The Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply 568 logistics vehicles, which will include 349 UTF trucks (unprotected transport vehicles) in the 5- and 15-ton models, as well as 219 trucks with a swap body system, of which 121 are equipped with a protected driver's cabin. The total value of the two projects exceeds 330 million euros gross. The UTF trucks will be delivered in 2026, while the trucks with a swap body system will be available by November 2025. The budget committee of the German Parliament, the Bundestag, approved the funds on December 18, 2024, and Rheinmetall booked orders in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The UTF trucks are part of an application under the framework agreement concluded in July 2024, the largest order in the company's history in the logistics vehicle sector. This agreement provides for the delivery of up to 6.500 trucks with a gross value of up to 3,5 billion euros. The agreement enables the Bundeswehr to flexibly order additional quantities of the already introduced UTF 5t and UTF 15t vehicles over a period of seven years. In addition, a new vehicle class will be introduced: the 4x4 UTF 3.5t model, which features a high degree of compatibility with the UTF family.
In 2024, Rheinmetall delivered a record number of 2.015 logistics vehicles, making a significant contribution to strengthening the logistics capabilities of the Bundeswehr. This represents an important step in the modernization of the Bundeswehr's truck fleet and the expansion of its logistics capabilities. The vehicles delivered by 2024 include 1.715 swap body systems, 250 unprotected transport vehicles and 50 semi-trailer units, ordered under existing framework agreements between the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Service Support (BAAINBw) and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH. The significant quantity and speed of delivery clearly demonstrate the new era of procurement of the Bundeswehr, underlining the importance of Rheinmetall as a reliable partner for the armed forces.
The UTF family has contributed substantially to the operational effectiveness of the Bundeswehr's logistics units and formations for years. In July 2017, the Bundeswehr commissioned Rheinmetall MAN to supply the new 'UTF mil gl' vehicle family in the 5- and 15-tonne load classes. The UTF has become a benchmark design through the use of flexible, large-volume framework contracts in military procurement. Since 2017, more than 6.000 HX vehicles, including swap body systems and 70-tonne semi-trailer units, have been delivered to the Bundeswehr. A significant share of the added value of swap body systems and UTFs – more than 75 percent – is generated in Germany.
The UTF and the interchangeable body system are based on RMMV’s robust HX vehicle family. Designed entirely for military use, they are highly mobile even in difficult terrain. The wide global deployment of the HX family offers significant advantages in terms of interoperability and logistics, especially in multinational operations. In addition to Germany, current users include the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, Singapore, Slovenia, Denmark and Ukraine. The latest order underlines the high level of acceptance of the proven HX vehicles. More than 20.000 units are already in use worldwide.