General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has been awarded a contract worth approximately €3 billion by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to deliver a new generation of reconnaissance vehicles for the German Army. The new system, named “LUCHS 2”, will be based on the PIRANHA 6×6 wheeled platform with amphibious capabilities, replacing the current FENNEK 4×4 vehicles.
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has been awarded a contract worth approximately €3 billion by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to deliver a new generation of reconnaissance vehicles for the German Army. The new system, named “LUCHS 2”, will be based on the PIRANHA 6×6 wheeled platform with amphibious capabilities, replacing the current FENNEK 4×4 vehicles.
The LUCHS 2 system will feature advanced networked reconnaissance sensors, high mobility, and low acoustic and thermal signatures to support modern battlefield requirements. The contract also includes training equipment, simulators, and logistical support to ensure effective integration into the Bundeswehr.
“It is both an honor and an obligation for us to have been selected as the prime contractor for the development and delivery of the new reconnaissance vehicle for the Bundeswehr’s Army Reconnaissance Force,” said Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, Chief Sales Officer and Managing Director of GDELS Deutschland. “We are proud to have prevailed in a competitive acquisition of this highly technologically demanding key project. Now, our primary objective is to deliver the new reconnaissance vehicle, in collaboration with our partners, to the troops in accordance with the contract on cost and schedule. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, especially the German procurement agency BAAINBw, for their professional, constructive, and goal-oriented cooperation.”
GDELS emphasised the strategic significance of this selection, following the earlier choice of the PIRANHA 8×8 for the German TaWAN command vehicle programme. “With the decision to select our PIRANHA 8×8 for the TaWAN project, and now the PIRANHA 6×6 for the next generation reconnaissance vehicle project, the German Armed Forces has expressed its confidence in GDELS to make a substantial contribution,” said Antonio Bueno, President of GDELS. “The selection of the Bundeswehr once again underscores our expertise and capabilities as one of the leading land systems providers in Europe. Our customers can fully rely on GDELS as a proven partner.”
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has announced significant investments in its German operations, expanding its sites in Kaiserslautern and Sembach as part of its “24/500” strategy. The company has already invested more than €10 million in Rhineland-Palatinate this year and will commit a further €20 million in 2025, creating around 400 new jobs by 2029.
GDELS to invest further €20 million in Kaiserslautern and Sembach, creating 400 new jobs by 2029.
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