The German consortium Arbeitsgemeinschaft Nah- und Nächstbereichsschutz (ARGE NNbS), which includes Rheinmetall Electronics, Diehl Defense, and Hensoldt Sensors, has entered into a contract with Germany's defense procurement agency, Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw). The contract is focused on the development of a new short-range anti-aircraft missile system and a 30-mm artillery system. Both systems will be based on the GTK Boxer-wheeled armored vehicle.
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The combat vehicle for this system, known as Flugabwehrraketenpanzer (FlaRakPz), will feature a turret combat module equipped with four IRIS-T missile launchers and six fixed antennas from Hensoldt Spexer radar systems. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)
The new short-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system will use original IRIS-T missiles with a firing range of up to 15 km. The combat vehicle for this system, known as Flugabwehrraketenpanzer (FlaRakPz), will feature a turret combat module equipped with four IRIS-T missile launchers and six fixed antennas from Hensoldt Spexer radar systems. The vehicle will also include round-the-clock electron-optical systems for passive target tracking and a 40-mm automatic anti-personnel grenade launcher for self-defense.
Each unit of three FlaRakPz combat vehicles will be accompanied by a Feuerleitpanzer (FltPz) control vehicle, also based on the GTK Boxer. This control vehicle will facilitate information exchange with other elements of the LVS NNBs system using the Airbus IBMS control system and Link 16 equipment. All vehicles in the complex will be equipped with a passive counteraction system known as MUSS (Multifunktionales Selbstschutzsystem).
The German Ministry of Defense has tentatively planned to purchase two divisions of the new SAM system, although the exact composition of these divisions remains unclear. Prototypes are expected to be presented in 2026-2027. While initial plans indicated that deliveries would begin in 2028, this timeline is now considered unlikely to be met.
It has also been decided that the Boxer, originally intended to be outfitted with a 30-mm Oerlikon revolver cannon, will receive additional upgrades. Specifically, the vehicle will be equipped with a launcher capable of firing two to four short-range anti-aircraft guided missiles. These missiles can be guided by either infrared or laser targeting systems. This added feature aims to enhance the Boxer's capabilities in countering small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Development of a new short-range anti-aircraft missile system. (Rheinmetall)
