In a major investment for European defense, Germany and the Netherlands have commissioned 222 SCHAKAL infantry fighting vehicles through a €4.5 billion OCCAR-supervised contract, advancing both countries’ commitment to collaborative modernization and NATO standardization. Delivered by ARTEC GmbH—a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS—the new vehicles combine the Boxer 8×8 armored chassis with the advanced remotely controlled PUMA RCT30 turret, creating a platform designed for dynamic combat requirements and high-intensity operations.
The contract provides 150 SCHAKAL units to Germany and 72 to the Netherlands, plus an option for up to 248 additional vehicles. It includes logistical support with spares, training tools, and specialized systems, and covers potential upgrades for anti-tank protection, drone defense, and attack detection. The Boxer SCHAKAL offers IFV-level firepower and robust mobility, thanks to its 30mm MK 30-2/ABM machine gun and advanced electronic and armor integration.
Germany also receives new Driver Training Vehicles and enhanced ambulance variants, which incorporate upgraded medical and C4I systems as part of a wider battlefield support package. The deal sets a precedent for synchronizing systems and training across participating OCCAR states, ensuring high operational efficiency and improved interoperability in multinational deployments.
The €4.5 billion investment cements Boxer’s place as the modular reference for Europe’s armored forces and signals a unified German-Dutch approach to medium-weight mechanized power. With new medical evacuation and IFV variants, OCCAR coordinates rapid scaling while reducing lifecycle costs and integration risks, underscoring Europe’s readiness and cohesion against contemporary threats.
