Germany approves AFV procurements and more ESSMs

Germany is procuring the Schakal IFV. (KNDS)

The budget committee of the Bundestag, Germany's parliament, approved funding for two types of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) and more Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs), Germany's Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) announced on 15 October.

A framework agreement was approved on the development and production of the Luchs 2 Spähfahrzeug Neue Generation (New Generation Reconnaissance Vehicle), including prototypes and series production vehicles with accessories valued at EUR3.54 billion (USD4.13 billion). The Luchs 2 will replace the Bundeswehr's Fennek 2 armoured reconnaissance vehicles.

The framework agreement includes an amendment contract covering a weapon station armed with the KBA 25 mm automatic cannon worth EUR138 million for the Luchs 2.

General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) declined to comment when asked by Janes for confirmation that the Luchs 2 will be based on the Piranha 6×6 armoured vehicle.

The Bundestag also approved the procurement of the Schakal infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) – a Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle armed with the Puma IFV's 30 mm turret – for deliveries in 2027–31. The EUR3.4 billion procurement includes a logistics package for spare parts, training equipment, and special tools, with options such as protection against handheld anti-tank weapons, shot detection and identification systems, and counter-unmanned aircraft systems, as well as for ordering more Schakals.

The BMVg said the contract allows the Royal Netherlands Army to call off vehicles. The Dutch Ministry of Defence announced in a press release on 17 October that it would initially procure 72 and Germany 150 Schakals. Deliveries for the Netherlands are planned for the fourth quarter of 2028.

The contract award will be made by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).