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Germany Builds up Its Logistical Capabilities Through Purchase of Trucks and Transport Vehicles from Rheinmetall.
The German armed forces have awarded Rheinmetall a contract for supplying 568 logistics vehicles, worth over €330 million. The order includes 349 unprotected transport vehicles (UTF) in 5t and 15t configurations, as well as 219 trucks equipped with a swap-body system, of which 121 will be fitted with a protected driver's cabin. The vehicles are set to be delivered between 2025 and 2026, marking an important step in the continued modernization of the Bundeswehr's logistical capabilities.
Based on the proven HX family platform, these vehicles are specifically designed for military use and are renowned for their robustness, mobility, and versatility. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)
The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag officially approved the contract on December 18, 2024, ensuring that Rheinmetall would begin fulfilling the order in the fourth quarter of the same year. The delivery of the UTF trucks is planned for 2026, while the swap-body trucks are expected to be delivered by November 2025.
This latest order is part of a broader framework agreement concluded in July 2024, representing the largest order in Rheinmetall's history for logistical vehicles. The agreement allows the Bundeswehr to place additional orders for UTF vehicles, which range from 5t to 15t models, and introduces a new 4x4 model, the UTF 3.5t. This new model complements the existing fleet with high interoperability and compatibility within the vehicle family.
Rheinmetall’s success in securing this important contract further strengthens its role as a key supplier to the Bundeswehr, following a record year in 2024, where over 2,000 HX military trucks were delivered. These included 1,715 swap-body systems, 250 unprotected transport vehicles, and 50 semi-trailer units, demonstrating the company's commitment to enhancing the Bundeswehr's logistical framework.
The vehicles to be supplied under this contract will improve the Bundeswehr’s logistical mobility, which is crucial for operations in diverse and challenging terrains. Based on the proven HX family platform, these vehicles are specifically designed for military use and are renowned for their robustness, mobility, and versatility, ensuring their operational effectiveness both in national and international contexts.
The HX family of vehicles, already widely used by many international armed forces, including those of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden, has become a global standard in military logistics. Since 2017, Rheinmetall has delivered over 6,000 HX vehicles, demonstrating the widespread acceptance and trust placed in these vehicles across various operational theaters. The recent order underscores the confidence placed in the HX family, with more than 20,000 units in service worldwide.
Rheinmetall continues to play a key role in strengthening the Bundeswehr’s logistical capabilities, ensuring that the German armed forces maintain a high level of operational readiness and mobility. As part of this ongoing modernization, the company remains an essential partner in shaping the future of military logistics, both in Germany and globally.