Rheinmetall has received a 285-million euro ($309 million) contract to supply 367 additional armored and non-armored military trucks for the German armed forces.
Alongside the logistic vehicles, the company will provide 1,830 interchangeable swap-body platforms to configure the vehicles into load carriers.
The delivery of the fleet is expected by the third quarter of 2023.
“With the call-off of a further 367 swap-body systems, we’re very pleased to be making an important contribution to the Bundeswehr and the operational readiness of the agreed NATO Division 2025,” Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles’ Michael Wittlinger stated.
“The new call-off, coming one year after the key handover ceremony in May 2022, is a clear sign that the process of reequipping the German armed forces is making steady headway.”
The framework agreement for the trucks was signed by the German military procurement agency in 2020.
This seven-year contract will see the purchase of up to 4,000 swap-body vehicles, more than 600 of which have already been shipped to the German armed forces.
Rheinmetall’s Swap-Body Trucks
The swap-body trucks are Rheinmetall’s latest Unprotected Transport Vehicles (UTFs) product under the company’s military HX vehicle family.
The truck’s primary asset is a hook-loader developed by handling solutions provider Hiab.
The capability can lift and set down swap-body platforms according to the user’s inventory requirements in any terrain.
In addition, the hook can be operated without additional cargo handling equipment.
This mechanism allows the carrying of loads ranging from swap-body platforms to containers according to a 20-foot (6 meters) ISO standard.
Armored Cabs
According to Rheinmetall, the future German swap-body trucks will also consist of armored cabs to enhance personnel survivability and sustainment and flexible management of tactical logistic units and formations.
Consumables the vehicle can transport include ammunition, fuel, and water.
Currently, the UTFs and swap-body systems are used by other allied partners, including the UK, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Australia, and New Zealand.