Rheinmetall envisions future soldiers
Rheinmetall has completed their concept for the third generation of the Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-EZ) and presented it to the German Bundeswehr.
The presentation was preceded by a comprehensive study contract awarded to Rheinmetall in March 2021.
The study aims to examine and evaluate potential improvements in the version of IdZ-ES already in service in order to produce a concept for the next-generation soldier system.
The concept will reveal potential implementation risks, cost drivers and the degree of maturity of a mission-oriented system.
It will serve the Bundeswehr as a basis for preparing solution proposals for the procurement of a 3rd generation IdZ-ES.
The study is to be complete by 30 May 2022. The outcome could result in another significant contract for Rheinmetall.
The study comprises seven work packages, which together form the complete IdZ-ES system.
These include the C4I functions, which are being examined regarding planned conformity with the Digitised Land-Based Operations programme.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Future Soldier – Expanded Systems (IdZ-ES) is a modular system of 20 component elements in the categories of clothing and personal equipment, electronics, optronics and weaponry.
More from Defence Notes
-
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.
-
European Commission sets out first-ever European Defence Industrial strategy
The strategy set out by the Commission will aim to bolster Europe’s defence industry, foster innovation and strengthen international alliances.
-
Boeing fined $51 million due to unauthorised exports
An administrative settlement between the US Department of State and the manufacturer resolved 199 violations of US regulations including unauthorised exports of technical data to China.