The European defence organisation
OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement) has awarded a major contract to
Artec GmbH for the delivery of 222 Schakal infantry fighting vehicles to the armed forces of Germany and the Netherlands. The Schakal represents a hybrid design, combining the wheeled Boxer armoured vehicle chassis with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle.
Artec GmbH, the main contractor for the Boxer, is a joint venture between
Rheinmetall and
KNDS Germany. Of the total order, 150 vehicles are destined for the German Armed Forces, while 72 will be supplied to the Dutch Army. The combined value of the contract stands at 4.7 billion euros, with Rheinmetall’s share amounting to nearly 3.4 billion euros.
The agreement includes a comprehensive logistics package comprising spare parts, training materials and specialised tools. It also provides for optional enhancements such as protection against anti-tank hand weapons, systems for detecting and identifying firing attacks, and drone defence capabilities. An option for the call-off of up to 248 additional vehicles has also been incorporated into the contract.
Within the German Armed Forces, the Schakal — featuring the 8x8 Boxer platform and the 30mm Puma turret equipped with Rheinmetall’s MK 30-2/ABM machine gun — will serve as the principal weapon system for the newly formed medium forces. The new armoured personnel carrier combines mobility, protection and firepower and enables the medium forces to cover large distances at pace within the shortest possible time.
Artec GmbH, which operates as a 64/36 joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS, has also been named as the future main contractor for the RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155mm). This system, like the Schakal, is based on the Boxer drive module and integrates the weapon system of the Panzerhaubitze PzH 2000.