German Forces Order Infrared Binoculars, 500+ Logistics Vehicles

The German Bundeswehr has selected Safran to supply portable infrared binoculars and awarded Rheinmetall a contract for over 500 logistics vehicles.

The binoculars are designed for day and night observation, target acquisition, and operational use in GNSS-denied environments.

Safran Electronics & Defense Germany, headquartered in Murr, Baden-Württemberg, will manage product support and operational maintenance in partnership with key German logistics centers.

Separately, Rheinmetall has been commissioned to supply 568 logistics vehicles to the Bundeswehr, including 349 UTF trucks in 5t and 15t variants and 219 swap body system trucks, 121 of which feature protected cabs. These vehicles, valued at over €330 million gross, will be delivered by November 2025 and 2026.

The orders fall under the Bundeswehr’s framework agreement with Rheinmetall, signed in July 2024, which allows for the delivery of up to 6,500 UTF trucks over seven years. This agreement introduces the 4x4 UTF 3.5t vehicle variant and supports the modernization of the Bundeswehr’s logistics capabilities.