Ukraine ordered an additional batch of Caracal light armored vehicles manufactured by the German concern Rheinmetall.

German publication Sicherheit und Technik reported on this.

Ukraine has signed another contract with Rheinmetall to supply 20 Caracal vehicles. It will be funded by the German federal government as part of military aid to Ukraine.

After the first delivery of 5 vehicles from the “winter” military aid package announced in October 2023, a new batch of Caracal is due to be delivered within the next few months.

Given the purpose of the vehicle, it can be assumed that they will be in service with the Special Operations Forces or units of the DUI special forces.

Ukraine became the first operator of these tactical vehicles. The Netherlands, as well as Germany, also ordered the Caracal and will receive the first vehicles only in 2025.

Caracal

Caracal is a light air assault vehicle developed on the basis of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class 464 civilian off-road vehicle.

The vehicle can transport two units in both internal cargo compartments and external load of CH-47F Chinook and CH-53K King Stallion helicopters.

Modular design allows to install and combine a variety of weapons, from machine guns to anti-tank missile systems. In addition, the manufacturer also provides the optional ability to install additional ballistic protection elements.

The Caracal is powered by a six-cylinder 183 kW diesel engine that can accelerate the vehicle to 140 km/h. In combination with all-wheel drive, the vehicle has a high level of off-road capabilities.

The chassis is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, and the final assembly and retrofitting of the vehicles takes place at Rheinmetall facilities. The company can individually make changes to the design and change the equipment in accordance with the requirements of the customer.

It was previously reported that Ukraine will receive 18 PzH 2000 self-propelled guns and 18 latest RCH 155 within the framework of the new package of German military assistance of 1.13 billion euros.