Exclusive: Ukraine becomes first foreign customer of Dutch Rheinmetall Ermine all-terrain vehicle.

According to information published by Rheinmetall Defense on June 25, 2025, the Dutch Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. to deliver 20 Ermine light all-terrain vehicles to Ukraine. The agreement was finalized during the NATO Industry Summit in The Hague on June 24, with Ukraine’s Minister of Defence present. This initiative, undertaken on behalf of the Ukraine Task Force, aims to enhance the frontline casualty evacuation capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces. The delivery of these vehicles is scheduled for 2026.
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The Rheinmetall Ermine hybrid all-terrain vehicle was displayed at Eurosatory 2024, showcasing its modular casualty evacuation and UGV capabilities for modern combat operations. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The order comprises both manned and unmanned variants of the Ermine, developed as a modular family of tactical ground vehicles by Rheinmetall’s Dutch division. These platforms are designed for operational flexibility and enhanced battlefield utility. Featuring a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain, Ermine vehicles offer advanced tactical transport and integrated microgrid functionality, enabling them to function both as logistics assets and mobile energy sources. They provide agility, payload capacity up to one ton, and a maximum range of over 1,000 kilometers depending on the configuration. The fleet includes UGVs, side-by-side buggies, and quad variants in 4x4 and 6x6 formats, all sharing the same core platform.

The Rheinmetall Ermine, also known as the Hermelin, is a new-generation family of light tactical ground vehicles developed by Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. It is designed to provide modular, agile, and energy-efficient mobility solutions for modern battlefield scenarios. The Ermine is characterized by its innovative hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain and scalable architecture, offering both manned and unmanned operational modes. This platform is intended to serve various military roles such as casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, logistics support, and mobile energy distribution.

At the core of the Ermine concept is a common base platform that supports multiple vehicle configurations, including unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), side-by-side buggies, and quads. These are available in both 4x4 and 6x6 variants, all sharing a unified propulsion system and modular design. This standardization simplifies maintenance and logistics while allowing forces to adapt the vehicles to mission-specific requirements.

The diesel-electric hybrid powertrain enables the Ermine to deliver a combination of high mobility and extended operational endurance, with a range of over 1,000 kilometers depending on loadout. The platform supports a payload capacity of up to one ton, making it suitable for transporting equipment, supplies, or casualties. Its hybrid system also functions as a mobile microgrid, allowing it to provide power in the field for command posts, communications systems, or other equipment.

Operational flexibility is further enhanced by the Ermine’s air transportability. Up to four vehicles can be carried by CH-47 Chinook or CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters, allowing rapid deployment to austere environments or contested zones. Its compact design and low logistical footprint make it especially useful for expeditionary operations and frontline deployments.

The Ermine is more than a single vehicle; it represents a scalable mobility ecosystem engineered to address the evolving demands of hybrid warfare. Its modular nature and cooperative development with Dutch defense companies position it as a critical asset not only for the Dutch Armed Forces but also for international partners such as Ukraine. This vehicle family underscores Rheinmetall’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational adaptability in the defense sector.

This contract also highlights a strategic collaboration with Dutch companies DEMCON defense & security systems B.V. and Abiom Communication Systems B.V., aiming to boost technological development and defense readiness in both the Netherlands and Ukraine. Coen van Leeuwen, CEO of Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V., emphasized the innovation embedded in the Ermine platform, calling it “an innovative and capable solution for the modern battlefield.” The vehicles’ modularity and deployability, including their compatibility with transport by CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters, make them particularly suited for the dynamic operational needs of Ukraine’s frontline forces.

This landmark contract not only strengthens Ukraine’s tactical medical and logistical capabilities but also signifies the first major deployment of the Ermine system. It serves as a pivotal moment for the Dutch defense industry, positioning Rheinmetall’s Dutch subsidiary and its partners at the forefront of hybrid military mobility solutions in Europe.