Rheinmetall's stock price has declined slightly, closing at 1,754.50 euros, down 0.54% from the previous day's 1,764 euros. The stock remains in the middle third of the DAX index, currently trading at a volume of 37,030 shares. It is 12.62% below its 52-week high of 2,008 euros. Rheinmetall, with a market capitalization of 78.72 billion euros and 30,640 employees, reported revenues of 6.40 billion euros and a profit of 750 million euros for the fiscal year ending December 2022. Despite recent fluctuations, the company remains an important component of the DAX, holding a weight of 3.71%. Meanwhile, Kassel-based Rheinmetall has secured a significant defense contract involving the production of the new 'Schakal' (Jackal) armored vehicle for the Bundeswehr and Dutch army. The European procurement agency OCCAR has ordered 222 units of the Schakal, with 150 destined for Germany and 72 for the Netherlands. The contract is valued at approximately 4.7 billion euros, with Rheinmetall receiving around 3.4 billion euros. Rheinmetall will produce the chassis, mount the turret, and handle final assembly and delivery at its Kassel site, which is designated as a competence center for armored vehicles. The project will create additional jobs and require further investment, with production scheduled to start in 2027. The Schakal is designed for rapid deployment by middle-tier forces, offering mobility, protection, and firepower, and will replace older models like the Marder. The vehicle's name follows the tradition of naming Bundeswehr vehicles after animals, such as the Leopard tank and Tiger helicopter. The contract may be extended to up to 248 vehicles, further boosting local industry. Rheinmetall also benefits from regional suppliers involved in the project, including those producing components for the Panther and Boxer vehicles. Notably, the Schakal's development aligns with NATO readiness and rapid deployment strategies. Other planned projects, such as the Fuchs transport vehicle, are uncertain for future procurement. The production in Kassel is expected to commence in 2027, supporting regional economic growth and military modernization.