Germany and the Netherlands have expanded their joint Schakal infantry fighting vehicle programme with an order for 69 additional 8×8 vehicles, bringing the combined procurement total to 291 units. OCCAR awarded the contract option to Artec, the joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland, covering 35 vehicles for the German Army and 34 for the Dutch Army. Rheinmetall placed the combined contract value in the mid-three-digit million-euro range, with deliveries planned from May 2032 to November 2033. The original October 2025 agreement covered 222 vehicles and included options for up to 200 more. The latest order raises the total contracted fleet to 291 vehicles. Schakal combines the Boxer armoured vehicle’s wheeled chassis with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle, providing a balance of mobility, protection and firepower for medium forces. Its 8×8 configuration supports rapid movement over long distances, while the Boxer’s modular design allows different mission configurations. The vehicle is armed with Rheinmetall’s MK 30-2/ABM 30mm automatic cannon and MELLS anti-tank guided missiles, alongside digital networking and advanced fire-control systems. It can also carry a fully equipped infantry squad. The shared Boxer platform is expected to support common training, logistics and maintenance arrangements between the two countries, strengthening interoperability and simplifying long-term fleet support.
