OCCAR is pleased to announce the successful contract award for additional BOXER capabilities for Germany and the Netherlands
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Press Release, Bonn, 17 October 2025: OCCAR is pleased to announce the successful contract award for additional BOXER capabilities for Germany and the Netherlands, confirmed through a contract signing ceremony held at OCCAR-EA’s headquarters in Bonn on 17 October 2025.
This substantial investment of 4.5 billion Euros raises the overall value of the investment in the BOXER Programme managed by OCCAR to over 10 billion Euros, with 270 additional BOXER vehicles being procured. This sees additional Driver Training Vehicles and Ambulance variants for Germany put onto contract, including upgraded C4I and visual systems, as well as a package of upgrades to the German BOXER Ambulance fleet aimed at improving battlefield medical support through state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Another key highlight will be the development of a new Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) BOXER variant, co-developed by Germany and the Netherlands, of which 222 will be procured. This IFV, known as SCHAKAL, integrates the advanced PUMA RCT30 turret—renowned for its high-performance cannon and advanced optics—onto the BOXER chassis, representing a fusion of two sophisticated military technologies and resulting in a highly capable IFV that offers enhanced lethality, survivability, and tactical flexibility. The contracts will also provision initial In-Service Support (ISS) and are underpinned by the next generation and most capable version of the BOXER drive module, which will ultimately be the drive module of choice for all OCCAR BOXER Participating States.
This initiative not only strengthens the operational capabilities of both nations, but also reinforces BOXER as a modular, future-proof solution for evolving battlefield demands. OCCAR manages the BOXER Programme on behalf of Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania and the UK, contracting with ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS.
The coming years will see both ongoing vehicle deliveries and also further developments and investments for new variants and capabilities, which are already under active planning.
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222 JACKALS (SCHAKAL) for Germany and the Netherlands
Rheinmetall Press Release, Düsseldorf, 20 October 2025: The European defense organisation OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement) has commissioned Artec GmbH to deliver a total of 222 SCHAKAL infantry fighting vehicles to the armed forces of Germany and the Netherlands. This new combat vehicle combines the chassis of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle. The main contractor for the Boxer is Artec GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Germany. 150 SCHAKAL vehicles are to be delivered to the German Armed Forces and 72 to the Dutch Army.
The total order for the German and Dutch armies is worth €3.41 billion gross, with Rheinmetall’s share amounting to almost €3 billion. The contract also includes a logistics package containing spare parts, training materials, and specialised tools. Furthermore, it covers optional additional services such as protection against anti-tank hand weapons, firing attack detection and firing attack identification as well as drone defence. The call-off of up to 248 additional vehicles is also included as an option.
Within the German Armed Forces, the SCHAKAL armoured infantry fighting vehicle, consisting of the 8×8 Boxer platform and the 30mm Puma turret with Rheinmetall’s MK 30-2/ABM machine gun, is the main weapon system for the Army’s newly established medium forces. The new armoured personnel carrier combines mobility, protection and firepower to the highest degree. This enables the medium forces to cover large distances at own pace within the shortest possible time. The 30mm turret allows a wide variety of targets to be effectively combated in dynamic combat situations.
Artec GmbH, a 64:36 joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS, is also to be the future main contractor for the RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 Millimetre), yet another combination of the proven drive module of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle and equipped with the weapon system of the Panzerhaubitze PzH 2000.
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