Salzgitter expands steel supply capabilities for the defense industry

The company has received new approvals for SECURE 500 and SECURE 450, which will cover more than half of the demand for armored vehicles

German metallurgical company Salzgitter AG is strengthening its position in the market for special steels for the defense industry, having received extended certification for SECURE 500 armor grades and new certification for SECURE 450. These steels are produced by the concern’s subsidiary, Ilsenburger Grobblech GmbH, according to a press release.

In particular, SECURE 500 now meets the requirements of technical conditions TL 2350-0000 in thicknesses from 6 to 25 mm, which opens up a wider range of applications for it in Bundeswehr technology, from military vehicle bodies to protective system components. At the same time, SECURE 450 steel has been certified in the 6-20 mm range. Together, these two products cover more than 50% of the steel demand for many modern armored vehicles.

Salzgitter predicts that the expected approvals for SECURE 400 and SECURE 600 in the near future will make it possible to virtually meet the needs of a number of military platforms with steel produced in-house. This will significantly strengthen the autonomy of the European supply chain for high-quality armored materials.

The company notes that the new certifications not only confirm the quality of its products, but also demonstrate the group’s technical competence in the field of protective materials. Salzgitter also recently passed an audit and was approved as a new supplier of SECURE steels for one of the leading defense companies. Negotiations with other manufacturers are ongoing, and product samples are already being tested.

“The extension of the approval demonstrates the progress we have made in our development. This important milestone serves as an incentive for us to continue driving forward the SECURE initiative with the same priority and full energy,” emphasized Thorsten Gintaut, Sales Director at Ilsenburger Grobblech GmbH.

Earlier, German defense manufacturers, including Rheinmetall AG, called on national steel companies to increase the production of military-grade steel. Demand for armored steel is growing amid the war in Ukraine and a possible reduction in US military support for Europe. Currently, Germany’s defense industry is largely dependent on Swedish supplier SSAB AB.