Rheinmetall-blackned win Bundeswehr’s €1.2 Billion Digitalization Project: Berlin (December 19, 2024) – In a major push to modernize its land forces, the German Bundeswehr has awarded a €1.2 billion (gross) contract to Rheinmetall and its partner company, blackned, for a large-scale project within the “Digitalization of land-based operations” (D-LBO) program. The initiative aims to integrate cutting-edge IT systems into over 10,000 combat and support vehicles by mid-2030, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities and interoperability of the German Army.
The procurement contract was officially signed by representatives from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and the ISI working group (ArGe IT-Systemintegration). This working group comprises blackned GmbH and Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH, with Airbus Defence and Space GmbH as a key subcontractor. Rheinmetall’s share of the contract is approximately €730 million (gross), while blackned GmbH will receive around €470 million.
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This initial contract focuses on the integration of new digital radio and command systems into a standardized IT architecture. The configuration control will be managed by BWI GmbH, the Bundeswehr’s central office for IT systems, ensuring seamless integration and interoperability across the force. The contract has a term of up to ten years, covering all aspects of the IT system integration process.
A second, related procurement order has also been placed to address the hardware integration aspect, including the pre-conversion of the vehicle platforms. This contract has been awarded to ArGe D-LBO, a consortium consisting of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG. This dual approach ensures both the IT infrastructure and the physical vehicle platforms are modernized in a coordinated manner.
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German Army Soldiers.
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D-LBO is a crucial project for the Bundeswehr, representing a significant investment in the future of its land forces and one of the most substantial procurement schemes in the German Army’s history. The modernized IT infrastructure will enable seamless interconnectivity between vehicles, soldiers, sensors, and effectors. This real-time information exchange will dramatically improve the operational effectiveness and interoperability of units equipped with D-LBO, both within the Bundeswehr and with NATO allies.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, emphasized the importance of the project: “We are grateful that we can contribute significantly to the digitalization of the land forces in this project – both in IT development and in equipping the hardware. The new technology will increase the command-and-control capability of the army units fundamentally, and improves the interoperability within the Bundeswehr and with NATO allies, which will be particularly important for the new Brigade 45 in Lithuania.”
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A female soldier of German Army – Heer (Official Photo).
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The digitalization of land-based operations is a critical step in modern warfare, enabling faster decision-making, improved situational awareness, and enhanced coordination across the battlefield. With the D-LBO program, the Bundeswehr is positioning itself to maintain a technological edge and ensure its readiness for future challenges.
