Rheinmetall: New standard in recovery tanks

The Dutch armed forces have commissioned Rheinmetall with the second phase of modernizing their Bergepanzer-3-Büffel fleet. This measure aims to enhance the combat capabilities of 21 vehicles. Phase 2, which has now been initiated, follows an initial commission from April 2019. Back then, the Royal Dutch Army had tasked Rheinmetall with modernizing four Bergepanzer 3 Büffel vehicles.

With the work commencing immediately, Rheinmetall is bringing 21 more Bergepanzer 3 vehicles of the Koninklijke Landmacht to a completely new technological and tactical standard. Through this service life extension, the Netherlands, a NATO partner, will utilize the vehicles developed by Rheinmetall, based on the Leopard 2 chassis and proven in operation, to support combat troops until 2040. The first vehicles will be handed over to the Dutch armed forces in early 2021.

The modernization work will be carried out at Rheinmetall sites in Kassel and Ede, Netherlands. It includes a complete overhaul of individual Bergepanzer vehicles, transitioning to a new digital control concept, equipping modern optical devices, mission packages with ballistic and mine protection, as well as fitting new battlefield recovery equipment and universal carrier platforms. Additionally, technical documentation, training, and further services are included.

The Dutch armed forces will receive a recovery vehicle of the most modern configuration with a significant improvement in capabilities through this service life extension. The new protective measures on and inside the vehicle provide the crew with maximum security against threats on today's battlefields. State-of-the-art optical devices, digital controls, and navigation systems assist the crew in mission execution. Furthermore, the new battlefield recovery equipment enhances tactical value by being shifted from the front of the vehicle to the rear. This allows for attaching and recovering armored combat vehicles of the Royal Dutch Army, such as Bushmaster, Boxer, CV 90 armored personnel carrier, Panzerhaubitze 2000, Leguan bridge layer, Kodiak engineer vehicle, and Leopard 2 main battle tank, under protection in case of damage, and towing them off the battlefield at forward speed. The modified version of the Bergepanzer 3 Büffel also receives a flexible universal transportation platform on the rear of the vehicle, enabling the carriage of additional equipment for recovering other vehicles. The new equipment has already proven its worth in operations.

This new order sets a new standard for modern recovery vehicles. In December 2018, the German Bundeswehr commissioned Rheinmetall to modernize their Bergepanzer-3 fleet to adapt them to current operational scenarios. Similar mission configurations are in use by NATO partner Canada and the Swedish armed forces. The ongoing service life extension of recovery vehicles for the NATO partner Netherlands once again demonstrates Rheinmetall's extensive experience with the Leopard 2 family. This expertise covers maintenance and modernization programs, advanced weapon concepts, manufacturing and serving as a system manufacturer, as well as comprehensive technical and logistical support for the vehicle fleet – including service in operational areas. Training and simulation technology for Leopard 2 crews are also part of the portfolio of this high-tech mobility and security group.

RHEINMETALL DEFENCE online: www.rheinmetall-defence.com

The Dutch Army online: www.defensie.nl