ARTEC, the joint venture formed by KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall, has received a contract to supply 69 additional Boxer RCT30 infantry fighting vehicles to Germany and the Netherlands. The purchase was placed through the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation and follows the two nations’ acquisition of 222 Boxer vehicles in 2025.
Germany had previously ordered 150 Boxer RCT30 vehicles and will now receive another 35. The remaining 34 vehicles will go to the Royal Netherlands Army, increasing its fleet of wheeled infantry fighting vehicles to 106.
The Boxer RCT30 is expected to become a key element of Germany’s new Medium Forces concept. These units are intended to provide highly mobile, wheeled formations that can operate between heavily armoured forces and lighter infantry formations.
Developed by KNDS, the RCT30 combines the Boxer platform with a 30 mm turret originally developed for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. This configuration allows the vehicle to engage moving targets while travelling. The German military has designated the vehicle Schakal.
The Schakal also includes capabilities against drones and aircraft. Its integrated MELLS anti-tank guided missile system gives it the ability to engage heavily protected targets, including main battle tanks. The vehicle can carry six dismounted soldiers, allowing it to support mechanised infantry operations as the main combat vehicle of the Medium Forces.
