Rheinmetall has been contracted to provide a mobile communication/directional radio management system for the German Armed Forces.
An integrated communication network, the Tactical Wide Area Network for Land Based Operations (TaWAN LBO), will be set up under the 1.88-billion-euro ($1.96 billion) contract.
A German military division will be equipped with the system, with delivery taking place from the end of 2026 to the end of 2029.
It is part of a 10-year framework contract signed between Rheinmetall Electronics and the German defense procurement agency. The contract is worth several billion euros.
TaWAN LBO
The TaWAN LBO provides secure and reliable networking between mobile platforms through software-based radio link management and command interface vehicle components.
It aims to reduce reliance on satellite communication and enhance resilience against electronic warfare.
“It also serves to connect the network for digitization of land-based operations to the rear core network and to networks of multinational partners,” according to the German military.
The “large directional radio system” will be ensconced in a 20-foot (6-meter) container on a protected 8×8 HX truck.
Accompanying the vehicle will be another truck carrying a mobile high-extendable antenna mast.
A total of 102 vehicles will be provided by Rheinmetall as part of the contract.
Digitization of Land-Based Operations
Rheinmetall was earlier contracted for the Digitalization of land-based operations (D-LBO) program in December.
The 1.2-billion-euro ($1.25-billion) contract calls for the integration of IT-systems for all vehicle and platform systems of the German land forces.
“Now that the Bundeswehr will be receiving TaWAN LBO and D-LBO from a single source, the conditions for a synchronized coordination concerning the introduction of both systems are given,” Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said.
“It is our ambition to provide the Bundeswehr with a seamless and reliable communication network within the given timeframe – one which can be considered a flagship of digitalisation in Germany.”
