Rheinmetall has received another order from the Bundeswehr for 1,515 logistic vehicles, including 265 protected swap-body systems.
This order is part of a framework contract signed in June 2020. The Bundeswehr’s special fund will largely finance this large-scale order, which also includes 500 swap-body platforms and 500 tarpaulin/roof bow setups.
The total value of this order exceeds €920 million with deliveries in the second half of 2024 and will be completed by mid-November 2024.
“The extensive call-off from the framework contract, financed by the special fund shows the high relevance of Bundeswehr logistics in the connection with the “Zeitenwende”. By delivering all vehicles by the end of 2024, the special fund is helping to directly equip and strengthen the logistical capabilities and sustainability of the armed forces,” explains Michael Wittlinger, chairman of the management of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH.
“With over 4,000 vehicles delivered since 2018, our HX-series military trucks are now an essential component of the Bundeswehr’s logistical capabilities and underline the importance of Rheinmetall for logistics.”
In June 2020, the BAAINBw finalized a framework contract with Rheinmetall until 2027 for the supply of up to 4,000 trucks with swap-body systems. Currently, 1,008 trucks have already been delivered.
These swap-body trucks are an expansion of the Bundeswehr’s fleet of vehicles from the military HX family and work in conjunction with the successful Unprotected Transport Vehicles (UTFs) project.
The core equipment of the swap-body system is the hook-loader developed by Hiab, which allows for easy lifting and setting down of the swap-body carriers in various types of terrain without the need for additional handling equipment. As an alternative, the vehicles can transport a swap-body platform or a container using a standardized 20-foot ISO interface.
A large share of the swap-body trucks for the Bundeswehr will feature an armoured cab, substantially enhancing crew survivability and sustainment as well as the tactical flexibility of logistic units and formations. Swap-body trucks are used primarily for supplying combat formations with bulk consumables such as ammunition, fuel and water.
The swap-body systems and UTFs are based on Rheinmetall’s HX family of vehicles, which were designed for military use and offer excellent mobility even in rough terrain. The widespread presence of the HX family provides significant advantages in terms of interoperability and logistics, especially during multinational deployments.
User nations currently include the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, and Denmark. Rheinmetall, along with the Bundeswehr and the armed forces of Germany’s partners, is committed to continuing the success of the ongoing HX vehicles.
