Rheinmetall signs $3.2 billion framework agreement for platoon systems
The agreement for soldier systems runs until the end of 2030. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Rheinmetall has been awarded a framework agreement to provide up to 368 platoon systems to the German Army under a deal worth €3.1 billion if all options are exercised. The agreement runs for the next six years.
The systems are designated Infantry Soldier of the Future – Enhanced System (IdZ-ES) and will be incorporated into Germany’s Digitisation of Land-Based Operations’ (D-LBO) information and communication network.
On 6 February, the first contract was signed under the agreement, specifically a €417 million deal for 92 platoon systems, consisting of 68 refurbished platoon systems and 24 new systems.
Related Articles
Rheinmetall unveils new Infantry System
Germany to continue future soldier programme procurement
Germany selects Rheinmetall to upgrade future soldier systems
The agreement will allow for the gradual introduction and integration of systems as well as the manufacturing and delivery of up to 368 IdZ-ES platoon systems and various options for the procurement of additional components and services.
Each platoon system comprises 34 individual soldier-systems and a platoon equipment of peripheral components, consisting of advanced command and control equipment, optics and optronics, as well as military clothing, protection and carrying equipment.
Separately, on 4 February, Rheinmetall was awarded a framework contract for the Tactical Wide Area Network for Land Based Operations (TaWAN LBO) and the first contract worth €1.8 billion.
The 10-year framework agreement was described by the company as “worth several billion Euro” and delivery of the network will take place between the end of 2026 and the end of 2029.
The core function of TaWAN LBO is to provide an open transport network for federated mission networking based on a protected core to connect the forward tactical D-LBO networks to the rear-echelon core system.
Following the contracts awarded at the end of 2024 as part of the German Army’s D-LBO programme, TaWAN LBO is designed to be a further milestone for the end-to-end command capabilities of the armed forces.
As part of the TaWAN LBO project, Rheinmetall is also supplying protected 8x8 HX trucks from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), which serve as carrier vehicles for the large directional radio systems and are equipped with mobile high extendable antenna masts.
One of the vehicles will hold the mast system, while another will carry the 20ft functional container with workstations, servers and other equipment. RMMV will be delivering a total of 102 vehicles.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
-
MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.
-
Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow
The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity.
-
More bidders move onto starting grid for British Army Land Rover replacement programme
The Light Mobility Vehicle segment of the UK’s Land Mobility Programme for the British Army may actually be about to make progress, or at least likely bidders seem to think so. Shephard spoke with several contenders who revealed their views on how the army should replace the ageing fleet.
-
UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day
The UK’s plan to introduce a new air defence capability into the British Army will cover short and medium-range defence as well as counter-uncrewed aerial system systems. Timelines are not yet laid out but industry is making plans.