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Rheinmetall’s Kodiak AEV Demonstrates its Ability to Support Engineering Operations in Poland.
On March 6, 2025, Rheinmetall announced that it had demonstrated the capabilities of the Kodiak armored engineer vehicle during the Polish military engineering corps commanders' conference. This event, held on February 26, 2025, at the Ostrowo Krzyckie military training ground, brought together representatives from the armed forces, procurement authorities, and industry. The objective was to highlight the mobility, versatility, and protection offered by this vehicle, designed to support engineering operations in operational environments.
The Kodiak AEV 3 is an armored engineer vehicle developed by Rheinmetall based on the Leopard 2 chassis (Picture source: Rheinmetall)
At the start of the demonstration, the Kodiak showcased its maneuverability and performance in acceleration and speed across challenging terrain. It then demonstrated its capabilities in standard military engineering tasks, including supporting friendly forces and hindering enemy movement. Using its centrally mounted excavator arm and bulldozer blade, it excavated an anti-tank trench before proceeding with the repair of a damaged flood barrier. The presentation concluded with the Kodiak successfully crossing the trench it had just created, demonstrating the effectiveness of its central-arm design.
The Kodiak AEV 3 is an armored engineer vehicle developed by Rheinmetall based on the Leopard 2 chassis. Designed for military engineering units, it combines mobility, protection, and adaptability to operate across various terrains. It is equipped with a centrally mounted excavator arm with interchangeable tools, an adjustable bulldozer blade, and a high-performance winch system, enabling it to clear, move, or remove obstacles efficiently. It can also be fitted with a mine-clearing system, including a Pearson plow and a lane-marking system, making it a key asset for securing routes in conflict zones. Additionally, it is suitable for disaster relief operations.
In terms of protection and weaponry, the Kodiak ensures the safety of its two- or three-person crew with reinforced armor against projectiles and mines. It features an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system, a climate-controlled compartment, and a remotely operated weapon station that can accommodate a 12.7 mm machine gun or a grenade launcher. Its advanced optical system, consisting of six cameras, allows operators to maneuver and perform all tasks while remaining protected, minimizing exposure to threats. Powered by an MTU-MB 873 engine delivering 1,100 kW, it reaches a maximum speed of 68 km/h and seamlessly keeps pace with modern armored units.
As the only currently developed armored engineer vehicle based on the Leopard 2 chassis, the Kodiak meets the demands of military engineering forces. Its well-balanced chassis and propulsion system provide high mobility. It is already in service in Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Singapore, where it operates alongside Leopard 2 main battle tanks. In 2021, Germany also ordered 44 units for the Bundeswehr.
Rheinmetall has also emphasized the modularity of the Kodiak and its potential conversion into the Keiler Next Generation (NG) mine-clearing vehicle. Recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, have highlighted the growing importance of obstacle breaching and clearance in modern warfare. Developed to address these requirements, the Keiler NG, first presented at Eurosatory 2024, offers a mobile and protected support solution.
Two acquisition options are available: a mine-clearing kit for integration with existing Kodiak vehicles or a fully customized Keiler NG system. The demonstration in Poland highlighted the ease with which the Kodiak can be equipped with Keiler NG modules, including a Pearson mine plow over four meters wide, capable of neutralizing mines at a rate of 250 meters per minute on soft terrain. For firmer ground, the Plofadder explosive detonation cord system, developed by Rheinmetall Denel Munition, can clear a passage 160 meters long and nine meters wide within minutes. When combined, two Plofadder systems can clear a minefield up to 250 meters deep while marking the cleared lanes for follow-on units, even at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Unlike the Kodiak, the Keiler NG replaces the excavator arm with an integrated crane, enhancing field maintenance, resupply, and tool exchange operations. Both vehicles are equipped with the ROSY rapid smoke protection system and a Natter 12.7 mm remotely operated weapon station. The demonstration in Poland effectively showcased the Kodiak’s versatility and its ability to evolve into the Keiler NG, addressing the increasing requirements for mine clearance and obstacle breaching on contemporary battlefields.