German Army to acquire 148 Boxer RCT30 IFVs equipped with the turret of the SPz Puma.

According to Hartpunkt on May 13, 2024, the German Army will procure 148 Boxer RCT30 infantry fighting vehicles equipped with a turret already used by the SPz Puma, the successor of the Marder 1A3. This decision aims to provide the Bundeswehr's Grenadier units with vehicles that offer high protection and advanced armament, including anti-drone capabilities.
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The Boxer RCT30 IFV, despite its resemblance to the Australian Boxer sWaTrgInf Heavy Weapons Carrier, is a distinct variant of the Boxer GTK specifically made for the German Army. (Picture source: KNDS)

The German Army intends to procure the Boxer RCT30, also known as PuBo (Puma Boxer), an 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle featuring a turret derived from the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, for its new "Medium Forces" category. This decision has been verified by multiple sources and is aimed at reinforcing the capabilities of the Bundeswehr's grenadier units. A request for proposals to the industry is anticipated soon, focusing solely on an unmanned turret system, excluding the previously considered manned 30mm Lance Block II turret from Rheinmetall.

The selection of the Boxer RCT30 turret, developed by KNDS Deutschland, means that the vehicle will incorporate the sophisticated turret system utilized in the SPz Puma tracked infantry fighting vehicle, the successor of the Marder 1A3. This choice is motivated by strategic considerations. Unlike the Puma SPz, which lacks dismount capability and is used for direct tactical fire support with a smaller combat space, the Boxer RCT30 offers a larger combat space necessary for accommodating fully equipped grenadier squads. This capability aligns with the operational requirements of the grenadier units, which need a vehicle serving as both a mobile base and a highly protected, lethal combat platform.

The urgency for rapid deployment and the imperative to mitigate technical risks also played a role in the decision. The seamless integration of the PuBo with the "Infantryman of the Future - Enhanced System" (IdZ-ES) is anticipated, drawing upon the extensive integration knowledge gained from the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. This approach minimizes the risks and complexities associated with the vehicle's operational readiness, an area where the Australian Boxer sWaTrgInf Heavy Weapons Carrier would have posed significant challenges due to its lack of compatibility with the IdZ-ES system.

According to Hartpunkt, the procurement process will be facilitated through the European arms agency OCCAR, aiming for cost efficiencies and enhanced interoperability through larger order volumes. The German Army has identified a requirement for 148 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles, and potential orders from other nations could augment the project's scale. The project is scheduled for parliamentary approval later this year, with a contract conclusion expected in 2024, ensuring timely introduction in accordance with the German Army's schedule for establishing the Medium Forces.

Other nations, notably the Netherlands, have expressed interest in the Boxer RCT30/PuBo. The Netherlands, which announced its intention to join OCCAR in November 2023, faces NATO criticism for its current infantry brigade's firepower. Upgrading their Boxer units with a 30mm cannon system to meet NATO requirements has become a priority. Close collaboration between the Dutch and German armies is ongoing to determine operational requirements for a compatible Boxer turret system, aiming for increased equipment interchangeability.

The PuBo is armed with a stabilized MK30-2/30mm ABM automatic weapon system, capable of engaging targets at distances of up to 3,000 meters, an MG 5 coaxial machine gun and Spike LR anti-tank guided missiles. (Picture source: KNDS)

Although the specific launcher system for the Bundeswehr's procurement is not confirmed, KNDS Deutschland introduced a variant during the Eurosatory 2022 defense exhibition, optimized for the PuBo with a narrower profile that minimizes protrusion beyond the mission module. Additionally, the RCT30 turret has been enhanced to address the growing drone threat, positioning it as a critical asset for both the Bundeswehr's Medium Forces and its possible Drone Army.

The Boxer RCT30, or PuBo (Puma Boxer), developed by the ARTEC consortium (a collaboration between Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann), is an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) based on the Boxer GTK platform. Featuring the Puma IFV's remote-controlled RCT30 turret, the PuBo is armed with a stabilized MK30-2/30mm ABM automatic weapon system, capable of engaging targets at distances of up to 3,000 meters, both stationary and on the move. With a firing rate of 200 rounds per minute, it also has an MG 5 coaxial machine gun and the ability to launch SPIKE LR anti-tank guided missiles while moving, enhancing its effectiveness on the battlefield.

Based on the Boxer GTK 8x8 platform, the PuBo can reach speeds exceeding 100 km/h on roads and has a range of over 750 km, powered by an MTU 8V199 TE21 engine producing up to 815 hp. Like any other modern vehicle, it can handle steep gradients and obstacles such as trenches and steps, and with a turning radius of 21 meters, the PuBo provides notable maneuverability in tight spaces. Its modular design facilitates adaptation and maintenance, enhancing its efficiency for different missions.

In terms of technical specifications, the Boxer RCT30 has a combat weight of 38.5 tons and a ground clearance of 0.5 meters. It measures 7.9 meters in length, 2.99 meters in width, and 3.5 meters in height, with a crew compartment accommodating up to 10 personnel. Basic protection includes armor against anti-personnel mines, all-round heavy machine guns, and artillery shrapnel, with additional protection against medium-caliber rounds and bomblets available.

The RCT30 turret also equips the Puma SPz tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), designed to replace the aging Marder 1A3. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)