
News Companies Salzgitter 635 08 July 2025
SECURE 500 certified for the German Armed Forces – the company strengthens its defense segment
The German steel company Salzgitter AG has received official approval to supply armor steel for military purposes. The group’s subsidiary, Ilsenburger Grobblech GmbH, has completed certification of SECURE 500 steel in accordance with the technical requirements of TL 2350-0000, which allows its use in Bundeswehr protection systems and transport. This is stated in the company’s press release.
SECURE 500 armored steel, which is 6 to 16 mm thick, has undergone comprehensive testing, including testing for behavior during shelling, explosions, and weldability. The product is manufactured in a quenched and tempered (QT) state and has a high level of hardness and a uniform martensitic structure, which provides effective protection against ballistic threats.
“This is a great achievement after extensive testing. We have the technological base to produce high-strength steel with excellent surface quality and precision,” commented Torsten Gintaut, Sales Director at Ilsenburger Grobblech.
Salzgitter is actively developing its defense business in response to the growing need for protective equipment in European countries.
“Security and freedom in Europe are no longer guaranteed. As a steel company, we feel responsible for contributing to strengthening defense capabilities,” said Torsten Möllmann, Head of Corporate Communications at Salzgitter AG.
The company is already in the process of certifying other steels from the SECURE line and plans to expand its presence in the military sector in the near future.
Earlier, German defense producers, including Rheinmetall AG, called on national steel companies to increase the production of military-grade steel. Demand for armor 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.