German Army Orders 1500 Wolf 2 Vehicles Strengthening Mobility And Networked Operations.

On August 8, 2025, the Bundeswehr confirmed via its official website the firm order of 1,500 Wolf 2 off-road vehicles, with an option for up to 4,300 more under an existing framework agreement with Mercedes-Benz. This procurement marks the introduction of the Bundeswehr’s first serial-produced vehicle equipped for the Digitisation of Land-Based Operations (D-LBO) system, a step viewed as critical in modernizing its tactical mobility and communications. As reported by the Bundeswehr, this acquisition addresses both the replacement of the ageing Wolf fleet and Germany’s commitments to NATO readiness, underscoring its operational and strategic significance.
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The Wolf 2 order signals more than a generational replacement of the Bundeswehr’s iconic Wolf, it represents a structural upgrade in Germany’s tactical vehicle fleet, combining superior mobility, increased payload, and integrated digital readiness (Picture source: Bundeswehr)

The Wolf 2 is based on the military-configured Mercedes-Benz G-class from the latest 464 series, engineered exclusively for armed forces use. Measuring 200 mm longer, 100 mm wider, and 220 mm higher than its predecessor, it combines enhanced interior volume with improved off-road performance. Powered by a Euro 3-compliant 183 kW (249 hp) engine delivering 600 Nm of torque through an automatic transmission, it is capable of running on both NATO-standard and lower-grade fuels. The vehicle supports a payload of up to 1.2 tons with a gross weight of 4.5 tons, and its design allows variants such as command and military police configurations to transport four fully equipped soldiers.

Operationally, the Wolf 2 follows the legacy of the original Wolf, a long-serving multi-purpose 4x4 that entered service in the late 1980s. Testing of the Wolf 2 began in November 2024 at the Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 41 in Trier, involving four driving cycles totalling 16,000 km across varied terrains, climatic chambers from −34°C to +49°C, and transport trials by air and rail. Electromagnetic compatibility trials are conducted at the Military Technical Center 81 in Greding. These procedures mirror the rigorous validation processes applied historically to other NATO light utility vehicles, such as the British Army’s Panther CLV or France’s PVP, ensuring the platform’s reliability before full operational deployment.

Compared to other contemporary military light utility vehicles, the Wolf 2’s integration-ready D-LBO architecture offers a decisive advantage in network-enabled operations, a capability not natively built into many competitors at delivery. Its greater power-to-weight ratio and increased payload capacity improve both mobility and logistical flexibility. The design choice to prepare the platform for communications systems at production, while installing them post-delivery, ensures scalability and reduces integration delays, aligning with NATO trends towards modular digitalisation.

Strategically, the Wolf 2 programme reflects Germany’s intent to close capability gaps in tactical mobility while meeting digital interoperability standards expected in multinational operations. The vehicle’s enhanced off-road performance and digital readiness improve its suitability for NATO rapid deployment forces and homeland security missions. Geopolitically, the investment supports German industry through Mercedes-Benz’s military vehicle production, reinforcing national industrial resilience in the defence sector. Militarily, it contributes directly to Germany’s ability to sustain dispersed, networked operations in both European and expeditionary contexts.

Financially, the July 2024 framework contract between the Bundeswehr and Mercedes-Benz covers up to 5,800 Wolf 2 vehicles. The current firm order for 1,500 units represents the initial phase, with production rates expected to reach 30 vehicles per week by April 2026. This approach mirrors procurement strategies in other NATO countries where framework agreements enable rapid scaling based on budgetary and operational needs. Mercedes-Benz, as the primary contractor, last secured a major Bundeswehr order with this framework deal, confirming its continued role as a key supplier of tactical vehicles to Germany’s armed forces.

The Wolf 2 order signals more than a generational replacement of the Bundeswehr’s iconic Wolf, it represents a structural upgrade in Germany’s tactical vehicle fleet, combining superior mobility, increased payload, and integrated digital readiness. With the first operational deliveries planned for 2026, the platform is positioned to enhance both national defence capability and NATO interoperability, ensuring the Bundeswehr’s ground forces remain agile, connected, and prepared for the demands of modern land warfare.