Bundeswehr will ABC Fox in configuration A8A7

Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract by the German Bundeswehr for the modernization of the proven NBC reconnaissance vehicle Fuchs. A total of five vehicles of the A6A1 version will be upgraded to the highly protected A8A7 level. This will provide the Bundeswehr with a capability for NBC reconnaissance and analysis that is adapted to current operational threats. The volume of the contract is in the lower two-digit million euro range, which includes spare parts and special tools. The work will start in September 2021 and is expected to be completed by July 2024. The first vehicles are scheduled to be delivered to the troops from 2023 onwards.

The contract is of special significance for Rheinmetall's Kassel site in two ways. The contract strengthens the company's center of competence for NBC system technology and secures high-quality jobs in the northern Hessian metropolis, which is also the birthplace of the proven 6x6 vehicle. In addition, the contract opens the potential to upgrade an additional 22 NBC reconnaissance vehicles of the Bundeswehr to the new A8A7 level and offer the modernization to international customers as well.

The Bundeswehr has been using the TPz Fuchs since 1979 in a variety of versions and had over a hundred Fuchs vehicles deployed in Afghanistan. Due to its versatile capabilities and high reliability, the Fuchs is highly popular in the military and continues to be developed continuously even after 40 years of use. More Fuchs on SPARTANAT: Happy birthay, Fuchs! 40 Jahre jung

The most modern version Fuchs 1A8 provides significantly improved protection against mines and explosive devices compared to older models, while also increasing the ballistic protection of the vehicles. Key modifications to the Fuchs 1A8 include structural changes to the hull, new seats and seat suspensions in the crew compartment for decoupling from the hull floor, reinforcements to the wheel arches, doors, and window mounts, as well as additional storage compartments and reinforcements in the exterior area. Currently, the Bundeswehr has around 940 Fuchs vehicles, with 267 currently at the 1A8 level.

The export variant Fuchs 2, derived from the Fuchs 1, is a separately developed version and features, among other things, an enlarged interior, a more powerful engine, a modernized chassis, improved modern protection, and digital vehicle electrics.

Up to date, a total of around 1,600 Fuchs vehicles have been built. Armed forces of numerous nations use them in a variety of versions, e.g., for troop transport, as command posts or ambulances, and for NBC reconnaissance. More about Rheinmetall's armored wheeled vehicles from Rheinmetall.

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