CARACAL - the new air landing platform

07/11/2023By Redaktion

ACS Bundeswehr Caracal Germany

Yesterday, the procurement contract between the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH for the delivery of up to 3,058 vehicles of the Caracal type was signed. This is a multi-year framework contract for up to 2,054 German and 1,004 Dutch vehicles.

The Bundeswehr, together with the Dutch armed forces, is procuring new air-transportable off-road vehicles, which are expected to replace the Wolf and Mungo vehicles in their respective airborne variants primarily for the Rapid Forces Division (DSK) and the 11th Air Mobile Brigade. Since 2014, 2,000 soldiers from the Netherlands have been working closely with their German counterparts. This close alliance is now being continued through the joint cooperation in procurement to unify equipment.

According to the responsible project leader at BAAINBw, the cooperation with the Dutch partners was always goal-oriented and constructive. He also praised the high personal commitment of all those involved in the project.

The vehicle weight, at just under five tons, is optimized for tactical air transport in the context of air-mobile operations for national and alliance defense, as well as for military evacuations. Each vehicle can be transported to the deployment location as an internal load in a heavy transport helicopter. External load transport is also possible. The Caracal thus makes a significant contribution to ensuring and improving the operational readiness of the Bundeswehr and our allies.

The contract, worth hundreds of millions of euros, includes four different vehicle variants for personnel, group, and material transport, as well as medical vehicles with corresponding accessories. To increase firepower and operational capability in the field, a pintle mount and a co-driver mount can be attached, among other things, thanks to the modular construction of the vehicles. Additionally, ballistic protection and a mine protection kit are available. With a maximum speed of 130 km/h and a payload of at least 1,223 kg, between two and ten people, depending on the equipment variant, can fit in the vehicle.

The binational procurement is an important step in further strengthening the operational capability of the German and Dutch armed forces. The standardization of equipment and close cooperation increase the effectiveness and efficiency of both armies. Germany and the Netherlands are thus sending a strong signal for their close partnership.

GERMAN ARMY online