iscover
The global defence contractor has received a major order for material kits for its wheeled armoured vehicle.
An undisclosed international customer has awarded a €250 million ($398 million)contract to Rheinmetall for the delivery of material kits for Fuchs/Fox 2 wheeled armoured vehicles.
The follow-up order, which includes an initial supply of spare parts, will be delivered over the course of 2021-2023, with production to commence in the recipient’s country.
Since entering service with the German Bundeswehr over 40 years ago, approximately 1,600 Fuchs vehicles have been built, including a number of variants.
The vehicle can be configured as an armoured personnel carrier, a mobile command post, a field ambulance or for an NBC detection and reconnaissance role.
The Fuchs 2 is billed as an advanced version of the original vehicle, featuring a larger fighting compartment, an enhanced engine, an updated chassis, improved protection, and a digital electrical system.
The Bundeswehr is currently modernising part of its Fuchs 1 fleet, the Fuchs 1A8, offering better protection against mines and improvised explosive devices compared with earlier models, and enhanced protection against ballistic threats.
Modifications include structural changes to the hull, new seats and seat suspension systems in the fighting compartment decoupled from the floor of the hull, reinforced wheel housings, doors, and window mountings, and additional external storage bins and reinforcement of the vehicle exterior.
The Bundeswehr’s total inventory includes around 940 Fuchs vehicles, 272 of which are the current version 1A8.
Rheinmetall is also offering the 1A8 Plus, which includes a new powerpack, a new transfer case, an improved steering system, and a monitor and camera vision system.
[Related: Rheinmetall to upgrade Dutch military’s ARV fleet]
