“Unstoppable Progress: Rheinmetall MAN’s Journey with German Military Logistics Vehicles”

Formal transfer event for the innovative palletized load-handling system and delivery of the 3,000th Unprotected Transport Vehicle

The success narrative of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles continues. During a ceremony in Munich, Michael Wittlinger, Chairman of the Management Board of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH, and Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG, accompanied by the Head of the Land Support Division of the German federal procurement authority Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), First Director at the BAAINBw Jan Gesau, officially presented the key for the next generation of palletized load-handling system to the German Armed Forces. This was represented by Major General Gerald Funke, Commander of the Bundeswehr Logistics Command, Brigadier General Frank Schmitz, Head of the Planning Department at the Joint Support Service Command, and Brigadier General Dr. Thomas Czirwitzky, acting as a representative of the German Army Office.

Another reason for jubilation was the handover of the 3,000th Unprotected Transport Vehicle, or UTF. The fact that these logistic vehicles are a premier project showcasing collaboration among politics, the armed forces, and the industrial sector was evident through the attendance of various eminent personalities from governance, the Bundeswehr, and associated companies. Notable attendees included the Bavarian State Minister of the Interior, Joachim Herrmann, the Deputy Chairman of the Defence Committee of the German Bundestag, Henning Otte, as well as Karsten Klein MdB, Chairman of the Budget Committee, and Bernhard Loos MdB from the Economic Committee.

In June 2020, the Bundeswehr initiated a framework agreement with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicle Systems (RMMV) for the provision of up to 4,000 palletized load-handling systems. This agreement is established till 2027. Known in German as “Wechselladersysteme” or WLS, these systems are integrated on the proven family of HX military trucks from RMMV, ensuring significant compatibility with the existing Unprotected Transport Vehicles, or UTFs. A distinguishing feature of the WLS is the hook loader, designed by the Hiab company. This design allows the Bundeswehr to pick up and deliver flatracks on nearly any terrain without the need for extra handling equipment. Alternatively, the vehicles can also transport modular flatbeds or containers via standardized 20-foot ISO interfaces.

A notable proportion of the Bundeswehr’s WLS trucks come equipped with an armored cabin. The fortified WLS will significantly improve the survivability, logistical maintenance, and tactical versatility of the logistics units within the German Federal Armed Forces.

The WLS is a vital component of NATO’s Very High Joint Readiness Task Force VJTF 2023, which the Bundeswehr is contributing to. In March of this year, training commenced for military operators on the first protected WLS.

For several years, the Unprotected Transport Vehicle family has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of the German Bundeswehr’s logistical formations. In July 2017, the Bundeswehr entered into a contract with Rheinmetall MAN for the provision of its new “UTF mil gl in den Zuladungsklassen 5t und 15t” series of unprotected trucks designed to transport loads of 5 and 15 tonnes.

“The UTF represents a model initiative that has opened pathways for innovative procurement strategies,” stated Michael Wittlinger. “It was the first large-scale adaptable framework agreement. Funded by the German government’s recovery initiative during the pandemic, additional vehicles were ordered and delivered. By early May, 3,000 vehicles had been provided to the client – nearly a thousand more than originally planned for delivery by 2024. RMMV is thus well ahead of schedule in this endeavor.”

Armin Papperger underscored the immense significance of the WLS and UTF for the company in his address. “Both logistics vehicle projects are intricately linked, from both a technical and operational perspective. They epitomize our flagship initiatives. WLS and UTF exemplify how defense programs can be executed in a commendable manner. This achievement is a direct product of the strong collaboration founded on mutual confidence among the German parliament, the armed forces, and the defense sector – for which we owe immense gratitude to all parties involved!”

A significant share of the value generated in the WLS and UTF projects – exceeding 75 percent – is produced within Germany. In close collaboration with the Bundeswehr, RMMV has scaled its UTF production capacity to 1,000 vehicles annually. Considering the likely rise in logistics transport demands, production capacity for the Bundeswehr will be further enhanced. RMMV is also poised to greatly augment its delivery capacity for WLS trucks. Rheinmetall MAN continues to be a robust, efficient, and dependable partner for the Bundeswehr, adept at fulfilling its delivery obligations even in exceptionally challenging conditions, as evidenced during the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

Both the WLS and UTF are built upon RMMV’s resilient HX vehicle family. Designed for military applications from the outset, they exhibit superb mobility even in challenging environments. The extensive deployment of the HX vehicle family globally yields significant benefits in interoperability and logistics. The user nations now encompass not just Germany, but also the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, and Denmark. In partnership with the German armed forces and other allied nations, RMMV is enthusiastic about creating new chapters in the ongoing success narrative of the company’s reliable HX vehicles.