Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) announced 19 December, 2023, that it has expanded its contract with the Austrian Army.
The updated agreement, facilitated through Bundesbeschaffung GmbH (BGG), Austria’s procurement organisation, includes the delivery of up to 300 trucks, mainly from RMMV’s HX family of vehicles. This four-year contract extension allows for flexible vehicle orders, with a total value exceeding €300m ($328m).
In May 2023, RMMV secured a contract for six military lots among a tender of total of 23 lots for Austria. This seven-year framework contract includes the potential delivery of up to 1,375 vehicles from RMMV’s HX, TGS, and TGM series, with a possible total value of €525m ($574m). With the addition of this new lot, the overall contract value with the Austrian Army could surpass €825m ($903m).
The contract expansion is part of Austria’s “Build-up Plan 2023,” aimed at modernising the Austrian Army. This plan emphasises enhancing the mobility of military forces, as evident in the substantial investment outlined in the BBG framework agreement.
During a visit to RMMV’s facility in Vienna’s Liesing district, Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner commended the quality of work at the plant, noting the importance of RMMV as a partner to the Austrian armed forces.
Michael Wittlinger, managing director of RMMV, highlighted the contract’s significance for both the Austrian military and the national economy. He emphasized the Vienna plant’s role in contributing to Austria’s economic value and supporting the army’s resilience and self-reliance.
The Austrian Army has a longstanding relationship with RMMV, utilizing various vehicle models from the company. The recent contract includes orders for 850 TGM trucks with a double cabin and swap body build-on system, as well as 15 HX81 armoured recovery vehicles with an 8-axle trailer. Additionally, future deliveries will include HX trucks equipped with a three-sided tipper and rear crane, and TGS 8×8 vehicles with a Palfinger hook system. In 2021, the Austrian Army also ordered interchangeable integrated armoured cabins from RMMV, designed for quick mounting on existing HX vehicles to meet operational needs.
