Germany Approves €1.5B Investment for Trucks, Satellite Communications

Germany’s Bundestag budget committee recently approved new Bundeswehr (German armed forces) procurement projects totaling approximately €1.5 billion, covering the acquisition of swap-body trucks and the modernization of the armed forces' satellite communications infrastructure.

The Bundeswehr will purchase 200 swap-body trucks from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), including 180 unprotected and 20 protected trucks, for an investment of around €114.5 million. The vehicles, each with a 15-ton maximum payload capacity, are equipped with a swap loading system to facilitate quick loading and unloading of material containers. Delivery of these trucks is scheduled for mid-November, with an expected service life of 20 years. The order is part of a larger framework agreement with RMMV, which includes plans for 4,000 similar vehicles and additional equipment.

In addition to transport vehicles, the Bundeswehr's satellite communications (SATCOMBw) will be updated with a €1.4 billion investment from the special defense fund and regular budget. The upgrade will enhance both the ground-based components and the control and monitoring systems of the satellite network, which supports secure communications for German forces globally and fulfills NATO alliance commitments. This modernization includes improvements to stationary and portable ground stations, ensuring the Bundeswehr’s communications capabilities remain resilient and future-ready.

Under German regulations, military investments exceeding €25 million require budget committee approval, which was obtained for both projects, reflecting a strategic focus on defense readiness and logistics.