The German government is preparing to approve the purchase of 424 new wheeled armored combat vehicles, valued at approximately 7 billion euros ($8.11 billion), to accelerate the modernization of its ground forces. Based on documents from the Federal Ministry of Finance, this procurement plan is viewed as one of the German Armed Forces’ largest ground forces modernization initiatives in recent years and encompasses two major programs: 274 reconnaissance vehicles from General Dynamics and 150 Schakal armored combat vehicles from Artec GmbH.
Two Main Projects: Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicles
The procurement plan, which is expected to be approved by the Federal Parliament’s Budget Committee in the coming days, includes a total of 424 vehicles and is divided into two main categories:
- General Dynamics Reconnaissance Vehicles:
- Quantity and Value: A framework agreement worth approximately 3.5 billion euros for 274 armored reconnaissance vehicles.
- Delivery Schedule: The first deliveries are scheduled for 2028.
- Additional Option: The agreement includes an option for 82 additional reconnaissance vehicles, which could bring the total number to 356 and the value to approximately 4.6 billion euros.
- Industrial Participation: Hensoldt AG and Rheinmetall AG will provide industrial participation in the areas of sensors, armor, and communications systems for the vehicles.
- Artec GmbH Schakal Armored Combat Vehicles:
- Quantity and Value: A procurement of 150 Schakal wheeled armored combat vehicles valued at approximately 3.4 billion euros.
- Procurement Method: To be conducted through the European Defense Procurement Agency (OCCAR) and awarded to Artec GmbH (a joint venture between KNDS and Rheinmetall), which is responsible for the Boxer program.
- Delivery Schedule: Scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2031.
- Additional Option: Includes an option for 200 additional vehicles, which could bring the total number of Schakal vehicles to 350.
The Strategic Importance of Modernization
With this scalable procurement model, Germany aims to ensure flexibility in batch size and production pace based on operational and budgetary conditions. The reconnaissance vehicles will be deployed in the second half of the 2020s, replacing older platforms and enhancing the reconnaissance capabilities of mechanized brigades.
The Schakal armored combat vehicles, based on the modular 8×8 Boxer platform, will provide German infantry units with a new wheeled armored combat vehicle featuring NATO-compliant networked communication systems, modular protection, and high mobility. This comprehensive procurement demonstrates Germany’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and fulfilling its obligations.
