Rheinmetall UK have been awarded a contract by the NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) to provide Trailblazer Driver Vision and Local Situation Awareness System to the UK Ministry of Defence’s M270 A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) platform upgrade. The initial contract will see prototypes delivered in early 2026, with the main production starting later that year. The total contract value is in the mid-single-digit million euro range. The M270 A2 MLRS will be the 17th military platform to use the Trailblazer, which was developed and manufactured in the UK. There are currently seven user countries.
The upgrade programme for the M270 A2 MLRS tasks Rheinmetall UK to design and deliver enhanced Vehicle Vision capability against specific platform requirements. As a mature, software-defined and SIL(safety integrity level) 2-certified system, Trailblazer is already installed in the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle, the Challenger 3 main battle tank and the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle. This offers advantages through the standardisation of the entire British combat vehicle fleet.
This programme will see the UK’s M270 A2 MLRS issued with the most modern and capable vehicle vision technology designed to aid vehicle manoeuvre in complex environments 24/7 for both driver and commander. The programme responsibility includes driver vision sensors, remote side and rear vision sensors, delivery of installation kits including hardened cabling, switches and protective covers.
Trailblazer improves crew effectiveness by extending the vehicle field of view beyond the daylight spectrum. With enhanced day light, thermal and fusion vision, Trailblazer offers significant crew advantage in adverse weather, obscured and low-light conditions. Featuring very low-latency, the systems aid terrain navigation, obstacle avoidance, safe route selection and enhanced threat detection. Compliance with SIL-2, (N)GVA and DEF STAN 00-82 video distribution means Trailblazer is safe to operate and easy to integrate.
Managing Director Rheinmetall Electronics UK, Richard Streeter said: “This latest contract further solidifies Trailblazer as the Driver Vision system of choice for the UK Army. That choice is built on our reputation for delivery of innovative and reliable technologies into the UK MoD. We are delighted to be able to upgrade the UK’s latest MLRS A2 platforms with the very best vehicle vision systems.”
German Armed Forces orders additional communication headsets
The German Armed Forces has once again commissioned Rheinmetall to supply the communication headset with hearing protection function. In December 2025, a third delivery lot was called up from the framework contract, awarded in April 2024. A total of 50,000 sets with hearing protection function (German “Sprechsatz mit Gehörschutzfunktion”, abbreviated as “SmG”) and other items are to be delivered. The order value is over €130 million net.
The framework contract serves for the delivery of up to 191,000 SmG sets and has a duration of seven years, and a possible total volume of around €400 million net. The German Bundestag’s Budget Committee had imposed conditions on the project. As a result, only a total of 60,000 sets were initially ordered for delivery in 2024 and 2025. The two delivery lots financed by the special fund include additional items such as connection cables. The two orders had a net value of approximately €150 million. These first two delivery lots will be fully delivered by the end of 2025.
The SmG is a key project for the soldiers’ individual equipment. A SmG set includes modern active ear defenders that dampen harmful impulse noise and can amplify quiet sounds. Furthermore, the system has a microphone and can be connected to various radio devices, enabling voice communication. In addition to the combined headset, the scope of delivery includes various push-to-talk (PTT) buttons and optional cable sets for connecting to various radio devices and on-board communication systems.
Rheinmetall has engaged two leading manufacturers as subcontractors for the project: 3M Peltor with the ComTac VIII headset and CEOTRONICS AG with CT-Multi PTT 1C and 3C, as well as WPTT and cables. The SmG is compatible with the new combat helmet also supplied by Rheinmetall, as well as with other types of helmets used by the German Armed Forces.
With this latest order, Rheinmetall underscores its leading role in the field of soldier equipment. For example, the technology company is the prime contractor supplying the German Armed Forces with the Future Soldier System – Advanced System. Rheinmetall markets various configurations of its Gladius soldier system internationally.
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