Dutch ditch Mercedes-Benz air assault vehicle deal
11 Airmobile Brigade (pictured on exercise) would have been a major recipient of the 12kN air assault vehicle. (Photo: Netherlands MoD)
Will Germany come to the rescue after the Netherlands had to cancel a contract for 515 air assault vehicles?
The Dutch MoD on 18 November announced the cancellation of a contract with Mercedes-Benz Netherlands for 12kN air assault vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz Netherlands had won a contract ahead of competition from Defenture and Jankel in October 2018 for 515 vehicles but the MoD noted in an 18 November statement that the programme ‘was already facing delays’ and the company ‘cannot fulfil the contract’.
Mercedes-Benz was to develop G-Class 300 CDI vehicles to fit in a Chinook or underslung. ‘In addition,’ the MoD noted, ‘the vehicles had to be able to carry sufficient cargo and also be sufficiently protected against, for example, artillery threats. This complex combination of factors turned out not to be feasible for the supplier.’
The MoD held talks with Mercedes-Benz to explore potential solutions but it stated that ‘this was not possible within the financial agreements made’.
After giving the contractor a final opportunity in October 2021 to confirm it could meet the requirements of the contract within the agreed price, the MoD decided to terminate the deal.
Mercedes-Benz had been due to start deliveries of the new 12kN vehicles in 2021, in three variants: combat (329 vehicles), logistics (144) and casevac (42).
With the termination of the 12kN deal, the Netherlands is left with a gap to fill for its 11 Airmobile rapid light infantry brigade that operates within the German Rapid Forces Division.
The MoD stated that it ‘is entering into talks’ with a view to joining the German Bundeswehr Airborne Platform programme, a tender for which is expected in 2023. However, this would see initial deliveries only in 2027.
‘In the intervening period, the Airmobile Brigade must continue to have vehicles at its disposal,’ the MoD admitted, adding that it is ‘investigating the possibilities for this and will provide more clarity about an interim solution before the end of the year [2021]’.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability]()
Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence]()
UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence
Reported to provide a high percentage of precision in its engagements, the South Korean air defence system has been receiving growing international interest since it was deployed by the UAE to defeat Iranian missiles.
-
![Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production]()
Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production
DroneShield has experienced significant growth in a short period of time, more than doubling its personnel to 500 people in the space of 18 months on the back of both military and civil demand.
-
![UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary]()
UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary
Estonia is looking for innovative ways to deal with its particular challenges but, according to the MoD’s permanent secretary, Kaimo Kuusk, technology still needs to be backed up by old-fashioned long-range punch.
