Central to this expansion is the order of 222 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) known as SCHAKAL, based on the BOXER platform and featuring the remote-controlled turret derived from the German PUMA. Of the total, 150 SCHAKAL vehicles will be delivered to Germany and 72 to the Netherlands, with both nations securing options for an additional 248 vehicles.
This acquisition was approved by the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag on 15 October, with costs for the SCHAKAL programme estimated at €3.7 billion. Deliveries are planned to be completed by 2031, with series production set to begin mid-2028 following qualification of the new drive module.
“The SCHAKAL IFV will offer a significant increase in capability for both nations,” said OCCAR Director Joachim Sucker. “This contract award confirms OCCAR’s ability to deliver complex, multinational programmes to time, cost and performance.”
The 18th amendment to the BOXER series production contract, managed by OCCAR, formalises this procurement and includes integrated support elements such as spare parts, training tools, special equipment, and preparations for D-LBO. ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall Landsysteme, Rheinmetall Defence Nederland, and KNDS Deutschland, will execute the contract.
The SCHAKAL is the first BOXER variant to use the new Common Drive Module B0, which increases payload capacity to 40 tonnes and introduces a revised chassis with new tyres. The module also features modernised NGVA-standard digital architecture with a gigabit data bus, optional engine configurations (530 kW or 600 kW), and backward compatibility with existing mission modules.
The turret of the SCHAKAL is equipped with the 30 mm MK30-2/ABM automatic cannon capable of firing air-burst munitions. It also includes a dual launcher for Spike LR anti-tank guided missiles (MELLS) and a coaxial machine gun, offering superior firepower and tactical versatility.
For reconnaissance, the vehicle is fitted with the Optronic Digital Weapon Station (WAO), a stabilised, long-range electro-optical sighting system with high-resolution infrared and daylight sensors. The fused imagery from day and night channels enhances target detection under all conditions.
Each SCHAKAL vehicle will carry a crew of three—commander, gunner, and driver—plus an infantry group of seven soldiers. In Germany, two of nine planned mechanised infantry battalions will be equipped with the SCHAKAL to support the Army’s Medium Forces, providing greater strategic mobility and air transportability.
Preparations for serial production are being supported by an advance payment in the low triple-digit million-euro range. A prototype of the B0 drive module will be delivered for qualification before the first SCHAKAL vehicle is expected at the end of 2027.
Source: OCCAR (press release).
