The German Bundeswehr has commissioned Projekt System & Management GmbH (PSM), a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland (KNDS), to supply 200 Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). The corresponding amendment to the existing framework contract has now been signed at the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) in Koblenz. The contract will take legal effect in January 2026. The total gross volume of the procurement is €4,2 billion gross of which KNDS will receive €2.1 billion and €2.1 billion will go to the Rheinmetall subsidiary Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. Both companies are implementing the project as subcontractors. The first vehicles are scheduled for delivery in mid-2028.
In May 2023, the BAAINBw awarded PSM GmbH a framework contract for the delivery of the Puma IFVs, with an initial order for the first 50 vehicles upon signing the contract. This contract has now been enlarged. In addition to the 200 combat vehicles ordered to date, the contract also includes the procurement of corresponding protection modules and storage containers. Furthermore, a contract amendment for the S2 construction status is planned for mid-2026. The aim is to eliminate obsolescence and implement additional capabilities such as drone defence, based on the turret of the Jackal armoured vehicle.
The Puma IFV is the primary weapon system of the German armoured infantry and is one of the world’s most powerful and modern systems of its kind. It can accommodate a crew of nine, including the commander, the gunner and the driver, as well as a unit of six soldiers. In addition to its highly effective modular protection, the Puma has a unique level of assertiveness and the capability to be deployed in networked operations.
Between 2023 and 2024, the BAAINBw commissioned the comprehensive modernisation of 297 Puma IFVs from the Bundeswehr’s stocks that do not yet comply with the S1 series standard. The retrofit, which will be completed in 2029, includes the integration of high-resolution day and night vision camera systems, the multi-role light guided missile system (MELLS in German) and the integration of digital radio equipment.
Rheinmetall wins major order for RCH155 wheeled howitzer
The German Armed Forces has placed a major order with Artec GmbH, a joint venture between KNDS Germany and Rheinmetall. The RCH155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 mm) wheeled howitzer is to be introduced into service. On 19 December 2025, ARTEC GmbH received an order for the first 84 RCH155 wheeled howitzers. The order is based on a framework agreement between ARTEC GmbH and the Federal Office of Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) for a total of 500 RCH155 systems, which can also be called up by other nations. The order value for ARTEC GmbH for the first 84 wheeled howitzers and associated training equipment, service and logistical support is around €1.2 billion.
Rheinmetall will supply the electrical systems, software and 155 mm weapon systems to Artec GmbH. Deliveries will begin in 2027 and are scheduled for completion in 2029. Artec GmbH is a joint venture between KNDS Germany and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. It is responsible for the Boxer vehicle family.
The RCH 155 protected wheeled howitzer combines the firepower and range of the automatic and remotely controlled artillery gun module (AGM) with the protection and mobility of the battle-proven Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle. The fully automatic weapon system enables firing from movement. Targets can be engaged with high precision at distances of up to 40 kilometres. In addition to its rapid fire readiness, the RCH155’s strengths include its high tactical range on the road and its mobility. Compared to the Panzerhaubitze 2000, the crew could be reduced to two soldiers (commander and driver) due to the high degree of automation.
The first user of the RCH155 is Ukraine. It has directly ordered 54 RCH155s from KNDS Germany in three batches. Here, too, Rheinmetall is supplying the electrical systems, software and weapon systems to KNDS Germany. The United Kingdom also intends to procure the RCH155. The heads of government of Germany and the United Kingdom announced a corresponding cooperation agreement back in April 2024.
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