Germany’s armed forces are preparing to place a large order for armored vehicles from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), a move that would expand the Bundeswehr’s protected mobility fleet by thousands of vehicles.
According to hartpunkt, the Bundeswehr intends in the near term to order almost 3,000 Eagle V protected vehicles with a total value of about €4.8 billion ($5.6 billion). Well-informed sources told the outlet that the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag is expected to review two so-called “25-million-euro submissions,” a parliamentary requirement for approving major defense procurements.
On the basis of these submissions, the Bundeswehr plans to conclude a framework agreement with GDELS for the production and delivery of up to 4,000 protected command and functional vehicles, classified as GFF Class 2, based on the Eagle V 4×4. A second framework agreement would cover the production and delivery of up to 1,000 medium protected all-wheel-drive medical vehicles, designated Eagle V 6×6, known in German service as mgSanKfz.
In an initial step, budget officials are expected to release roughly €4.8 billion, which would allow the immediate call-off of around 3,000 Eagle V vehicles from the two framework contracts. Nearly 90 percent of this first batch would consist of the Eagle V 4×4 variant, according to hartpunkt.
The Eagle V, manufactured by General Dynamics European Land Systems, is a protected multi-purpose vehicle available in both 4×4 and 6×6 configurations. The Bundeswehr already operates vehicles from the Eagle family. To date, Germany has procured a total of 675 Eagle IV and Eagle V 4×4 vehicles, including 180 Eagle V models, in the GFF2 Class 2 configuration, which also includes variants for mobile medical teams. In addition, the Bundeswehr has acquired 80 Eagle V 6×6 vehicles in the medium protected medical transport configuration.
Beyond Germany, Eagle-family vehicles are in service with several European armed forces. According to the report, the Danish Army, the Armed Forces of Luxembourg, and the Swiss Army operate different variants of the Eagle for a range of missions. Smaller numbers have also been purchased by Germany’s Federal Police and the Zurich Cantonal Police.
Technical data published with the report outline the differences between the Eagle V variants. The Eagle V 4×4 has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 11.5 tons and a payload of 3.5 tons, while the Eagle V 6×6 has a gross weight of 16.5 tons and can carry up to 6 tons. Both versions are powered by a six-cylinder Cummins diesel engine, producing 185 kW, or 245 horsepower, with optional higher output available. Power is transmitted through a five-speed automatic transmission from Allison.
Both variants feature permanent all-wheel drive, a torsen self-locking differential, and De-Dion axles with geared wheel drives. Ground clearance is listed at 0.44 meters, with a climbing ability of 60 percent and obstacle clearance of 0.5 meters. Despite being 1.6 meters longer, the 6×6 version achieves the same turning radius as the 4×4 due to steering on the third axle.
The vehicles are protected against mines, improvised explosive devices, and ballistic threats. In the medical evacuation configuration, both the driver’s cab and the patient compartment are protected, with space and equipment for a four-person crew and the transport of one or two wounded personnel using flexible stretcher systems and modern medical equipment.
The Eagle V is derived from the Duro platform and uses a stabilized chassis with a low center of gravity, intended to provide road safety as well as off-road mobility. Central tire inflation and run-flat tires allow adaptation to different terrain conditions.
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