Technology: German Company Rheinmetall demonstrates new SSW40 40mm shoulder-fired grenade launcher.

On July 8, 2025, Rheinmetall demonstrated its groundbreaking Squad Support Weapon 40 (SSW40) in live firing for the first time at its Unterlüß test center in Germany. This marks a historic advancement in infantry firepower with the debut of the first-ever automatic, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired grenade launcher built for the new 40mm x 46 medium velocity (MV) ammunition. The SSW40 delivers a unique combination of mobility, precision, and destructive capability while maintaining the handling characteristics of an assault rifle.
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Rheinmetall presents the SSW40 Squad Support Weapon during AUSA 2024 featuring the world’s first magazine-fed shoulder-fired grenade launcher for medium velocity 40mm ammunition. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The SSW40 stands out for its compact and ergonomic design, weighing approximately four kilograms and measuring around 80 centimeters in length. Its ambidextrous layout and intuitive controls include a dual-function safety and magazine release switch accessible to the shooting hand, a bolt catch located on top of the receiver, and a break-barrel switch placed in front of the magazine well. The cocking mechanism is integrated into the shoulder stock, and a disassembly switch at the rear of the receiver allows for rapid field maintenance.

This new system introduces a step-change in effectiveness through its compatibility with programmable airburst ammunition and its ability to engage targets up to 900 meters. MV ammunition provides higher velocity, extended range, and increased payload compared to traditional low-velocity 40mm rounds, while maintaining controllability. Its break-barrel feature allows the SSW40 to fire longer grenades that approach the performance envelope of high-velocity 40mm x 53 ammunition typically reserved for crew-served platforms.

During the live-fire event, Rheinmetall positioned steel targets at 100, 200, 300, and 500 meters, with a wrecked vehicle placed at 250 meters to simulate an urban combat scenario. Participants first engaged targets with a conventional low-velocity grenade launcher before transitioning to the SSW40 for side-by-side comparison. Both weapons fired Target Practice Marker-Tracer (TPM-T) rounds, highlighting the superior performance and controllability of the new launcher.

Shooter feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The SSW40's recoil was reported to be negligible despite the higher chamber pressure, thanks to its encapsulated self-regulating hydropneumatic recoil system. Operators described the handling as similar to that of a heavy assault rifle. With the integrated Aimpoint red-dot optic, users easily acquired targets at varying ranges. Adjustments for distance were minimal and intuitive. The weapon’s clean trigger break significantly contributed to its accuracy during testing.