The German Bundeswehr has placed an order with Rheinmetall for 367 protected and unprotected logistic vehicles. This order is a further call-off from the frame-work contract for swap-body systems signed in June 2020.
In addition to the vehicles, the order includes 1,830 swap-body platforms to serve as interchange- able load carriers. The call-off is worth around €285 million, including value added tax. Delivery of the vehicles is expected to be complete in 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”,
declares Michael Wittlinger, chairman of the board of management of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH
“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 swap-body system’s principal item of equipment is the hook-loader. Developed by Hiab, it can lift and set down swap-body platforms in the Bundeswehr inventory in virtually any type of terrain, with no need for additional cargo-handling equipment. As an alternative, the vehicles can carry a swap-body platform or a container via a standardized 20-foot ISO interface.
A large share of the swap-body trucks for the Bundeswehr will feature an armoured cab, substantially enhancing crew survivability and sustainment as well as the tactical flexibility of logistic units and formations. Swap-body trucks are used primarily for supplying combat formations with bulk consumables such as ammunition, fuel and water.
Both the swap-body systems and UTFs are based on Rheinmetall’s robust HX family of vehicles.
Cover Image Courtesy of Rheinmetall
