The Bundeswehr will receive another 35 Boxer RCT30 vehicles after previously ordering 150. The Royal Netherlands Army will add 34 systems, taking its planned fleet to 106 vehicles.
The option increases procurement under the programme to 291 Boxer RCT30 vehicles. KNDS said the larger production volume can support faster deliveries while improving common training, logistics and interoperability between the two armed forces.
“For decades, we have been a proud partner of the Dutch Army. Whether it is the LEOPARD 2 or the Boxer-System, to name just the most recent procurement programs that Germany and the Netherlands have carried out together,” said Florian Hohenwarter, CEO of KNDS Deutschland.
“This demonstrates what European cooperation can achieve. Joint procurement of a system and the resulting higher production volumes not only enable faster deliveries,” Hohenwarter said.
“It also has a direct, positive impact on training and logistics and guarantees interoperability between the armed forces. KNDS, as a European company, stands for exactly this,” Hohenwarter said.
KNDS developed the Boxer RCT30 to serve as a primary platform for the Bundeswehr’s new “Medium Forces”. The vehicle combines the Boxer wheeled chassis with the 30 mm turret used on the PUMA infantry fighting vehicle.
The configuration can engage moving targets while the vehicle itself is moving, according to KNDS. The Bundeswehr-designated “Schakal” is also capable of countering drones and aircraft.
The Boxer RCT30 carries the integrated MELLS lightweight multi-role guided missile system for engaging armoured targets. KNDS said the missile system gives the vehicle the capability to engage main battle tanks.
The vehicle can carry six dismounted soldiers and is intended to become the primary weapon system for mechanised infantry in Germany’s “Medium Forces”. With Germany and the Netherlands joining the user base, the Boxer RCT30 is now under contract with four nations.
