Germany and the Netherlands have ordered an additional 69 Schakal 8×8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles under their joint European defence procurement programme, increasing the planned fleet to 291 vehicles. The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) awarded the additional order to Artec, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland. The latest procurement covers 35 vehicles for the German Bundeswehr and 34 for the Royal Netherlands Army. Rheinmetall said the two option call-offs have a combined value in the mid-three-digit million-euro range, with deliveries scheduled between May 2032 and November 2033. The original contract, awarded in October 2025, covered 222 vehicles and included options for up to 200 additional units. The latest order increases the total number of Schakal vehicles contracted under the programme to 291. The Schakal is an 8×8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle that combines the chassis of the Boxer armoured vehicle with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle. This combination is intended to provide medium forces with the operational mobility of a wheeled platform while retaining the firepower and protection associated with a modern infantry fighting vehicle. Its eight-wheel configuration supports long-distance movement, while the Boxer’s modular architecture allows the vehicle to accommodate different operational configurations. The main armament consists of Rheinmetall’s MK 30-2/ABM 30mm automatic cannon, supported by MELLS anti-tank guided missiles, digital networking and modern fire-control systems. According to Rheinmetall, the vehicle can transport a fully equipped infantry squad. Sharing the Boxer vehicle family is also expected to improve interoperability between the German and Dutch armed forces through common training, logistics, maintenance and support arrangements. The expanded procurement reflects both countries’ efforts to strengthen mechanised infantry capabilities and improve cooperation in European defence procurement.
