General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has been awarded a contract worth about €3 billion to supply the Bundeswehr with its next-generation reconnaissance vehicle, known as Luchs 2, according to the company.
The programme, commissioned by Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), will see the new vehicle replace the ageing Fennek light 4×4 reconnaissance system.
The Luchs 2 will be based on the latest Piranha 6×6 armoured platform, which features amphibious capability and advanced mobility.
GDELS said the vehicle will introduce new levels of autonomy and low-signature operation, using advanced networked sensors for long-range reconnaissance. The contract also includes training systems, simulators and logistical support.
Dr Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS Chief Sales Officer and Managing Director of GDELS Deutschland, said the company was “honoured and obliged to have been selected as the prime contractor for the development and delivery of the new reconnaissance vehicle for the Bundeswehr’s Army Reconnaissance Force.” He added that GDELS’ “primary objective is to deliver the vehicle on cost and on schedule, in collaboration with our partners.”
GDELS President Antonio Bueno said the German Armed Forces’ recent selection of the Piranha 8×8 for the TaWAN project and now the Piranha 6×6 for reconnaissance reflected confidence in the company’s capability.
“The selection once again underscores our expertise as one of Europe’s leading land systems providers. Our customers can fully rely on GDELS as a proven partner,” he said.
Saw this elsewhere and they were talking about a 25mm main gun. If so, seems strange adding yet another calibre to the logistics chain.
I suspect it’s linked to the German military putting orders in fast whilst the money is there.
The russian economy and war machine appears to be running out of steam, if either of them happens then Putin will find himself falling out of a window. After there there is one of 2 scenarios, either the country breaks up into civil war and Europe needs to protect itself from waring factions or peace will occur and the policiticans will lose interest and budgets will get cut again.
Even if that doesn’t happen, epthay will kick in over time and pull on that cash will occur from other areas.
Either way better to get contracts signed now whilst there is interest and cash.
It’s not entirely new to Germany, it’s the same calibre as the internal gun on the F-35A. I have no idea if Germany produces that calibre domestically, but it’s not in short supply or beyond their capabilities.
Surely a vehicle in the 15 ton class is far too small for reconnaissance and something more like 40 tons and at least a metre wider, longer and taller is needed.
Ah I see what you did there…… lol
Why not use a Drone?
Because drones can’t do everything.