Telerob Wins Major German UGV Contract
AeroVironment’s German subsidiary, Telerob, has been awarded a significant contract to deliver 41 advanced uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) to the German Federal Armed Forces. The contract will see deliveries of the telemax HT300 systems begin in summer 2025, with additional orders expected through 2027.
The HT300 was selected to support Germany’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and counter-improvised explosive device (IED) operations due to its advanced mobility and powerful manipulator arm, designed to operate in hazardous and unstable terrains.
Florian Gruener, Managing Director of Telerob, highlighted the contract as a key milestone in their 30-year history, further strengthening the company’s strategic relationship with the German Armed Forces. The systems will be built at Telerob’s facility in Ostfildern, Germany, ensuring high standards of precision and reliability.
Mehler Protection Wins Special Forces Vest Contract
Mehler Protection, part of Mehler Systems, has been awarded a follow-up contract by Bundeswehr Bekleidungsmanagement GmbH to continue supplying the German Army’s Special Forces, including Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK), with its “Schutzweste SpezKr modular” protective vests and spare parts.
Designed for elite units, the modular vest system combines maximum protection with high comfort and improved modularity. It maintains the protective performance and weight of the previous system while offering enhanced flexibility. Manufactured at Mehler’s Fulda facility, the vests are part of the M.U.S.T. product family, known for adaptability and reliability.
Dr. Mario Amschlinger, CEO of Mehler Systems, emphasized their commitment to meeting the German Armed Forces’ needs with innovation and industrial expertise.
Daimler and ARX Robotics Partner for Autonomous Military Vehicles
Daimler Trucks and ARX Robotics have formed a partnership to enhance the digital capabilities of military vehicles, focusing on autonomous driving and AI integration. Their collaboration aims to equip Daimler’s Unimog and Zetros vehicles with advanced robotics, connectivity, and teleoperation features for military use.
Through the integration of ARX Robotics’ Mithra OS operating system and sensor technology, these vehicles will be capable of autonomous operations in challenging terrains, such as mine clearance and casualty evacuation, as well as real-time data sharing with other systems. The two companies will begin by retrofitting Zetros vehicles with digital systems and later extend these capabilities to other vehicle types, including the Unimog.
The partnership emphasizes upgrading both new and existing fleets, advancing NATO forces’ operational efficiency and competitiveness through digitalization and AI solutions.
Rheinmetall Launches Centres for Autonomous Military Vehicles
Rheinmetall has announced the launch of three new centres of excellence for autonomous battlefield mobility, aimed at advancing next-generation military technologies. The company will focus on deploying its PATH Autonomous Kit, a scalable and adaptable system that can be retrofitted to existing vehicles. The PATH Kit enables unmanned and crewless vehicles, including logistics convoys, to navigate challenging terrains.
The new centres will be established in Germany, the Nordic countries, and the UK, alongside an expansion of the company’s Canadian Centre of Excellence. These centres will serve as hubs for integrating, testing, and controlling advanced autonomous solutions, reinforcing Rheinmetall’s position at the cutting edge of military innovation.
CEO Thomas Berge Nielsen emphasized that autonomy is the key to gaining a strategic edge on the battlefield.
German Navy Adopts GORE-TEX for New Uniforms
The German Navy is upgrading its operational clothing with GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics, enhancing protection for 11,000 marines across various climates. Following a Europe-wide tender, Gore will supply high-performance, flame-retardant textiles for a modular uniform system, including waterproof jackets, combat uniforms, and cold-weather gear.
Gore is collaborating with DNS Alpha, Goldeck-Carinthia, Schöffel, and Wattana to produce the gear. The new uniforms incorporate GORE-TEX PYRAD® technology, offering lightweight, breathable, and flame-resistant protection—crucial for safety in combat and hazardous conditions at sea.
The uniforms underwent rigorous testing at the Navy’s operational training centre, ensuring durability and effectiveness in real-world maritime environments. Beyond functionality, the modern design aims to boost recruitment by enhancing the Navy’s professional image.
Gore, a leader in performance textiles, continues to develop innovative solutions for extreme environments, from defence operations to outdoor and industrial applications.
KNDS Sees Record €11.2B Orders and Growth in 2024
Franco-German defence group KNDS has announced record financial results for 2024, with an order intake of €11.2 billion, up over 40% from the previous year. This surge was driven by major programs like the LEOPARD 2 A8, SERVAL for France, and the RCH 155 howitzer system for Ukraine, among others. The company’s order backlog reached €23.5 billion, a 15% increase from 2023.
KNDS also reported €3.8 billion in sales, with strong contributions from LEOPARD 2 tanks, the SCORPION program, and BOXER vehicles. The company expanded its workforce by nearly 1,000 employees, bringing its total headcount to over 10,000, with plans to reach 11,000 by 2025.
Looking forward, KNDS aims to bolster its European industrial presence and deepen partnerships, particularly with Ukraine, to strengthen European military capabilities.
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