EUROSATORY 24: The hybrid Ermine

„Ermine“ sounds cozy at first, when translated into German, it would be "Hermine". That's probably not what it means. "Ermine" is RHEINMETALL's new light hybrid vehicle family for modern armed forces. If you search for animals with this name, you will find the answer. So "Ermine" refers to the swift stoat (Mustela erminea), also known as the short-tailed weasel or stoat, which is conveniently a carnivorous species from the marten family.

Ermine is part of a new generation of mobility that combines full-electric tactical transport with a mobile energy source (Microgrid) and is also prepared for autonomous operations.

The modular Ermine family currently consists of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a Side-by-Side Buggy, and a Quad. Various 4x4 and 6x6 variants are already available. All vehicles are based on the same diesel-electric hybrid powertrain and the same base platform. This gives Ermine maximum modularity and unparalleled agility. Depending on the vehicle configuration, the hybrid technology allows a payload of up to one ton, a range of over 1,000 kilometers, and a top speed of 90 km/h. Up to four Ermine vehicles can be transported by transport helicopters such as the CH-47 or CH-53.

The Ermine vehicles can be configured for various missions such as reconnaissance and communication, anti-tank warfare, weapon carriers, MedEvac, or power generators.

The hybrid ermines also stand out for their high mobility in almost any terrain and can be driven completely silently thanks to their electric drive. The vehicles are as easy to operate as civilian quads or buggies. When not used for tactical mobility, they can be used as a mobile power source. The Ermine family can significantly increase the operational value of armed forces and also contribute to ESG goals, as (locally generated) sustainable energy can be stored in the battery pack.

The Ermine technology was developed in the Netherlands by the start-up company REEQ - a subsidiary of Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. since March 2024 - and is produced there. With the acquisition of REEQ, Rheinmetall is able to serve the Dutch and European market in the area of light tactical mobility, both manned and unmanned in combination with a Microgrid, with short delivery times. The industrial strength of Rheinmetall and the innovation power of a start-up complement each other. Within the Rheinmetall Group, REEQ remains a start-up in the development sector. The further development and series production of the vehicles will also take place in the Netherlands.

RHEINMETALL Online