Bundeswehr orders up to 6,500 UTF trucks from Rheinmetall

The BAAINBw signed a framework contract with RMMV on 1 July for up to 6,500 UTF unprotected trucks. (Rheinmetall)

Germany's Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr: BAAINBw) signed a framework contract with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) on 1 July for up to 6,500 UTF (Ungeschützte Transportfahrzeug) unprotected trucks, Rheinmetall and the BAAINBw announced in a press release later the same day. Rheinmetall said it was the largest order that it has received for logistic vehicles, with a value of up to EUR3.5 billion (over USD3.8 billion).

The budget committee of the Bundestag, Germany's parliament, on 26 June approved the signing of the contract for 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 vehicles in the 3.5, five, and 15 tonne class. Rheinmetall expected an imminent call-off for over 610 vehicles worth EUR312 million, financed by the Sondervermögen Bundeswehr special fund approved after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Financing will also come from Germany's regular defence budget, according to the BAAINBw, which expected the first 250 vehicles to be available to the Bundeswehr starting in November.

Germany's Federal Ministry of Defence said on its website on 26 June after the Bundestag budget committee's approval of the contract that the vehicles would have container mounts and be fitted for the installation of command and communication systems as well as FLW 100 light remote controlled weapon stations.

The framework contract gives the Bundeswehr the flexibility to order more vehicles as required over a period of seven years, according to the BAAINBw and Rheinmetall. Moreover, the contract introduces a new 4×4 UTF 3.5 tonne vehicle, designed to have parts with maximum commonality with other trucks in the family.