IRIA News

5 minute read

German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH received the largest framework contract of €3.1 billion ($3.2 billion) from the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) to provide high-tech Infantry Systems.

German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) will equip troops with the Infantry Soldier of the Future – Enhanced System (IdZ-ES). The framework contract, with a maximum gross volume of €3.1 billion, will run until the end of 2030.

Under the contract, signed on February 6, 2025, the Bundeswehr has the flexibility to upgrade existing systems and acquire up to 368 new IdZ-ES platoon systems, along with additional components and services. A platoon is a military sub-unit of the armed forces.

The contract includes the modernization of 68 IdZ-ES platoon systems currently in use within the Bundeswehr to meet digital standards as well as the firm order of 24 new platoon systems with extensive peripherals. The firm order, worth around €417m gross, will be booked in the first quarter of 2025.

According to the Rheinmetall statement, the contract marked the largest soldier-system procurement deal between Rheinmetall and BAAINBw. “These [systems] play an increasingly important role as a networked element of combat operations on the digital battlefield of the future,” the statement highlighted.

Each platoon system consists of 34 individual soldier systems and an array of supporting equipment, including advanced IT solutions, optics, optronics, military protective gear, and carrying equipment. Rheinmetall, as the main contractor, will oversee system development and coordinate efforts with over 30 subcontractors.

The Bundeswehr is acquiring an upgraded version of the IdZ-ES, based on the IdZ-ES VJTF 2023 soldier system currently in use by the Mechanized Infantry. his enhanced version eliminates obsolete components and incorporates improved communication and data-sharing capabilities with Boxer armored transport vehicles and Puma infantry fighting vehicles, as well as preparing it for the airborne platform.

Additionally, the revised basic hardware of the soldier systems is designed to connect to the Digitisation of Land-Based Operations (D-LBO) information and communication network, ensuring seamless interoperability on the modern battlefield.

Last year in December, the German Bundeswehr awarded a $1.25 billion (€1.2 billion) large-scale contract for digitalizing the land forces, including IT development, equipping hardware, and converting over 10,000 combat and support vehicles, under the D-LBO program. Under the contract, the new technology will be integrated into more than 10,000 combat and support vehicles of the German armed forces by mid-2030.

The procurement contract was signed by representatives of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and the ISI working group (ArGe IT-Systemintegration), consisting of blackned GmbH and Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH. Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, among other subcontractors, will serve as a key partner within the ArGe.

German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall received the major share of the contract accounting for about $760 million (€730 million) to integrate IT systems on all vehicle and platform systems of the German land forces. The remaining share of around €470 million goes to German software firm blackned GmbH.

As part of a broader European defense initiative, these systems enhance Germany’s ability to collaborate with neighboring nations, ensuring smoother joint operations. The soldier systems improve Germany’s contributions to NATO missions, enhancing collective defense capabilities across the alliance. By adopting cutting-edge technologies, Germany sets a precedent in Europe for modernizing land forces, potentially influencing other EU members to follow suit.

Rheinmetall to Build Tactical Wide Area Network for Bundeswehr

Rheinmetall has also secured a major contract to support the Bundeswehr’s digitalization efforts by developing the Tactical Wide Area Network for Land Based Operations (TaWAN LBO). As the prime contractor, Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH will establish an integrated communication network designed to enhance connectivity and command capabilities.

An initial €1.88 billion order has already been placed to equip a Bundeswehr division, with deliveries scheduled between late 2026 and 2029. TaWAN LBO will serve as an open transport network for Federated Mission Networking (FMN), connecting tactical and rear-echelon core networks. It will play a key role in the Bundeswehr’s D-LBO program, ensuring seamless, high-data-rate connectivity.

The defense firm will also supply 102 Rheinmetall MAN 8×8 HX trucks, equipped with mobile high extendable antenna masts and serve as carrier vehicles for the large directional radio systems. A software-based directional radio management system will enable mission planning and execution.

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering a reliable communication network for the Bundeswehr, further advancing Germany’s digital defense infrastructure.

Digitisation of Land-Based Operations Program

The D-LBO is a flagship project in the modernization of the Bundeswehr’s land forces and one of the German Army’s most significant procurement initiatives to meet the demands of contemporary and future warfare.

The program supports advanced IT systems facilitating seamless connectivity between vehicles and soldiers as well as sensors and effectors. The real-time exchange of information enhances the operational capabilities and interoperability of units equipped with D-LBO.

To digitalize land operations, German land forces are going through a significant transformation with the development and implementation of new technologies. The German Army has developed a comprehensive strategy and established supporting structures to manage the complexity and pace of digitalization effectively and to prepare for future missions.

The Land Forces Digitalization Strategy serves as a guiding framework, designed to provide long-term direction for the successful digitalization of land operations. It aims to synchronize all related projects and align them with a shared objective.

With its comprehensive approach to digitalization, the D-LBO Program positions the Bundeswehr to effectively adapt to the challenges of modern conflicts while fostering innovation and collaboration on a global scale.