Caracal: Germany and the Netherlands Enter €1.9 Billion Framework Contract with Rheinmetall for 3,058 Airmobile Vehicles
Derived from the latest Mercedes G-wagen 464 series, the Caracal airmobile vehicle was developed as a joint Dutch-German project. Up to 3,058 Caracal will be produced at a cost of €1.9 billion, including VAT, with initial deliveries to begin in early 2024. (Rheinmetall photo)
DUSSELDORF, Germany — The German and Dutch armed forces have contracted with Rheinmetall to supply up to 3,058 Caracal airmobile platforms. Worth up €1.9 billion, the multiyear framework contract includes up to 2,054 vehicles earmarked for Germany and 1,004 for the Netherlands. As a first step, a firm order from the framework contract has been placed for 1,508 vehicles worth approximately €870 million, including value added tax. To finance the procurement project, Germany is drawing on the special fund set up last year for reequipping the Bundeswehr.
The Caracal is the product of a partnership between Rheinmetall, Mercedes-Benz AG and Armoured Car Systems GmbH. Delivery of the first trial models is scheduled to take place as early as the first quarter of 2024, with the start of delivery in series planned for early 2025.
A 4×4 all-wheel-drive vehicle, the Caracal is a mobile platform specially designed to meet the needs of airmobile formations and special operations forces.