The European defense organization OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement) has commissioned Artec GmbH to deliver 222 Schakal infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) for the German and Dutch Armies. This new model combines the chassis of the 8×8 Boxer armored vehicle with the turret of the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. The main contractor for the Boxer is Artec GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Germany.
Of the total, 150 units will be destined for the German Army and 72 for the Dutch Army. The contract has a total gross value of 4.7 billion euros, of which Rheinmetall will receive nearly 3.4 billion. The agreement includes a logistics package with spare parts, training materials, and specialized tools. It also provides optional additional services such as protection against man-portable anti-tank weapons, detection and identification of fire attacks, and counter-drone defense. In addition, the contract includes the option to procure up to 248 additional vehicles.
For the German Armed Forces, the Schakal — which integrates the Boxer’s 8×8 platform and the Puma’s 30 mm turret equipped with Rheinmetall’s MK 30-2/ABM cannon — will serve as the main weapon system of the Army’s new medium forces. This vehicle combines mobility, protection, and firepower, enabling it to cover long distances quickly and engage a wide range of targets in dynamic combat scenarios.
Artec GmbH, a joint venture owned 64% by Rheinmetall and 36% by KNDS, will also be the prime contractor for the RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 mm) artillery system, another platform based on the Boxer’s drive module and equipped with the Panzerhaubitze PzH 2000 weapon system.
As a precedent demonstrating the versatility of this system, in February 2024 Germany awarded Rheinmetall a $600 million contract to equip its 8×8 Boxer armored vehicles with the SkyRanger 30 air defense system. The agreement included the delivery of one prototype and 18 production units, with an option to expand to 30 mobile systems. According to the company, the prototype was scheduled for delivery by the end of 2024 for evaluation and refinement of the final design.
This acquisition was part of Germany’s project to develop an integrated short- and very-short-range air defense system under the European Sky Shield Initiative, in which Germany, acting within the framework of NATO, assumed the role of lead nation in the production of ground-based air defense systems for Europe, as Rheinmetall explained in its statement.
Images for illustrative purposes only.
You may also be interested in: Germany may consider expanding its future F-35A fleet with the purchase of 15 additional stealth fighters from the U.S.
