Rheinmetall's new Ermine tactical vehicles promise a 1,000 km range for Dutch Army.

At the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition, Rheinmetall introduced its new Ermine family of lightweight tactical vehicles. This family represents a new generation of mobility solutions, featuring a mobile energy source (microgrid) and readiness for autonomous operation. With prototypes already been delivered to the Dutch Army, with tests ongoing in the Netherlands, the vehicles are already noted for their high mobility and tactical flexibility, designed to address a variety of military needs.
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The Ermine Buggy incorporates elements from the baseline vehicle but is longer and wider to accommodate the third axle, providing a payload of 500 kg. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Ermine family includes an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a side-by-side buggy, and a quad, available in 4x4 and 6x6 variants. These vehicles are based on a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain and base platform, which provides modularity and agility. Depending on their configuration, the vehicles can support a payload of up to one ton, achieve a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, and reach a top speed of 90 km/h. For strategic deployment, up to four Ermine vehicles can be transported by cargo helicopters such as the CH-47 or CH-53, enhancing operational flexibility.

These vehicles, also known as Hermelin, can be configured for various applications, including reconnaissance and communication, anti-tank operations, weapon carriers, medical evacuation (MedEvac), or as generators. The Ermine vehicles can operate silently due to their electric drive and are designed to be as user-friendly as civilian quads or buggies. When not used for tactical mobility, they serve as mobile energy sources, contributing to operational capabilities and supporting ESG targets through sustainable energy storage in their battery packs.

The Ermine technology was developed in the Netherlands by the start-up company REEQ, which became a subsidiary of Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. in March 2024. The acquisition of REEQ enables Rheinmetall to serve the Dutch and European markets in the field of light tactical mobility, both manned and unmanned, in combination with a microgrid, with short delivery times. The collaboration between Rheinmetall and REEQ combines industrial capacity with innovative development in the Ermine vehicles.

Within the Rheinmetall Group, REEQ retains its status as a start-up in the field of development. The further development and serial production of these vehicles will continue in the Netherlands. Rheinmetall AG, headquartered in Düsseldorf, operates in various markets with a range of products and services. Rheinmetall is a significant international systems supplier in the defense industry and also engages in civilian markets. Sustainability is a part of Rheinmetall’s strategy, with the company aiming to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2035.

The baseline vehicle of the Ermine series is the quad, a 4x4 with a dry mass of 875 kg and a 500 kg payload. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Ermine vehicles are designed for high mobility in various terrains and can be driven silently due to their electric drive. The vehicles are straightforward to operate and, if not used for tactical mobility, can serve as mobile energy sources, potentially increasing the operational capacity of armed forces. This capability also aligns with ESG targets, as locally produced sustainable energy can be stored in the battery pack. Prototypes of the Ermine vehicles have already been delivered to the Dutch Army, with tests ongoing in the Netherlands. The vehicle is being engineered for full production, with facilities being prepared to meet the demand.

The baseline vehicle of the Ermine series is the quad, a 4x4 with a dry mass of 875 kg and a 500 kg payload. The powertrain is based on a 30 kW motor per axle, supported by a 16 kWh lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) battery recharged by a diesel engine using F34 fuel. Compared to the 100 km range of the electric-only vehicle from the initial study, the Ermine Quad can travel 1,000 km with the range extender. It can tow a trailer with a mass exceeding 750 kg and be transported by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

The Ermine UGV shares most specifications with the quad but lacks a roll bar, resulting in a height of 1,100 mm. The Ermine Buggy, a 6x6, incorporates elements from the baseline vehicle but is longer and wider to accommodate the third axle, providing a payload of 500 kg. This version offers flexibility in payload types and can be fitted with either one or two batteries of the same type mentioned for the quad, achieving a maximum range of 1,200 km.

The Ermine UGV shares most specifications with the quad but lacks a roll bar, resulting in a height of 1,100 mm. (Picture source: Army Recognition)