Rheinmetall – leading supplier of soldier systems and expert partner for network-enabled operations.

Rheinmetall continues to widen its lead as the world’s foremost supplier of advanced soldier systems. Besides the world premiere of the Argus New Generation, at Eurostory 2018 in Paris, the Düsseldorf-based specialist for security and mobility was showcasing the Future Soldier – Extended System (IdZ-ES) used by the German Bundeswehr, along with the advanced Gladius 2.0.

 The Gladius 2.0 system demonstrator was initially configured in three different variants. The Basic variant is the standard version for infantry soldiers. It comes with a smartphone that serves as the command computer, enabling participation in network-enabled operations. The advanced version encompasses an expanded array of capabilities for military leaders, including a second radio for communication with higher-echelon command elements. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)

All of these systems bring individual infantry soldiers, combat vehicles and unmanned systems into the tactical sensor-to-shooter network. Higher echelon command elements can also be included. The common operational picture forms the basis for faster, better-informed decision-making at all levels, a key factor in gaining and maintaining the initiative.

IdZ-ES is at the heart of moves to digitalize the German Army. This state-of-the-art soldier system gives infantry and mechanized infantry forces and their Boxer and Puma fighting vehicles a decisive battlefield edge in network-enabled operations. Thanks to the Bundeswehr ordering an additional lot of IdZ-ES sets last summer, more than 3,500 members of all three components of the German armed forces will soon be equipped with one of the most advanced soldier systems currently in service.

Debuting in 2017, the Gladius 2.0 builds on Rheinmetall’s wealth of experience in soldier systems. Thanks to its open architecture and independence from specific end devices, e.g. radio systems, Gladius 2.0 features a high degree of scalability and flexibility. Extra components can be easily added on a plug and play basis. This means that the system can be adapted to meet the evolving needs of different customers. The Gladius 2.0 system demonstrator, for example, was initially configured in three different variants. The Basic variant is the standard version for infantry soldiers. It comes with a smartphone that serves as the command computer, enabling participation in network-enabled operations. The Advanced version encompasses an expanded array of capabilities for military leaders, including a second radio for communication with higher-echelon command elements. In particular, Gladius 2.0 is characterized by high scalability and flexibility. This means that other components can be easily connected to all variants on a plug-and-play basis. Augmenting the portfolio is the Light version, an extremely low-weight variant designed for special operators.

TacNet is Rheinmetall’s Tactical Management System (TMS). It is designed to meet the requirements of high-mobility operations at the tactical level, essentially serving as a command and weapon engagement system. TacNet Soldier is specifically tailored for use in soldier systems, augmented by TacNet Vehicle for the accompanying combat vehicles.
In revolutionary fashion, TacNet Vehicle welds two different software systems into a single product family. The cross-sectional display and control device feeds directly into TacNet. This expands the operational spectrum of the software to all touchscreen-operated systems. Other means of entering data, e.g. via control handles, are also possible.
As an integrative system, TacNet networks platforms, sensors and effectors. It is compatible with other command & control systems and interoperable thanks to the use of internationally recognized standards. Due to its array of role-based functions, TacNet is scalable. Moreover, it can be expanded with the help of apps, including those produced by third parties.

The increasing digitalization of the modern battlefield poses challenges for the armed forces as well as offering opportunities. Reliable networking of systems and actors at multiple command echelons is very important given the decisive impact of information, command, and fire superiority. Turning its attention first and foremost to requirements at the mobile tactical level, Rheinmetall is creating solution concepts for the networked battlefield of the future. In this way, the Düsseldorf-based Group brings its partners directly into the “system of systems” loop. As a longstanding partner of the Bundeswehr, Rheinmetall is eager to accompany Germany’s ground forces at each stage of the way on the path to complete digitalization of land-based operations (D-LBO), helping to forge “Heer 4.0” – the German Army of the future. In order to do this, Rheinmetall has assembled a core team of top-notch defence contractors, including Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG and ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik- GmbH. Moreover, the team is open to contributions from other partners, the sole goal being to supply our soldiers with the best-possible technologies, all from a single source.

Overcoming multiple competitors, Rheinmetall has won the first request for proposals for preliminary studies relating to European Union defence research financed by the EU’s European Defence Union. Under a project known as “Generic Open Soldier Systems Reference Architecture”, or GOSSRA, the European Commission has put the globe-spanning tech group in charge of a consortium consisting of partners from nine different EU member states. Under the GOSSRA project, studies will be conducted into developing an open reference architecture as the basis of EU-wide standardized soldier systems. This includes electronics, voice and data communication, software solutions, man-machine interfaces, sensors and effectors.