The German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed a framework contract with Rheinmetall Landsysteme for up to 3,058 Caracal 4X4 airborne vehicles for Germany and the Netherlands. The multi-year framework agreement for up to 2,054 German and 1,004 Dutch vehicles is valued at up to EUR1.9 billion, according to a press release issued by Rheinmetall on July 10.
As a first step, Germany and the Netherlands will order 1,505 airborne vehicles worth EUR 870 million, with the German portion funded by the EUR100 billion Zeitenwende special fund established after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. On July 11, the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced on its website that 504 of the vehicles would be for the Netherlands.
Rheinmetall, Mercedes-Benz AG, and Armoured Car Systems GmbH collaborated to develop the Caracal. The first trial models are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2024, with series deliveries beginning in early 2025.
Rheinmetall to produce Caracal for Germany and Netherlands
