Bundeswehr orders Luchs 2 armoured reconnaissance vehicles

The BAAINBw has awarded GDELS a contract for Luchs 2 Spähfahrzeug Neue Generation reconnaissance vehicles. (GDELS)

The Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), Germany's Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support, has awarded General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) a EUR3 billion (USD3.5 billion) contract for the Luchs 2 Spähfahrzeug Neue Generation (New Generation Reconnaissance Vehicle), the company announced in a press release on 20 October.

GDELS said the Luchs 2 will be based on the most modern version of the Piranha 6×6 wheeled amphibious vehicle and will replace the Bundeswehr's Fennek 4×4 light reconnaissance vehicle. The budget committee of the Bundestag, Germany's parliament, approved a framework agreement on the development and production of the Luchs 2 Spähfahrzeug Neue Generation, including prototypes and series production vehicles with accessories for a total value of EUR3.54 billion.

GDELS said the Luchs 2 will have advanced autonomy and acoustics as well as thermal signature and feature advanced networked reconnaissance sensor technology and greater mobility. A Hensoldt spokesperson told Janes on 21 October that his company would supply key optics and optronics components for the Luchs 2, as well as provide parts of the system's networking capabilities.

The Luchs 2 contract includes training equipment and simulators, as well as logistical support services. The framework agreement also includes an amendment contract covering a weapon station armed with the KBA 25 mm automatic cannon worth EUR138 million for the Luchs 2.

For information on another Bundeswehr reconnaissance vehicle modernisation programme, please seeHensoldt to add BAA III reconnaissance upgrade to 80 Bundeswehr Fennek vehicles .