The German military has contracted Rheinmetall to modernize its soldier systems’ command and control equipment.

A total of 14 Future Soldier-Extended Systems will be delivered to the army, enough to equip 476 soldiers.

The contract is in the mid-double-digit million-euro range.

Networked Warfare Loop

In 2021, the latest System Panzergrenadier (system for mechanized infantry), was declared combat-ready by the German Army.

The system links a digitized vehicle platform — the Puma infantry fighting vehicle — with the soldier system equipped for digital radio communication.

The platform allows mounted and dismounted soldiers to access the same information, enabling quicker and more precise communication.

Faster Target Engagement

“Close networking of sensors and effectors of both the soldiers and infantry fighting vehicle minimizes the time between target detection and target engagement,” Rheinmetall wrote.

“Melding these capabilities into a total system of systems enables more effective tactical interaction between dismounted troops and their infantry fighting vehicle, in turn enhancing the combat effectiveness of mechanized infantry formations.”