The agile Ermine

RHEINMETALL is showing its tactical small vehicle family Ermine for the first time at the ENFORCE TAC. It represents a new generation of tactical mobility, combining tactical transport with a mobile energy source (microgrid). Operational flexibility is at the core Ermine’s design and its capabilities enable it to act as an effective force multiplier. Ermine can even be operated remotely and is also prepared for full autonomy.

The modular Ermine family currently consists of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a side-by-side buggy and a quad. Various 4x4 and 6x6 variants are available. All vehicles are based on the same diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain and base platform. This gives Ermine maximum modularity with unrivalled agility. Thanks to the hybrid technology, up to one ton of payload, a range of more than 1,000 kilometres and a top speed of 90 km/h are possible - depending on the vehicle’s configuration. Up to four Ermine vehicles can be transported by cargo helicopters such as the CH-47 or CH-53.

The Ermine vehicles can be configured for various purposes, including reconnaissance & liaison, special operations, anti-tank, weapon carriers, MedEvac or generator function.

At ENFORCE TAC 2025, RHEINMETALL also showed a 4x4 quad with the ROSY smoke/obscurant system and special operations forces equipment. One element is the Mobile Mission Pod (MMP, which also made its debut at Enforce Tac. The MMP is designed to conduct standoff reconnaissance and engage enemy forces using small UAVs and was developed primarily for special operations forces to enable maximum effectiveness behind enemy lines. 

Thanks to its long standby time and remote operability in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI), the MMP is designed to be able to operate against enemy forces long after it has been deployed to the battlefield. The MMP combines the expertise of existing products as well as current technologies and experiences from current conflicts in a new product that is outstanding in its capabilities. Thanks to its high degree of automation, AI support and standalone design, it significantly expands the mission portfolio of armed forces, enabling missions that were previously considered impossible.

The Ermine vehicles are furthermore characterized by high mobility in almost any terrain and can also be driven completely silent thanks to their electric drive. When the vehicles are not is use for tactical mobility, they can be also used as a mobile energy source. The Ermine family can therefore significantly increase the operational duration of units.

The Ermine technology was developed in the Netherlands by the start-up company REEQ – a subsidiary of RHEINMETALL Defence Nederland B.V. since March 2024 – and is being produced there. The acquisition of REEQ enables RHEINMETALL to serve the Dutch and European market in the field of light tactical mobility, both manned and unmanned, in combination with a microgrid - and with short delivery times. Combining Rheinmetall's industrial strength with the innovative power of a start-up, within the RHEINMETALL Group, REEQ retains its status in the field of development. The final prototyping and serial production of these vehicles will also take place in the Netherlands. More info about Ermine on the RHEINMETALL.