Rheinmetall has secured a major contract to equip the German Army’s next generation Luchs 2 reconnaissance vehicle with turret systems, main armament and advanced training simulators, strengthening the Bundeswehr’s Intelligence and Reconnaissance Corps.
General Dynamics European Land Systems is the prime contractor for the Luchs 2 programme, with deliveries scheduled from 2029 onwards. Rheinmetall was commissioned to supply the turret, weapon system and associated simulation technology under a contract signed in Kaiserslautern in early February 2026. The total order value is in the mid three digit million euro range.
Timo Haas, Head of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems Division, said the award reflects confidence in the company’s capabilities and represents a significant success for its Bremen site and its Italian subsidiary in Rome. He added that the programme sends a strong signal in support of European defence cooperation.
Supply To 2031
The bulk of the contract will be delivered by Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH in Bremen. A total of 274 CT 025 unmanned turrets are to be supplied by 2031, marking the first major production order for the newly developed modular system. The Bundeswehr variant will be tailored to national requirements and is intended to serve as a scalable technological base platform for multiple mission profiles.
The turret integrates stabilised electro optical sensors and a fully digital fire control system with inertial weapon stabilisation and ballistic computer. GVA and NGVA compatible interfaces ensure interoperability within network enabled operations. Designed for engagement on the move, the system is optimised for precision against ground and aerial threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles.
To meet Bundeswehr weight requirements, ammunition capacity has been adapted to mission profiles and the height profile refined for compatibility with other platforms. A protected turret hatch enables commanders to operate in an open position while remaining shielded.
Combat Compatibility
The CT 025 is fully compatible with Rheinmetall’s Battlesuite digital architecture, enabling rapid integration of software upgrades and AI supported target tracking without hardware modification.
The primary armament is the Oerlikon KBA 25 mm automatic cannon, manufactured by Rheinmetall Italia. Chambered in the NATO standard 25 x 137 calibre, more than 6,000 units have been produced. The weapon offers single shot, rapid single fire and burst modes up to 600 rounds per minute, dual belt feed and an effective range of 2,500 metres. New proximity fuse ammunition enhances counter drone capability. Its low recoil allows integration across tracked and wheeled platforms, supporting potential cross fleet standardisation within the Bundeswehr.
Training Support
In parallel, Rheinmetall will deliver six AGFS combat simulation systems for vehicle based reconnaissance training, with a reference system due in mid 2028. The simulators replicate vehicle logic, sensor performance and ballistic behaviour in line with the train as you fight concept and can be networked with other systems.
Live training will be supported through integration of the AGDUS laser based combat simulator, enabling realistic force on force exercises using original vehicle controls.
