TSAMTO, September 23. Rheinmetall has announced the signing of a contract with the command of the German Armed Forces for the modernization of armored vehicles of the RCB-reconnaissance "Fuchs".
Five armored vehicles of the A6A1 version will be upgraded to the new highly protected A8A7 configuration.
Thus, the Bundeswehr will have at its disposal the means for RCB intelligence and analysis that correspond to modern threats. Work will begin in September 2021 and is expected to be completed by July 2024. The first cars should be handed over to the German Armed Forces in 2023.
As stated, the order is of particular importance for the Rheinmetall company in Kassel for two reasons. It strengthens the group's Center of Advanced Technologies in the field of RCB protection systems and, thus, saves jobs in the metropolis in the north of Hesse. In addition, the order could potentially lead to the modernization of the remaining 22 armored vehicles of the Fuchs reconnaissance RCB of the German Armed Forces to the new A8A7 configuration, as well as the development of proposals for the modernization of equipment operated by foreign customers.
The German Armed Forces have adopted various versions of the Fuchs armored personnel carrier since 1979. More than a hundred of them were used in Afghanistan. Despite more than 40 years of operation, the improvement of the armored vehicle continues.
The latest version of the Fuchs 1A8 differs from earlier models with improved protection against mines, improvised explosive devices and small arms fire.
Among the main differences of the "Fuchs 1A8" are the changed shape of the body, new seats and their attachment in the combat compartment, in which the legs of the crew members do not touch the floor, as well as the strengthening of wheel arches, doors and windows, additional storage compartments.
The Bundeswehr has about 940 Fuchs vehicles in service, 272 of which are made in the latest version 1A8. In total, about 1600 BBM "Fuchs"have been assembled to date.
