The German Federal Armed Forces are entering their largest armored vehicle procurement program in history.
According to Hartpunkt, citing the CEO of Rheinmetall, Germany is set to sign a €25 billion contract for the "Boxer" armored vehicle in December 2026, to be executed jointly by Rheinmetall and KNDS. If subsequent framework contracts are approved, the total project value could expand to €75 billion.
This fixed order covers 1,800 Boxer armored vehicles, including chassis variants such as the "Skyneger" air defense system and the RCH-155 self-propelled howitzer. Future procurement could increase the total number to 5,500 units. Additionally, Germany plans to launch the third batch of "Puma" infantry fighting vehicles in 2027, with a budget of €5 billion. At that time, the Bundeswehr's Puma fleet will reach 600 vehicles—still below the target of 1,000.
In the missile domain, Rheinmetall plans to open an ATACMS missile production line in Germany by 2027, with first deliveries expected by year-end. This move follows Lockheed Martin shifting its production capacity toward the next-generation PrSM missile, transferring European ATACMS manufacturing to Germany. Furthermore, Germany and the Netherlands have jointly ordered 69 Schakal armored vehicles equipped with RCT-30 turrets, under a contract worth nearly €650 million.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872927286733843/
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