Germany had previously handed over 21 Bergepanzer 2 vehicles and two Bergepanzer 3 vehicles to Ukraine. The new order compensates for those transfers and strengthens the Bundeswehr’s capabilities in armoured recovery
and support vehicles.
The first vehicle is scheduled for delivery in December 2027, 18 months after the contract was signed. Rheinmetall said it pre-financed and started production beforehand to enable the early delivery.
The final vehicle is scheduled to be delivered in June 2029. The delivery schedule reflects the Bundeswehr’s effort to restore a proven support capability within its mechanised forces.
The vehicles will be a modernised and obsolescence-cleared version of the established Bergepanzer 3. The Bundeswehr refers to this configuration as the Bergepanzer 3 A2.
Rheinmetall said the order underlines the continued importance of the Bergepanzer 3 as a key support system for mechanised forces. The programme is not intended to develop new capabilities, but to ensure long-term operational readiness using a proven and commercially available system.
The Bergepanzer 3 A2 configuration reflects the current state of the art and offers potential for future upgrades. Rheinmetall said the vehicle is designed to remain in service for decades and provide long-term support for armoured forces.
The investment in a modernised and future-proof fleet is intended to secure the long-term availability of this recovery capability within the Bundeswehr. The order also supports continued production using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.
