Next German Armed Forces-order for RheinmetallThe Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has concluded a framework contract with Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH for the procurement of soldier systems “Infantryman of the Future – Expanded System” (IdZ-ES). The framework agreement has a maximum gross volume of 3.1 billion euros and runs until the end of 2030.
In total, the Bundeswehr can thus trigger the proportional regeneration, manufacture and delivery of up to 368 IdZ-ES train systems and numerous options for the procurement of supplementary components and services.
With the conclusion of the contract, the 68 IdZ-ES train systems currently in use in the Bundeswehr will be upgraded to a digital standard and a further 24 train systems, including extensive peripherals, will be permanently commissioned. The firm order worth around 417 million euros will be booked in the first quarter of 2025.
The contract signed on February 6 is the largest contract to date for the procurement of soldier systems for both Rheinmetall and the BAAINBw. These will play an increasingly important role on the digital battlefield of the future as a networked element of command and control.
A platoon system mainly comprises 34 individual soldier systems and a platoon equipment of peripheral components, consisting of extended IT equipment, optics, optronics, as well as clothing, protection and carrying equipment. As the general contractor, Rheinmetall is responsible for the system and brings together the services of more than 30 subcontractors.
With the framework agreement, the Bundeswehr is procuring a modernized design status of the IdZ-ES, based on the IdZ-ES VJTF 2023 soldier system from the Panzergrenadier system already in use. With the new design status “VJTF 2023 obsolescence-cleaned”, all technically obsolete components will be removed and the communication and data exchange capability with the Boxer armored transport vehicle and Puma infantry fighting vehicle will be implemented and prepared for the airborne platform. The revised basic hardware of the soldier systems is also prepared as far as possible for connection to the “Digitalization Land-Based Operations” (D-LBO) information and communication network.
Here for further reports about Rheinmetall and here to further reports on the Bundeswehr.
