Delivery starting from 2029 Rheinmetall Supplies Turret, Main Armament, and Simulators for Luchs 2

Source: Press release Rheinmetall, adapted by 4 min Reading Time

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Rheinmetall will supply the military division NVL of the Bremen-based Lürssen shipbuilding group with weapon systems, contributing to the reconnaissance capabilities and combat power of the German Army Reconnaissance Troops. 

(Source:  Rheinmetall)
(Source: Rheinmetall)

The main contractor for the next-generation reconnaissance vehicle "Luchs 2," set to be delivered from 2029, has commissioned Rheinmetall to provide the turret, primary armament, and associated simulators. A corresponding contract was signed in early February 2026 in Kaiserslautern, with a total contract value in the mid three-digit million euro range.

“We are grateful for the trust placed in our products and capabilities by GDELS and the Bundeswehr,” said Timo Haas, Head of the Digital Systems Division. “The Luchs 2 order package is a significant success for our Bremen location and our colleagues in Rome. At the same time, it is a strong signal for European defence cooperation.”

The majority of the Luchs-2 order package will be fulfilled by Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH in Bremen. Initially, 274 CT-025 turrets will be delivered by 2031, marking the first large order for this newly developed modular, uncrewed turret system. The Luchs 2 will receive a version of the CT-025 modified to meet the specific requirements of the Bundeswehr. The newly developed Rheinmetall turret serves as a technological base platform for various operational profiles, combining high operability with maximum adaptability to operational and logistical needs.

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State-of-the-art sensors and digital networking

Advanced sensors and digital networking lend significant strength to the turret: A stabilised sighting system enables precise engagement of ground and aerial targets—including drones (UAVs). The fully digital fire control system, featuring inertial weapon stabilisation, ballistic calculators, and GVA/NGVA-compatible interfaces, ensures the highest accuracy while on the move. Furthermore, the Bundeswehr version of the CT-025 includes a turret hatch, providing ballistic protection when used through the hatch. To meet the required maximum weight, the ammunition load has been adjusted according to mission requirements.

Additionally, the height profile has been optimised to ensure compatibility with air-mobile weapon carriers (LuWa). The open, modular framework of the CT-025 allows for full integration into the Rheinmetall Battlesuite—the corporation’s digital “Capability Store.” This enables rapid and flexible inclusion of functions such as AI-supported target tracking or mission-specific software upgrades without the need for hardware modifications.

The German Army Reconnaissance Troops will soon operate the proven 25 mm Oerlikon KBA 25 machine gun. It comes from Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A in Rome and is Rheinmetall’s most produced weapon in NATO standard calibre 25 mm x 137. Manufactured over 6,000 times, it combines a battle-tested design with outstanding reliability. With three firing modes (single shot, rapid single fire at 175 rounds per minute, and burst fire at 600 rounds per minute), dual belt feed, and a range of up to 2,500 metres, it provides versatile firepower for the CT-025. The Oerlikon KBA 25 mm is a cost-effective and scalable solution, offering high effectiveness against a wide range of targets, capable of penetrating the armour of most modern infantry fighting vehicles.

With a firing rate of 600 rounds per minute—the highest in its category—along with new 25 mm x 137 proximity fuse ammunition technology, it also offers effective protection against drones. The dual belt feeder allows for loading two different types of ammunition, enabling quick switching between them. This makes the KBA 25 mm a fully-fledged multipurpose weapon. Its low recoil allows for the installation of the Oerlikon KBA 25 mm on various platforms—from heavy tracked vehicles to light armoured 4x4 reconnaissance vehicles. It is suitable for crewed and uncrewed turrets, air defence platforms, and naval applications. This lays the groundwork for a cross-sectional primary weapon for the Bundeswehr, creating synergies in training, maintenance, and logistics.

For a comprehensive and operationally relevant modern training of reconnaissance personnel, advanced simulation technology from Rheinmetall Electronics will soon be implemented. GDELS has commissioned the development and delivery of six combat simulation training devices for the vehicle-mounted reconnaissance unit (AGFS). The reference system is expected to be delivered by mid-2028 and will subsequently be upgraded to match the same standard as the five series devices.

The AGFS serves as a highly realistic simulator for battlefield scenarios. By precisely replicating essential elements such as vehicle logic, sensors, and ballistics, particularly realistic training is enabled—the concept centres around “Train as you fight.” The AGFS will be designed to allow networking with other AGFS or compatible simulators. Rheinmetall is developing the AGFS on the same technological basis as the shooting and combat simulators already contracted for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, the Heavy Weapons Carrier, and the wheeled reconnaissance vehicle Schakal.

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Rheinmetall is also engaged in live simulation. The established training device, the Duel Simulator (AGDUS), will be fully integrated into the future fleet of vehicles. This laser-based training tool will enable army reconnaissance personnel to train realistically—from shooting training to large exercises at the training centre across all operational types. Rheinmetall relies on the proven installation from the Puma and Lynx programmes that allows for laser-based engagements using original display and control elements.