“Unveiling the Future: Germany and the Netherlands Forge €1.9 Billion Pact with Rheinmetall for 3,058 Advanced Airmobile Vehicles”
The German and Dutch military forces have engaged Rheinmetall to deliver up to 3,058 Caracal airmobile units. Valued at up to €1.9 billion, this multiyear framework agreement encompasses up to 2,054 vehicles designated for Germany and 1,004 for the Netherlands. As an initial phase, a firm order has been placed from the framework agreement for 1,508 units, amounting to roughly €870 million, inclusive of value-added tax. To fund this procurement initiative, Germany is utilizing the specialized fund established last year for modernizing the Bundeswehr.
The Caracal arises from a collaboration between Rheinmetall, Mercedes-Benz AG, and Armoured Car Systems GmbH. The delivery of initial trial models is set for the first quarter of 2024, with series production scheduled to commence in early 2025.
A 4×4 all-terrain vehicle, the Caracal is a highly mobile platform specifically crafted to fulfill the requirements of airmobile formations and special operations units.
The acquisition of the “Deployment System Airmobile Platform” is progressing amidst the challenging security landscape and the pressing need for enhanced capabilities in national and alliance defense. Due to the strong collaboration between the German and Dutch military forces and the similar procurement needs in both nations, this project has been a bilateral effort since its inception.
The bidding process, which initiated in October 2022, was concluded through two expedited proposal phases. Ultimately, Rheinmetall presented the most cost-effective bid, with pricing and technical specifications aligning to surpass competing offers.
The Caracal is constructed on a commercially available chassis from the new G-model 464 series by Mercedes-Benz. In the future, Rheinmetall will thereby be able to provide users globally with a reliable, technically advanced platform, offering logistical support throughout the vehicle’s extensive lifespan.
With the introduction of the Caracal, Rheinmetall’s range of tactical vehicle systems has extended to include the lightweight, sub-10-ton 4×4 category, where the Düsseldorf-based technology firm envisions significant growth opportunities.
“In collaboration with our partners Mercedes-Benz AG and Armoured Car Systems GmbH, we are prepared to initiate and can swiftly transition to large-scale, high-volume series manufacturing,” affirms Dr. Björn Bernhard, managing director of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. “Final assembly of all German and Dutch units will occur at our facility in Ede in the Netherlands and at VDL Special Vehicles B.V. in Eindhoven, our chosen partner enterprise. Having two assembly sites will enable us to rapidly increase production while simultaneously ensuring sustained value addition in the Netherlands, our partner nation,” Dr. Bernhard remarks.
