Rheinmetall Enhances Dutch Army’s Fennek Armored Scouts with Cutting-Edge Targeting Technology
Rheinmetall is set to upgrade the Netherlands military’s Fennek wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicle with a new gun carriage-compatible aiming device. The latest apparatus, named Lafettenadaptierbares Zielgerät 400, or LaZ400 for short, will take the place of the current thermal imaging system, greatly improving the Fennek’s reconnaissance and target acquisition capabilities. An order for 246 units has been awarded to Rheinmetall Electronics via Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, the primary contractor for the Fennek. This contract is valued at approximately €36 million, inclusive of value-added tax. Scheduled for delivery by 2027, the devices will be manufactured at the Rheinmetall Electronics facility in Ismaning, Bavaria.
The Lafettenadaptierbares Zielgerät 400 upgrade is part of the Dutch military’s midlife enhancement program for the Fennek. The Dutch armed forces will install the LaZ400 onto the vehicle’s 1530-type gun carriage. This innovative sensor system will replace the currently deployed thermal imaging unit.
Having already been implemented in the Bundeswehr’s FLW200 remotely operated weapon station, the LaZ400 is a proven and reliable system. Its color daylight sensor, thermal imaging sensor, and laser rangefinder provide exceptional reconnaissance capabilities at all hours, alongside precise target engagement.
This contract reaffirms Rheinmetall’s outstanding proficiency in the realm of cutting-edge electro-optical sensor technologies.
