Germany Signs €3.1B Contract for Future Soldier Systems

The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has signed a framework agreement with Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH for the procurement of the "Infantryman of the Future - Extended System" (IdZ-ES) soldier systems.

The contract, valued at up to €3.1 billion, runs until the end of 2030 and enables the Bundeswehr to acquire up to 368 platoon systems, along with options for additional components and services.

As part of the agreement, the 68 IdZ-ES systems currently in service will be upgraded to a digital standard, and 24 additional systems, including peripherals, will be procured. The firm order, worth approximately €417 million, is scheduled to be booked in the first quarter of 2025. The contract, signed on February 6, is the largest soldier system procurement deal for both Rheinmetall and BAAINBw.

Each platoon system consists of 34 individual soldier systems, along with IT equipment, optics, optronics, and protective gear. Rheinmetall, serving as the general contractor, will coordinate with more than 30 subcontractors. The Bundeswehr is acquiring a modernized version of the IdZ-ES, based on the IdZ-ES VJTF 2023 soldier system from the Panzergrenadier system. The updated version, known as "VJTF 2023 obsolescence-cleaned," replaces outdated components and enhances communication capabilities with the Boxer armored transport vehicle, the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, and airborne platforms.

The revised soldier systems are also designed to integrate with the Bundeswehr’s "Digitalization of Land-Based Operations" (D-LBO) network. The contract is expected to enhance the Bundeswehr’s operational effectiveness by improving connectivity and combat management capabilities on the digital battlefield.