Extensive follow-up procurement of IdZ-ES: Rheinmetall receives largest framework contract to date for the digitisation of Bundeswehr infantry forces – soldier-systems worth over €3bn
The Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) has signed a framework contract with Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH for the follow-on procurement of soldier-systems ‘Infantry Soldier of the Future – Enhanced System’ (IdZ-ES). The framework contract, with a maximum gross volume of €3.1bn, will run until the end of 2030. Overall, the Bundeswehr can thus initiate the proportional regeneration as well as the manufacturing and delivery of up to 368 IdZ-ES platoon systems and various options for the procurement of additional components and services. A platoon is a military sub-unit.
The contract involves, firstly, upgrading the 68 IdZ-ES platoon systems currently in use within the Bundeswehr to a digital standard and, secondly, the firm order of a further 24 platoon systems including extensive peripherals. The firm order, worth around €417m gross, will be booked in the first quarter of 2025.
Signed on 6 February 2025, the contract is the largest ever for both Rheinmetall and the BAAINBw for the procurement of soldier-systems. These play an increasingly important role as a networked element of combat operations on the digital battlefield of the future.
A platoon system mainly comprises 34 individual soldier-systems and a platoon equipment of peripheral components, consisting of advanced IT-equipment, optics, optronics, as well as military clothing, protection and carrying equipment. As the general contractor, Rheinmetall is responsible for the system and is coordinating the performance of more than 30 subcontractors.
With the framework contract, the Bundeswehr is procuring a modernised design of the IdZ-ES, based on the IdZ-ES VJTF 2023 soldier-system of the Mechanised Infantry system that is already in use. The new ‘VJTF 2023 obsolescence-adjusted’ design status eliminates all technically obsolete components and implements communication and data exchange capabilities with the Boxer armoured transport vehicle and Puma infantry fighting vehicle platforms, as well as preparing it for the airborne platform. The revised basic hardware of the soldier-systems is also designed to connect to the ‘Digitisation of Land-Based Operations’ (D-LBO) information and communication network.