German Defence Ministry signs €2.7 billion contract for advanced infantry vehicles PHOTO/VIDEO

The German Ministry of Defence is spearheading a significant advancement in the modernization of the Bundeswehr's ground capabilities.

On March 21, a contract valued at 2.7 billion euros was officially signed between the ministry and Rheinmetall AG, heralding the procurement of up to 123 Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie (SWI) vehicles along with associated services for support and maintenance, Caliber.Az reports, citing the company's website.

The newly contracted SWI vehicles are designed for the transportation of heavy weapons in support of infantry operations. The vehicles will be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Bundeswehr, with enhancements and adaptations made to suit their operational needs.

The upcoming IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) is set to be based on the Boxer 8x8 armoured vehicle, a platform that has already been successfully supplied to Australia. The chosen model for reference is the Boxer CRV (Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle), which features a two-man Lance turret. This turret is armed with an MK30-2 ABM (Automatic Cannon) and a MELLS (Medium Extended Range Anti-Tank Guided Missile) ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile), providing enhanced firepower and versatility to the Bundeswehr's arsenal.