV ammunition represents a notable shift in the design philosophy of shoulder-fired grenade launchers. Traditional LV systems, while effective at shorter ranges, are limited in payload and trajectory. MV rounds offer a flatter trajectory and extended reach, which may influence future procurement decisions and battlefield tactics. The SSW40’s ability to fire both ammunition types could reduce logistical complexity and training requirements, as operators would not need to transition between entirely different weapon systems.

The SSW40’s unveiling highlights a convergence of firepower, range, and ergonomic design in squad-level support weapons. Its development suggests a broader trend toward modular, multi-role systems capable of adapting to diverse combat scenarios. While the weapon remains in the qualification phase, its performance during live-fire testing indicates potential for operational deployment in the near future.