Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland reinforce Puma fleet

The German Bundeswehr is significantly expanding their Puma fleet. It has commissioned Projekt System & Management GmbH (PSM), a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland (KNDS), to supply 200 Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). The corresponding amendment to the existing framework contract has now been signed at the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) in Koblenz. The contract will take legal effect in January 2026. The total gross volume of the procurement is €4,2 billion gross of which KNDS will receive €2.1 billion and €2.1 billion will go to the Rheinmetall subsidiary Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. Both companies are implementing the project as subcontractors. The first vehicles are scheduled for delivery in mid-2028.

In May 2023, the BAAINBw awarded PSM GmbH a framework contract for the delivery of the Puma IFVs, with an initial order for the first 50 vehicles upon signing the contract. This contract has now been enlarged. In addition to the 200 combat vehicles ordered to date, the contract also includes the procurement of corresponding protection modules and storage containers. Furthermore, a contract amendment for the S2 construction status is planned for mid-2026. The aim is to eliminate obsolescence and implement additional capabilities such as drone defence, based on the turret of the Jackal armoured vehicle.

The Puma IFV is the primary weapon system of the German armoured infantry and is one of the world’s most powerful and modern systems of its kind. It can accommodate a crew of nine, including the commander, the gunner and the driver, as well as a unit of six soldiers. In addition to its highly effective modular protection, the Puma has a unique level of assertiveness and the capability to be deployed in networked operations.

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