The shifting of the battlefield scales to asymmetric elements increased the need for armoured carrier elements in logistics infrastructure.
Considering the changing battlefield conditions and seeking to immerse its logistics infrastructure with modern systems, Germany took action for truck procurement. In this context, BAAINBw (Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr / Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support) signed an agreement with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) for the acquisition of 4,000 swap body systems. It is stated that some of the platforms to be procured have an armoured cabin. The total volume of the contract, which will be valid between 2021-2027, reaches approximately 2 billion Euros.
In the first phase, the company will deliver 540 trucks to the Bundeswehr. The cost of these first systems was announced as 348 million Euros.
In 2023, Germany will take over the command of the Highly Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), the arrowhead of NATO forces. With the procurements made in this framework, Bundeswehr aims to increase combat readiness and provide the necessary logistics infrastructure.
The trucks that will be acquired under the agreement are stated to be RMMV's 8×8 HX platforms. The engine, axle, gearbox and some structural components of HXs that have the ability to load 20-foot ISO containers with their own equipment will be manufactured in Germany. The final assembly of the vehicles will be completed at RMMV's facilities in Vienna.
