Source: Deutsche Nachrichten
– OCCAR commissions further Jackal (Schakal) wheeled infantry fighting vehicles for the Bundeswehr and the Dutch armed forces
– 35 vehicles for Germany, 34 for the Netherlands
– Contract value for Rheinmetall in the threedigit million-euro range
– Modern wheeled infantry fighting vehicle for medium forces
Rheinmetall has once again received a major order in the field of 8×8 combat vehicles. The European defence organisation OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement) has commissioned Artec GmbH to deliver further Schakal (German for “jackal”) wheeled infantry fighting vehicles to the German and Dutch armed forces: 35 for the Bundeswehr and 34 for the Royal Dutch Land Forces. Artec GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland, is the prime contractor for the Boxer. As a key industrial partner, Rheinmetall is making a significant contribution to the programme’s implementation. For the Düsseldorf-based technology group, the two option call-offs have a combined order value in the medium three-digit million-euro range. According to current plans, the vehicles are to be delivered between May 2032 and November 2033.
On 24 June 2026, the Budget Committee of the German Parliament, the Bundestag, approved the first call-off of the contractually agreed options for the Schakal. The main contract, which was awarded in October 2025, already covers 222 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles and includes an option for up to 200 additional vehicles. Following this initial option call-off, the total number of Schakal vehicles to be delivered will increase to 291.
“The activation of additional options for the Schakal confirms our customers’ confidence in this state-of-the-art system”, said Dr Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division. “It also gives us greater insurance for us as an industry and for our suppliers concerning the planning. Together with our partners, we are contribution significantly to the modernisation of European land forces and are strengthening industrial capacity in Europe”.
The Schakal wheeled infantry fighting vehicle combines the chassis of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle. It thus combines modularity, mobility, protection and firepower to the highest degree. This enables medium forces to cover long distances independently in the shortest possible time. The system features state-of-the-art fire control technology, digital networking and a high level of protection, and can carry a fully equipped group of grenadiers. Its main weapon system is the MK 30-2/ABM machine gun, manufactured by Rheinmetall. This is complemented by the MELLS anti-tank guided missile. Together, these provide adequate fire power against a wide variety of targets in dynamic combat situations. As the Schakal is part of the Boxer family, training, logistics and lifecycle costs are reduced.
The German-Dutch OCCAR programme highlights the effectiveness of European defence cooperation and strengthens the European defence industry against foreign competition in the 8×8 vehicle sector. This is also beneficial for the German land systems industry. Key assemblies and components are produced at sites in Germany, operated by Rheinmetall, KNDS Deutschland, MTU, Hensoldt and many other small and medium-sized champions in the national defence sector. The programme strengthens the industrial base and secures highly skilled jobs in the long term. Should the large-scale ‘Arminius’ Boxer programme be commissioned, German industry has guaranteed a significantly accelerated delivery of the vehicles, which are ordered as an option.