Rheinmetall announced on 20 January that they have been contracted by the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) to provide a total of 568 logistics vehicles. This order encompasses 349 UTF trucks (unprotected transport vehicles) in both 5-ton and 15-ton configurations, along with 219 trucks equipped with a swap-body system, of which 121 will feature a protected driver’s cab.
The combined value of these projects exceeds EUR 330 million, with the delivery of the UTF trucks scheduled for 2026, while the swap-body trucks are expected to be delivered by November 2025. The budget committee of the German Parliament granted approval for the necessary funds on 18 December 2024.
The UTF trucks represent a significant demand established under the framework agreement finalized in July 2024, marking the largest order in the company’s history concerning logistical vehicles. This agreement encompasses the provision of up to 6,500 trucks, with a total value reaching EUR 3.5 billion gross. It grants the Bundeswehr the flexibility to place additional orders for the previously introduced Unprotected Transport Vehicles, specifically the UTF 5t and UTF 15t models, over a span of seven years. Furthermore, the framework agreement will introduce a new vehicle category: the 4×4 model UTF 3.5t, which shares a high degree of commonality with the existing UTF family.
In 2024, Rheinmetall delivered 2,015 logistics vehicles, significantly enhancing the logistical capabilities of the Bundeswehr and represents a substantial advancement in the modernization of the Bundeswehr’s truck fleet and the augmentation of its logistical resources.
The vehicles scheduled for delivery from now until 2024 comprise 1,715 swap-body systems, 250 unprotected transport vehicles, and 50 semi-trailer units, all procured under existing framework agreements with the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH. The impressive volume and swift delivery underscore a new phase in the Bundeswehr’s procurement process, highlighting Rheinmetall’s role as a dependable partner for the German armed forces.
Over the years, the UTF family has played a significant role in enhancing the operational efficiency of Bundeswehr logistics units and formations. In July 2017, the Bundeswehr awarded a contract to Rheinmetall MAN for the provision of its new ‘UTF mil gl family’ in the 5-ton and 15-ton payload categories. This initiative has emerged as a flagship project, characterized by the implementation of flexible framework contracts that facilitate high-volume military procurement. Since 2017, over 6,000 HX vehicles, which include swap-body systems and 70-ton semi-trailer units, have been supplied to the Bundeswehr. Notably, more than 75% of the added value associated with the swap-body system and UTFs is generated within Germany.
The UTF and swap-body system are derived from RMMV’s durable HX family of vehicles. Specifically engineered for military applications, these vehicles exhibit exceptional mobility, even in challenging terrains. The widespread global presence of the HX family provides significant benefits in terms of interoperability and logistics, especially in the context of multinational operations.
Beyond Germany, the current user base encompasses the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, Singapore, Slovenia, Denmark, and Ukraine. The recent order highlights the strong acceptance of the established HX vehicles, with over 20,000 units already operational worldwide.
