BAAINBw selects GDELS for $3.5bn recon vehicle contract
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has won a contract worth around €3bn ($3.5bn) to develop a next-generation reconnaissance vehicle for the German Army Reconnaissance Corps.
The contract was issued by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).
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The appointed vehicle, dubbed “LUCHS 2”, will be based on GDELS’ Piranha 6×6 wheeled variant, featuring amphibious capability.
According to information on GDELS’ website, this variant has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 25 tonnes (t) and a payload of 7.5t.
LUCHS 2 is expected to succeed the Light 4×4 reconnaissance vehicle FENNEK in military operations.
The new vehicle is designed with improved mobility and assertiveness and is integrated with advanced reconnaissance networked sensor technology.
Additions to the design include improvements in both acoustic and thermal signature detection.
Included in the scope of delivery are training equipment, simulators, and logistical support services.
GDELS president Antonio Bueno said: “With the decision to select our Piranha 8×8 for the TaWAN project, and now the PIRANHA 6×6 for the next generation reconnaissance vehicle project, the German Armed Forces has expressed its confidence in GDELS to make a substantial contribution.
“The selection of the Bundeswehr once again underscores our expertise and capabilities as one of the leading land systems providers in Europe. Our customers can fully rely on GDELS as a proven partner.”
GDELS’ Piranha vehicles offer a modular, interchangeable protection system adaptable to differing threat scenarios. Its protective features include an armour steel hull and comprehensive integrated mine protection.
With configurations ranging from 6×6 to 8×8 and 10×10, the vehicles enable various combinations of engines, suspension systems, and mission equipment. They are capable of serving roles from armoured personnel carrier/infantry fighting vehicle to engineering and C4I functions, as well as mortar, artillery, and air defence.
In July 2025, GDELS delivered the first Eagle 6×6 Medium Protected Medical Vehicle variant to the Bundeswehr, fulfilling part of a contract awarded by BAAINBw.
As per the terms agreed in 2020, GDELS will supply a total of 80 vehicles of the same variant.
