The German government is seeking proposals for the development and production of potentially 252 next-generation reconnaissance vehicles for the army.
Berlin plans to purchase 92 vehicles initially with an optional procurement of 162 later, Soldat & Technik revealed, citing a Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) notice.
Arrival By 2028
The vehicle will replace the 4-wheel Fennek reconnaissance vehicle currently operational with the army reconnaissance troops.
First inducted in 2003, the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann vehicle will reach the end of service life in 2028.
According to the procurement plan, the first two reconnaissance vehicles will be inducted in 2026 and the rest by 2028.
“As an armored, wheel-based vehicle, the next-generation reconnaissance vehicle is intended to ensure the survivability of the army reconnaissance force in the area of intelligence responsibility through high tactical mobility (including buoyancy), comprehensive equipment with communication/information systems, and navigation means as well as means of assertiveness and endurance capability,” the BAAINBw notice said.
Expected Features
The new vehicle is expected to feature a 25mm automatic cannon and a smoke bomb system.
The contractor must provide a comprehensive logistics package, including repairs lasting 20 years after the supply of the last vehicle, according to Soldat & Technik.
Expected competitors include Rheinmetall’s Fuchs, Patria’s Common Armored Vehicle Systems, General Dynamics European Land Systems’ Pandur II, and Iveco’s SuperAV.
Interested bidders can respond to the notice until mid-November.
