The two European countries have acquired a total of 222 units of the combat vehicle Boxer Schakal, strengthening interoperability between their armed forces and expanding NATO’s land defense capabilities.
Germany and the Netherlands signed a joint contract this Friday (17) for the acquisition of 222 Boxer Schakal armored vehicles, with 150 allocated to Germany and 72 to the Netherlands. The purchase, described as an exemplary case of international cooperation, aims to increase standardization, production efficiency, and joint operational capability between the armed forces of both countries.
According to the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the agreement includes spare parts and training systems, as well as incorporating the 30 mm turret from the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, remotely operated from inside the cabin, which frees up internal space for up to nine crew members.
More firepower and European integration
The Boxer Schakal, developed by KNDS (a Franco-German consortium formed by KMW and Nexter), is designed to engage enemy infantry, armored vehicles, helicopters, and drones. In the Dutch case, the new model will strengthen the 13th Light Brigade in Oirschot, providing a significant increase in firepower and meeting NATO requirements to reinforce allied territory defense.
The joint production also represents a strategic step to expand the capacity of the European defense industry, meeting the growing demand for modern equipment amid the current geopolitical context.
Delivery scheduled for 2028
The contract, signed by delegations from both countries, foresees the delivery of the first units in the fourth quarter of 2028, with the possibility of future additional orders.
The initiative reinforces industrial and operational integration between Germany and the Netherlands — historic partners in the development and use of the Boxer family — and highlights the European commitment to modernizing ground forces within the NATO framework.
Source: Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands | KNDS. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
