Germany, the Netherlands order over 200 Schakal infantry fighting vehicles in $4B deal

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - Germany and the Netherlands have ordered more than 200 Schakal infantry fighting vehicles in a procurement deal worth €3.4 billion ($4 billion), defense manufacturer Rheinmetall announced Monday.

The European defense organization OCCAR commissioned Artec GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Germany, to deliver 222 Schakal infantry fighting vehicles to the armed forces of both countries, according to a statement.

Germany will receive 150 vehicles, while the Netherlands will get 72. The contract includes a logistics package with spare parts, training materials, and specialized tools. It also covers optional services such as protection against anti-tank weapons, firing attack detection and identification, and drone defense. An option for up to 248 additional vehicles is included.

The Schakal combines the chassis of the Boxer wheeled armored vehicle with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle. The Schakal will serve as the main weapon system for Germany's newly established medium forces. The vehicle's 30mm turret, equipped with Rheinmetall's MK 30-2/ABM machine gun, "allows a wide variety of targets to be effectively combated in dynamic combat situations," the company said.