TSAMTO, September 20. Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Francois Bausch announced on September 15 the purchase of 80 command, communications and intelligence (CLRV) armored vehicles for the country's Armed Forces.
The cost of the order is 367 million euros. According to the results of the evaluation, the Igl-5 BBM with the 4x4 wheel formula of General Dynamics will be purchased for the Luxembourg Armed Forces. The NATO Support and Acquisition Agency (NSPA) will support Luxembourg in the acquisition and further maintenance of CLRVS throughout their operational life.
The new CLRV armored vehicles will replace the obsolete M-1114 multi-purpose armored vehicles (HMMWV) in service. As expected, the modernization of the fleet will increase the combat capabilities of the Luxembourg Armed Forces. The stated cost also covers the costs of logistical support and maintenance of armored vehicles.
According to Francois Bausch, the new CLRVS comply with the latest military standards, will ensure the protection of personnel during operations, will modernize the fleet of equipment and will be compatible with the systems of the closest allies.
The Igl-5 multi-purpose BBM will provide a high level of ballistic and mine protection. The armored vehicle in the variant for the Luxembourg Armed Forces will be equipped with a remotely controlled deFNder Medium armament module from FN Herstal, the French combat control and information exchange system SICS (Systeme d'information et de Combat SCORPION) developed by Atos, as well as a new CONTACT programmable radio station and a Thales BARAGE IED counteraction device to ensure interaction with foreign partners (starting from France and Belgium). Unification of equipment with Belgium and France will reduce the cost of operation and maintenance.
The Igl-5 with a 4x4 wheel formula is a further development of the Igl-4 machine, which has been in service with the German Armed Forces since 2009. It has a significant load capacity and increased protection of the crew with the same driving characteristics. During field tests, Igl-5 demonstrated compliance with customer requirements, high maneuverability, tactical mobility and level of protection. Cummins diesel engine combined with Allison 5-speed automatic transmission, De Dion axles, tire pressure monitoring system and permanent all-wheel drive ensure high driving performance on the highway and off-road. The BBM is equipped with air conditioning and a WMD protection system.
As reported by TSAMTO, in June 2021, the government of Luxembourg decided to allocate up to 367 million euros to replace armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of the country. According to estimates, the allocated funds will allow the purchase of 80 light armored command, communications and reconnaissance vehicles (CLRV – vehicles de commandement, de liaison et de reconnaissance) for the Luxembourg Armed Forces, as well as to cover the costs of their logistical support during their operational life of 15 to 20 years.
The vehicles are designed to replace the equipment in service, including 42 AM General HUMVEE armored vehicles (service life – 25 years) and 48 armored reconnaissance vehicles "Dingo-2" (service life – 10 years) equipped with the "Protector". Modernization of existing equipment was recognized as unprofitable.
