The Bundeswehr orders Rheinmetall infantry system for 1.04 billion.

The cash register keeps ringing The Bundeswehr Buys Infantry Equipment in Large Quantities from Rheinmetall

2026-05-02 Source: dpa | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

After billion-dollar orders for tanks, ammunition, and satellites, the Bundeswehr has now also ordered infantry equipment from the arms company Rheinmetall.

At Rheinmetall, billion-dollar contracts are pouring in. Now the Bundeswehr has ordered systems worth over a billion euros, including those for the digitalization of individual infantry soldiers, so they can meet modern requirements on the battlefield ...(Image: Rheinmetall) — At Rheinmetall, billion-dollar contracts are pouring in. Now the Bundeswehr has ordered systems worth over a billion euros, including those for the digitalization of individual infantry soldiers, so they can meet modern requirements on the battlefield ...
(Image: Rheinmetall)

Rheinmetall announced from Düsseldorf that the German Armed Forces Procurement Office has placed an order worth around 1.04 billion euros (approx. 1.21 billion USD) for soldier systems called "Future Infantryman—Expanded System." Specifically, it involves protective vests, uniforms, and night vision devices. The latter can be mounted on helmets or weapons. Tablets that soldiers carry to get an overview of suspected enemy positions are also included. Appropriate software is also provided to give commanders an overview of the positions of their soldiers as well as those of the enemy, it further states. However, weapons themselves are not part of the order for Rheinmetall, as they were ordered separately, for example from the assault rifle manufacturer Heckler & Koch.

The individual infantryman is digitally connected

Rheinmetall's infantry systems are intended for around 8,600 soldiers. They are scheduled to be delivered between November 2027 and December 2029. The order was placed as part of a framework agreement worth 3.1 billion euros (approx. 3.6 billion USD), which is now being partially utilized. Further orders are therefore likely to follow. The reason for the procurement is that in modern warfare, the digital networking of individual infantrymen is becoming increasingly important. They must act in coordination with satellites, drones, tanks, and artillery—and with digital tools—to quickly be informed about enemy movements. Rheinmetall's infantry protection system is marketed internationally under the name Gladius 2.0, derived from the name of the short sword used by Roman infantry. However, the version now sold has been specifically tailored to the needs of the German Armed Forces.

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