Germany, Netherlands place €1.9 billion order for Caracal airmobile vehicles
Germany will receive up to 2,054 vehicles and the Netherlands up to 1,004. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Germany and the Netherlands have signed a contract with Rheinmetall for the supply of Caracal airmobile platforms, worth €1.9 billion.
The German and Dutch governments on 10 July placed an order for thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles with delivery of the first trial examples expected to take place in the first quarter of 2024.
The framework contract is worth €1.9 billion ($2.09 billion) for up to 3,058 airmobile vehicles, 2,054 for Germany and 1,004 for the Netherlands, and an initial contract has been placed for 1,508 vehicles worth about €870 million. Germany will be funding its side of the purchase from a special fund established in 2022 to re-equip its army.
The tendering process for the requirement began in October 2022 and delivery of trial models under the contract is expected in the first quarter of 2024, with series delivery planned from early 2025.
Related Articles
Belgium and Netherlands go Dutch on four billion Euro bill for new frigates
Bundeswehr orders over €285 million worth of trucks from Rheinmetall
Germany goes ahead with 60 Chinook order for nearly $9 billion
The vehicle is a partnership between Rheinmetall, Mercedes-Benz and Armoured Car Systems GmbH and it was unveiled at Eurosatory 2022. Built on a modified Mercedes G-Class chassis it is available in both long and short wheelbase and the Caracal's stripped-down frame is designed to increase manoeuvrability and payload storage.
Featuring a six-cylinder Diesel Euro III engine with a power of 185kW (249hp) and a torque of 600NM at 1,400rpm, the Caracal has a top speed of up to 140kph. Weighing up to 4,900kg, including a 2,500kg payload, the Caracal can be airlifted by helicopters such as the CH- 53K King Stallion or CH-47F Chinook, both of which can fit two inside or undersling one.
It can integrate light infantry weapon systems of up to 7.62mm on a side passenger mounting, alongside a roof ring mount capable of mounting a 40mm grenade launcher, 12.7mm machine gun, or anti-tank guided missile system.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Caracal 4x4 Light Air Assault (Netherlands)
Caracal 4x4 Light Air Assault (Germany)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![UK and US militaries advance mobile directed energy weapon systems]()
UK and US militaries advance mobile directed energy weapon systems
Recent tests have demonstrated how the UK and US armed forces have been scaling DEWs for mobile field-based operations.
-
![GDLS plans to deliver prototype armed Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle in 2025]()
GDLS plans to deliver prototype armed Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle in 2025
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is building the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) Command, Control, Communications, Computers/Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C4/UAS) for the US Marine Corps (USMC). Approximately 500 ARV 30mm autocannon (ARV-30) are expected to be procured by the USMC.
-
![Italy aims for $26 billion vehicle investment and prepares for cyber defence]()
Italy aims for $26 billion vehicle investment and prepares for cyber defence
Italy’s Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS) system began seven years ago in an effort to replace older vehicles such as M113s and the force is also looking to replace its C1 Ariete Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
-
![What does the future hold for North Korean troops in Ukraine?]()
What does the future hold for North Korean troops in Ukraine?
Various questions remain unanswered regarding the presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine.
-
![Germany signs work agreement for Patria 6x6 vehicle under CAVS programme]()
Germany signs work agreement for Patria 6x6 vehicle under CAVS programme
The agreement is a further development in a programme which has seen dozens of vehicles ordered by partner countries in the last year.
