Bundeswehr’s Swap-Body Trucks Set to Feature Rheinmetall’s Cutting-Edge ROSY Smoke Systems
The German Bundeswehr’s fleet of interchangeable-body trucks is set to receive Rheinmetall’s ROSY rapid smoke and obscurant system. In an initial phase, Rheinmetall Waffe Munition will provide a total of 540 systems to Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, the entity responsible for manufacturing the trucks. Each ROSY system comprises two launchers equipped with dual magazines, a rapid fastener, and a control unit. This latest ROSY order represents the largest to date, marking a significant advancement in its integration by NATO military forces.
The ROSY vehicle protection mechanism safeguards both military and civilian vehicles from unforeseen assaults during reconnaissance tasks or while navigating in convoys, as well as during both offensive and defensive maneuvers. Unlike traditional smoke and obscurant systems, the ROSY solution generates an immediate, broad, multispectral disruption of visibility. It can also produce a dynamic smokescreen that offers extended protection for moving vehicles.
Installed in both secured and unsecured cabs, the ROSY system significantly increases the safety of crews operating in hazardous environments. Specifically, the systems in the Bundeswehr’s interchangeable-body trucks will greatly improve the survivability and sustainment of logistical units.
In contrast to the Unprotected Transport Vehicle, or UTF, also supplied by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), these interchangeable-body trucks function in frontline zones of the operational area to ensure that combat and combat support units are well-supplied with munitions, for instance. Nevertheless, even when operating further back in the rear, logistical units must remain prepared to counterattacks from remnants of enemy forces or special operators, which is why the swift-responsive ROSY smoke and obscurant system is an invaluable asset for force protection in rear echelon areas.
By early November 2021, Rheinmetall is expected to supply 150 ROSY system kits, with an additional 390 anticipated for delivery by the end of October 2022. There is definite potential for more orders: in June 2020, the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) entered into a framework agreement with RMMV for the procurement of up to 4,000 interchangeable-body trucks, a significant proportion of which are slated to include armoured cabs. In the first call-off, an order was placed for the production of 540 vehicles, 230 of which are to feature protected cabs. Deliveries began in early 2021. The objective is to ensure that the Bundeswehr has a sufficient number of trucks in 2023 when Germany assumes command of the VJTF, NATO’s rapid response spearhead force.
