Logistics is everything: 6,500 trucks for the German Army

With a framework contract signed today at the Federal Ministry of Defense, the Bundeswehr can order up to 6,500 additional unprotected transport vehicles (UTF) from the industry in the next seven years. The President of the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), Annette Lehnigk-Emden, signed the agreement for the production and manufacturing of the transport vehicles in payload classes of 3.5 tons, 5 tons, and 15 tons with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) GmbH.

The costs for the first fixed-order of 610 all-wheel-drive two, three, and four-axle military trucks amount to around 312 million euros and will be financed from both the special assets of the Bundeswehr and the regular defense budget. 250 of them are expected to be available to the troops from November of this year. Through the framework contract, the Bundeswehr has the flexibility to order additional vehicles as needed. The project was approved by the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag last week as part of a so-called "25-million-euro submission."

The UTF will permanently ensure logistical supply within the country as well as in training, exercises, and all deployment scenarios. The ability to incorporate features such as command and control systems, a remotely controlled weapon station, or protective equipment not only makes these vehicles adaptable to the needs of the troops but also form an essential component in logistics concerning the Bundeswehr's focus on national and alliance defense.

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles online