TROOP SHOW: IdZ Gladius

Rheinmetall officially handed over the "Future Soldier - Extended System" (IdZ-ES; Rheinmetall project name: "Gladius") to the Bundeswehr on March 7, 2013. "The new IdZ-ES has created an independent, comprehensive, and innovative solution. For the first time, a complete system approach for a soldier system could be implemented and made available to the troops. With Gladius, as we call the system, German infantry enters the battle field of networked operations command," said Bodo Garbe during the official handover of the system in Inzell. (Click on all images to enlarge)

Bodo Garbe further stated: "As crucial as firepower, protection, or mobility, is the availability and flow of information on the battlefield. The IdZ-ES provides each soldier with almost real-time and automated access to the current situation picture."

The Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall Group was commissioned in 2006 to develop the Future Soldier - Extended System. Currently, Rheinmetall is delivering the first 30 Gladius systems contracted in 2012 - a system includes the complete equipment for a ten-person infantry group - to the Bundeswehr according to schedule. Soldiers will undergo preparatory training on the systems until June 2013 before the deployment contingent is transferred to Afghanistan.

In January 2013, Rheinmetall was awarded the follow-on contract for the delivery of 60 additional systems. This contract has a volume of 84 million euros and includes equipping 60 infantry groups with a total of 600 soldiers. Delivery will be in two batches of 30 systems in the middle of the year 2013 and at the end of the year. This ensures that the next two contingents of the Bundeswehr being deployed to Afghanistan will receive the new equipment in time.

The outstanding feature of the Gladius system is its holistic approach, which meets the complex operational requirements of a modern soldier system. Gladius aims primarily to integrate the ten-man infantry group with its vehicle into networked operations command. This network of reconnaissance, command, and weapon effect components allows for rapid exchange of information and creates a common situational picture as the basis for mission planning and command.

The soldier contains all relevant data for the tactical situation, own force position, mission, and system status. GPS and inertial navigation system, as well as a digital compass, are present and facilitate reliable orientation for the soldier.

Furthermore, the system is characterized by its ergonomic design - especially by weight reduction, miniaturization, and better integration of individual components. The modular clothing, protective, and carrying system ensures mission execution even under challenging climatic conditions, protects against visual and infrared reconnaissance, weather influences, and especially the effects of biological or chemical warfare agents. Flame-retardant equipment and vector protection complement the high level of protection. Integrated into the system is the compact electronic back for the radio, core computer, batteries, and GPS modules.

Subject image by Tom Weber (MILpictures) for Rheinmetall