The largest share of the business relates to equipping the Boxer RCT 30 wheeled armoured vehicle, known as the Schakal, under a contract worth around €290 million. Hensoldt will supply 288 complete sets of digital optronics, including the PERI RTWL HD digital commander’s sight, the WAO HD digital gunner’s sight, the Multifunctional Self-Protection System and associated displays.
In parallel, KNDS awarded Hensoldt a further contract at the end of 2025 to equip the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank, covering 178 digital sighting system sets worth more than €110 million. This brings the total to 301 sets for the German Leopard 2 fleet and reflects a consistent shift from analogue to fully digital optronics across platforms.
“The parallel orders for Schakal and Leopard 2A8 show that digital optronics are now a key enabler for Software-Defined Defence. With our cross-platform, software-enabled vision systems, we are laying the foundation for networked, future-proof combat vehicles and sustainably strengthening the operational readiness of modern armed forces,” said Christina Canitz, Head of Optronics Division at Hensoldt.
The core of the equipment is the stabilised PERI RTWL HD digital commander’s sight, designed to provide precise all-round reconnaissance and target acquisition even while moving and under difficult conditions such as dust, fog and darkness. Hensoldt said the system builds on experience gained with the Leopard 2 and is designed for cross-platform use to support flexible deployment.
The PERI RTWL HD is complemented by the WAO HD digital gunner’s sight, which offers high-resolution video, an extended field of view and improved stabilisation based on the same digital architecture. According to the company, the digital vision systems enable advanced functions such as image fusion, video tracking and networking with command-and-control systems, supporting greater combat effectiveness and survivability.
Delivery of the sensor packages is scheduled to begin in 2027, with prototypes for the PUMA turret already delivered. Series production deliveries for the Schakal are planned to start in the fourth quarter of 2027.
