Schakal wheeled infantry fighting vehicles for the Bundeswehr and the Dutch armed forces
Rheinmetall has secured a significant contract in the realm of 8×8 combat vehicles, marking another milestone for the industry. Under the mandate of the European defense organization OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement), Artec GmbH is set to deliver an additional 69 Schakal (German for ‘jackal’) wheeled infantry fighting vehicles to bolster the capabilities of the German and Dutch armed forces, with allocations of 35 units for the Bundeswehr and 34 for the Royal Dutch Land Forces.
Artec GmbH, a collaboration between Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland, serves as the prime contractor for the Boxer program. Rheinmetall, playing a pivotal role in executing this program, will see a combined order value for these latest option call-offs in the medium three-digit million-euro range. Deliveries are anticipated to occur between May 2032 and November 2033.
The Budget Committee of the German Parliament, or Bundestag, ratified the initial call-off of this contract on June 24, 2026. This follows the main contract awarded in October 2025, which initially covers 222 vehicles while allowing for an additional 200 units if required. This recent decision brings the total number of Schakal vehicles destined for delivery to 291.
Dr. Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division, expressed enthusiasm regarding the activation of these options, stating, “The activation of additional options for the Schakal confirms our customers’ confidence in this state-of-the-art system. It also provides us with enhanced assurance in our planning as an industry and for our suppliers. Together with our partners, we are making a significant contribution to the modernization of European land forces and are strengthening industrial capacity in Europe.”
The Schakal wheeled infantry fighting vehicle ingeniously merges the chassis of the Boxer wheeled armored vehicle with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle. This design philosophy ensures a high degree of modularity, mobility, protection, and firepower, empowering medium forces to traverse long distances independently and swiftly. Equipped with cutting-edge fire control technology, digital networking, and superior protective features, the Schakal can transport a fully equipped squad of grenadiers. Its primary armament, the MK 30-2/ABM machine gun, is complemented by the MELLS anti-tank guided missile, together offering robust firepower against a diverse array of targets in dynamic combat environments. Being part of the Boxer family allows the Schakal to benefit from reduced training, logistics, and lifecycle costs.
This German-Dutch OCCAR program exemplifies the potency of European defense collaboration, reinforcing the European defense industry’s position against external competition in the 8×8 vehicle sector. The initiative is also a boon for the German land systems industry, with critical assemblies and components being manufactured within Germany at facilities operated by Rheinmetall, KNDS Deutschland, MTU, Hensoldt, and numerous other small and medium-sized enterprises within the national defense sector. The program not only strengthens the industrial base but also ensures the long-term security of highly skilled jobs. Furthermore, should the expansive ‘Arminius’ Boxer program be activated, the German industry has committed to significantly expedite the delivery of these optioned vehicles.
