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
-
April land forces roundup: Munitions and long-range fires drive procurement momentum
The demand for long-range fires continues alongside the drive to increase artillery shell manufacture and the procurement of new artillery weapons.
-
Laser weapon solutions are emerging as Europe confronts air defence cost imbalance
Europe’s air defence debate is increasingly shaped by the blunt economics of the field. While high-value interceptor missiles can effectively shoot down cheap drones, doing so at scale presents cost challenges.
-
Is the RCH 155 self-propelled wheeled howitzer for the British Army finally on the way?
The Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm self-propelled gun is making strong progress, with contracts being placed and production capacity being boosted for the base Boxer vehicle.
-
ARX Robotics expands in UK following British Army backing for uncrewed platforms
Following an order from the British Army, ARX Robotics has begun manufacturing autonomous ground platforms in the UK. Christopher Foss examines the company's growing range of systems.
-
Textron unveils a smaller, low-cost variant of the Ripsaw family of UGVs
Ripsaw M1 has been designed to support the US Marine Corps’ littoral missions by carrying diverse types of payloads and performing multiple missions. Shephard spoke with Textron to find out more.
-
UK plans to adopt “phased approach to restarting” British Army Ajax programme
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after health issues during an exercise. However, an investigation reported “no single causal mechanism of the symptoms reported by our soldiers but rather a combination of multiple factors”.