Modern buffalo with battlefield mountain equipment

Rheinmetall is modernizing the Bergepanzer 3 fleet of the German armed forces on behalf of the Bundeswehr - pictured above is a Bergepanzer 3A1 - to adapt them to changed operational requirements. A corresponding contract was signed at the Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw). From 2019 to 2024, 69 Bergepanzer 3 vehicles will be equipped with battlefield recovery systems and universal transport platforms. The order value amounts to 30 million euros gross.

The battlefield recovery systems (GFB) and universal transport platforms (UTP) are manufactured by Rheinmetall in Kassel and integrated into the vehicles. The contract also includes accessories and documentation. The battlefield recovery system is moved from the front of the vehicle to the rear. This makes it possible to recover combat vehicles such as the Leopard 2 main battle tank under protection and quickly recover them from the battlefield in forward motion. Furthermore, the modified version of the Bergepanzer 3 will receive a flexibly usable universal transport platform on the rear of the vehicle. This allows it, for example, to carry additional equipment for recovering other vehicles. Four Bergepanzer 3 vehicles were already equipped with GFB and UTP as part of an Immediate Need Requirement for the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. Additionally, two other vehicles previously used by the Canadian Army in Afghanistan received the modifications. The new equipment has proven successful.

The upcoming modernization contract once again underscores Rheinmetall's comprehensive experience with the Leopard 2 family, to which the Bergepanzer 3 developed by Rheinmetall belongs. This expertise ranges from maintenance and modernization programs, to modern weapon concepts, manufacturing, and operation as an original equipment manufacturer, to comprehensive technical and logistical support for the vehicle fleet - including service provisions in operational areas. Training and simulation technology for Leopard 2 crews are also part of the portfolio of the high-tech group for mobility and security.

RHEINMETALL DEFENCE on the internet: www.rheinmetall-defense.com