Rheinmetall secures multi-billion-euro contract to advance Bundeswehr’s digitalisation

By Defence Industry Europe

Rheinmetall has been awarded a major contract to develop a tactical communication network for the German Armed Forces. The agreement, worth several billion euros, will provide the Bundeswehr with the Tactical Wide Area Network for Land-Based Operations (TaWAN LBO), significantly enhancing digital connectivity and operational efficiency.

 

The ten-year framework contract was signed between Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH and the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw). Under this agreement, an initial order valued at €1.88 billion has been placed to equip a division of the Bundeswehr, with deliveries set to take place between late 2026 and the end of 2029.

TaWAN LBO is designed to function as an open transport network for Federated Mission Networking (FMN), integrating with the Bundeswehr’s Protected Core Network (PCN). This system will ensure seamless connectivity between forward tactical units and rear-echelon command structures, reinforcing Germany’s digitalised defence capabilities.

 

 

Commenting on the contract, Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, stated: “We are thankful for the great trust that the Bundeswehr is placing in us regarding its ambitious digitalisation efforts. Now that the Bundeswehr will be receiving TaWAN LBO and D-LBO from a single source, the conditions for a synchronized coordination concerning the introduction of both systems are given. It is our ambition to provide the Bundeswehr with a seamless and reliable communication network within the given timeframe – one which can be considered a flagship of digitalisation in Germany.”

As part of the project, Rheinmetall will also deliver 102 protected 8×8 HX trucks from Rheinmetall MAN, which will be used to transport large directional radio systems and mobile high-extendable antenna masts. Additional vehicle platforms will support a software-based directional radio management system, enabling efficient operational planning and execution.

 

 

This contract represents a significant milestone in modernising the Bundeswehr’s command and communication infrastructure, strengthening Germany’s military readiness. With both D-LBO and TaWAN LBO under Rheinmetall’s management, the Bundeswehr aims to achieve secure, high-speed connectivity and improved coordination across its forces.

 

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