The Bundeswehr has once again awarded Rheinmetall a major contract for Laser-Light-Modules. Following budget approval by the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee in December 2025, a further definitive call-off has now been made under the framework contract, which was concluded in June 2021 and extended in December 2025.
Between 2026 and 2032, and additional six-figure quantity of ‘LLM-VarioRay’ Laser-Light-Modules is to be delivered to the troops. This second definitive call-off represents a further net order intake of several hundred million euros for Rheinmetall. It will be booked in the second quarter of 2026. The devices are ‘made in Germany’ and are manufactured by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics in Stockach at Lake Constance. Numerous other small and medium-sized German businesses will also benefit from the contract as suppliers.
“Our versatile and battle-proven LLM-VarioRay is a key tactical combat enhancer for dismounted soldiers”, said Dr. Timo Haas, Head of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems division. “This further major contract from the Bundeswehr demonstrates the troop’s confidence in our capabilities and underlines the constructive cooperation between industry, procurement authorities and the armed forces”.
The Rheinmetall LLM-VarioRay Laser-Light-Module is part of the latest generation of devices of this type. The Laser-Light-Modules are primarily used on the small arms carried by infantry and dismounted forces, and serve to detect, identify and mark targets.
Weighing approximately 250 grams, including its mount, the LLM-VarioRay can be attached to any assault rifle via a MIL-STD 1913 rail/STANAG 4694 and can be operated via a trigger cable. It features a powerful white light LED, a red-light laser marker, an infrared laser marker and an electrically focusable infrared illuminator. The light source can be selected and adjusted stepless using a rotary switch.
The device is equipped with a fully integrated, factory-aligned laser block. This laser block allows for easy adjustment and alignment of the visor and the weapon. Equipped with night vision and thermal imaging devices, the German Armed Forces can thus accomplish their missions across the entire spectrum of operations, regardless of day- or night-time and in all weather conditions. The LLM-VarioRay product family is also part of the German soldier system ‘Future Soldier – Extended System (IdZ-ES)’ and is likewise used in the British Army as the Laser-Light-Module MK3 and in the Swiss Army as the Laser-Light-Module 19.
Rheinmetall to supply more than 2,000 military transports
The Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply more than 2,000 military transport vehicles. These are unprotected logistic vehicles in 4×4 (3.5 t), 6×6 (5 t) and 8×8 (15 t) variants. The order is worth €1.015 billion gross. The major order is part of the framework contract concluded in 2024 for a total of up to 6,500 vehicles and will be booked in the second quarter of 2026. Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV) will begin delivering the vehicles in the first half of 2026. The vast majority of the vehicles are due to be delivered before the end 2026.
The order comprises approximately 1,000 8×8 vehicles and around 1,000 4×4 and 6×6 vehicles. With its large numbers and versatility, the unprotected logistic vehicle family (UTF = German abbreviation for Ungeschuetzte Transportfahrzeuge) forms the logistical backbone of the Bundeswehr. Rheinmetall thus remains a key partner for the Bundeswehr’s mobility and makes a significant contribution to strengthening operational readiness in the context of national and alliance defence.
The outstanding joint UTF project between Rheinmetall and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) ensures the rapid supply of equipment and replenishment to the armed forces. “Thanks to the extensive standardisation of the HX vehicle family, the Bundeswehr benefits from considerable synergies in training, operation and maintenance. Our unprotected and protected vehicles are in service worldwide and have proven their reliability under the harshest climatic conditions,” said Christoph Müller, CEO and Chairman of the Board of RMMV.
The vehicles are based on RMMV’s technologically advanced HX family. This range was developed specifically to meet military requirements and is characterised by its exceptional off-road capability and robustness. As ‘military off-the-shelf’ vehicles, they combine tried-and-tested mass-production technology with specific military modifications, making them the ideal means of transport for modern armed forces.
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