Germany has taken a decisive step in modernizing its mechanized forces as Rheinmetall announced an expanded procurement of Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles for the Bundeswehr. The amended contract, signed at the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz, significantly enlarges the existing Puma program under PSM, the Rheinmetall–KNDS Deutschland joint venture. Scheduled to take legal effect in January 2026, the agreement reflects Berlin’s intent to convert current force-planning priorities into deployable armored capabilities starting from 2028.
The revised order calls for the delivery of 200 Puma IFVs, representing one of the largest recent armored vehicle procurements for the German Army. The program’s €4.2 billion gross value is shared equally between Rheinmetall Landsysteme and KNDS, with both companies executing the project as subcontractors under the PSM structure. Beyond the vehicles themselves, the package includes modular protection systems and logistics containers, underscoring an emphasis on survivability, deployability, and lifecycle support alongside platform numbers.
Rheinmetall explained that the latest amendment extends the framework contract awarded in May 2023, which initially covered 50 vehicles, and establishes a clear roadmap for future capability upgrades. A further modification introducing the S2 build standard is planned for mid-2026, aimed at addressing component obsolescence while adding new functions such as counter-drone defenses. By linking volume procurement with pre-planned upgrades—reportedly based on Jackal turret technology—the Puma program is being positioned as a continuously evolving armored fighting vehicle rather than a static fleet purchase.
