Rheinmetall to modernise Dutch ARVs

Rheinmetall has received a contract to modernise the Dutch armed forces’ fleet of Bergepanzer 3 Buffalo armoured recovery vehicles (ARV), the company announced on 30 April.

During the first phase of the contract, four vehicles will undergo a combat performance upgrade. The second phase will see a further 21 vehicles undergo corresponding modernisation.

The modernisation work will include a complete overhaul of the vehicles: the installation of advanced visualisation technology; mission packages featuring ballistic and mine protection; and new battlefield recovery equipment. Also included are technical documentation and training. The work will extend the service life of the combat support vehicles through to the year 2040.

The vehicle’s new battlefield recovery equipment will be transferred to the rear section of the vehicle. This will allow crew to hook up damaged Royal Dutch Army vehicles without leaving the safety of their compartment, before towing them from the battlefield. The modified vehicle will also feature a flexible-use universal transport platform mounted on the rear section of the vehicle for carrying vehicle recovery equipment.

Delivery of the first vehicles will take place at the beginning of 2021.