Germany’s largest defence company Rheinmetall has signed a €1.9bn deal to supply up to 3,058 assault vehicles to Germany and the Netherlands, the latest significant order designed to boost European military capabilities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Düsseldorf-based contractor said on Monday that the first test models of the Caracal — a vehicle that is light enough to be airlifted and uses the chassis of a Mercedes-Benz G-class four-wheel drive — were planned for early 2024.
Rheinmetall first unveiled the vehicle last year, calling it its “answer to the upcoming requirements for airborne vehicles in Germany and various armies worldwide”.