German Military places €3.1 billion order with Rheinmetall for modernization of Infantry Soldier: In a landmark move signaling a significant commitment to the future of digital warfare, the German Bundeswehr has awarded Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH its largest ever framework contract for soldier systems. The agreement, valued at a staggering €3.1 billion, will equip and modernize infantry forces with the cutting-edge “Infantry Soldier of the Future – Enhanced System” (IdZ-ES), securing the nation’s military readiness through 2030.
The contract, signed on February 6, 2025, represents a major investment in the digital battlefield capabilities of the Bundeswehr. It empowers the military to not only regenerate existing equipment but also procure and deploy up to 368 IdZ-ES platoon systems. A platoon, a key military sub-unit, benefits from a comprehensive suite of advanced technology and equipment under this program.
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The initial phase of the contract focuses on two key objectives. First, it will upgrade the 68 IdZ-ES platoon systems currently deployed to a modern digital standard. Second, it includes a firm order for 24 new platoon systems, complete with a wide array of peripheral equipment. This initial order, valued at approximately €417 million, is slated for booking in the first quarter of 2025.
This massive undertaking marks a historic milestone for both Rheinmetall and the Bundeswehr‘s procurement agency, the BAAINBw. It represents the largest single contract ever awarded for soldier systems, underscoring the increasingly crucial role these systems play in modern, networked combat. In the digitized battlespace of the future, these advanced soldier systems are essential for effective operations.
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German Army Soldiers.
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Each IdZ-ES platoon system is a complex and integrated package. It includes 34 individual soldier systems, each tailored to the individual infantryman, and a comprehensive set of platoon equipment. This peripheral equipment encompasses sophisticated IT devices, advanced optics and optronics, specialized military clothing, protective gear, and carrying equipment. Rheinmetall, as the prime contractor, oversees the entire project, coordinating the efforts of more than 30 subcontractors to ensure seamless integration and functionality.
The IdZ-ES system being procured is a modernized version, building upon the experience gained with the IdZ-ES VJTF 2023 system already in use by the Mechanized Infantry. This updated design, designated “VJTF 2023 obsolescence-adjusted,” addresses any technological obsolescence and enhances interoperability. Crucially, it establishes robust communication and data exchange capabilities with key armored platforms like the Boxer transport vehicle and the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. Furthermore, the system is being prepared for integration with airborne platforms, expanding its versatility across different operational environments.
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A female soldier of German Army – Heer (Official Photo).
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The revised hardware at the core of each soldier system is also designed for seamless connection to the “Digitization of Land-Based Operations” (D-LBO) information and communication network. This connectivity ensures that soldiers on the ground have access to real-time information and can effectively coordinate with other units and command structures. This upgrade positions the Bundeswehr infantry for enhanced effectiveness and survivability in the increasingly complex digital battlespace of the 21st century.
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