Rheinmetall books a call-off of EUR 100 million under the D-LBO framework agreement
Under the ‘Digitisation of Land-based Operations (D-LBO)’ initiative, the Bundeswehr has issued a call-off order worth EUR 100 million for additional services and components aimed at digitizing its vehicle fleet. The project will be executed by a consortium known as ARGE IT-Systemintegration, which consists of Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH and blackned GmbH.
This call-off encompasses both hardware components and industrial services essential for the continued series integration of advanced digital command and communication systems into Bundeswehr vehicles. To facilitate the series conversion process, the ARGE is dispatching ten new series integration teams, which are scheduled to operate from the fourth quarter of 2027 through the fourth quarter of 2028, enhancing the capacity for this conversion.
The hardware elements included in the call-off consist of 5,000 ‘basic’ adapter plate sets, designed to integrate IT and radio equipment across various vehicle platforms, and 11,000 rugged pin pads for managing cryptographic functionalities along with digital command and communication systems.
Additionally, the call-off emphasizes the provision of technical support services throughout the integration process. This support involves the integration of software components, optimization of technical interfaces, and measures to maintain stable system operations.
Within the consortium, blackned brings its specialized knowledge in software architecture and tactical communication solutions, while Rheinmetall Electronics is tasked with the integration of system technology into the different vehicle platforms. This latest call-off continues advancing the ‘Digitisation of Land-based Operations’ project, which aims to deliver a robust, secure, and interoperable digital command and information infrastructure for land forces.
The D-LBO initiative is pivotal for the modernization of the German land forces, with a potential total budget reaching into the billions. It stands as one of the Bundeswehr’s most significant modernization endeavors, setting the stage for comprehensive digitalization across thousands of vehicles and command posts, thereby enabling enhanced joint command and control capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies in the context of national and allied defense.
