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The German Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) placed an order for 440 sets of “Training Device, Duel Simulator (AGDUS), Passive Vehicle” systems from Rheinmetall.
According to a release from the company, the contract between the BAAINBw and Rheinmetall is valued in the “upper single-digital million-euro range”, with delivery scheduled to begin in 2021 and wrap up in December 2023.
The laser enabled Training Device, Duel Simulator AGDUS training systems simulate realistic combat environments for vehicle operators by simulating the effects of weapon fire, leveraging sensors on the vehicles to interpret laser signals in turn determining laser hit locations and calculating potential damage to a vehicle within a combat scenario.
The new system improves on the original “AGDUS passive” cable linked model, with the enhanced "AGDUS passive" a wireless system. Other improvements include roof sensors on the vehicle to detect shots from above.
The agreement between the Bundeswehr and Rheinmetall comes as Rheinmetall AG confirmed that it was in the process of acquiring German UAV manufacturer EMT as part of Rheinmetall’s broader digitisation strategy.
Rheinmetall and EMT have announced that the acquisition is expected to come into effect from December 2021 through an asset deal, though the agreement is currently pending approval from Germany's primary competition authorities.
Founded in 1978, EMT Ingenieurgesellschaft Dipl.-Ing. Hartmut Euer mbH specialises in the development and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance missions. Currently, EMT is working with the German Bundeswehr to integrate their new LUNA NG reconnaissance system into the German military.
The LUNA NG capability is a C4ISTAR communications and reconnaissance tool, supporting the ongoing digitisation of the German military including manned and unmanned teaming and the integration of AI capabilities.
According to Rheinmetall, once approved by the competition authorities, the LUNA NG system will leverage Rheinmetall’s expertise in the field and enable Rheinmetall to offer their existing clientele enhanced C4ISTAR capabilities.
The acquisition will further bolster Rheinmetall’s core technology capabilities by enabling the company to co-ordinate networked digital communications and reconnaissance offerings for Germany’s armed forces, as well as their allies.
To achieve this, Rheinmetall will acquire all of EMT’s capabilities and knowledge while maintaining their four offices in Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein though integrated into Rheinmetall’s larger workforce.
[Related: Rheinmetall acquires UAV manufacturer EMT]
