Large-Scale Upgrade: Germany Orders 274 New Luchs 2 Reconnaissance Vehicles

Germany has ordered the development and delivery of 274 new Luchs 2 reconnaissance vehicles to significantly upgrade its army’s capabilities.

The German Armed Forces Procurement Office (BAAINBw) has signed an agreement with the European defense company General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), Hartpunkt reports.

The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag had previously approved the relevant expenditures. Delivery of the first production models is scheduled for 2029.

Luchs 2 will be equipped with the most advanced reconnaissance sensors and powerful information processing and communication systems.

According to the media, a little over EUR 3.5 billion was allocated for developing and producing 274 Luchs 2, including training simulators and a comprehensive package of equipment and logistics.

An option to purchase 82 additional vehicles was also agreed upon.

The vehicle is based on the 6×6 Piranha platform. GDELS has recently released a graphic showing key design elements such as water propellers, wave shield, and masts.

The development of the weapon system is also included in the package. However, the automatic guns planned to arm the Luchs 2 are not included here.

They will be purchased as part of a separate project, which was also approved last week. For this purpose, a framework agreement will be concluded with Rheinmetall, under which up to 310 automatic guns of 25×137 mm KBA caliber can be purchased.

The guns will be installed in an unmanned turret module that Valhalla Turrets from Slovenia developed. Rheinmetall Electronics manufactures the module in Bremen.

The new Luchs 2 will replace the lightweight Fennek vehicles currently used by reconnaissance units.

Recently, it was also reported that the German engine manufacturer DEUTZ is starting a partnership with ARX Robotics, which specializes in ground drones.