Schakal IFV for Germany and the Netherlands
Schakal IFV undergoing testing
The German company ARTEC GmbH offers customers several modifications of the Boxer wheeled armored personnel carrier and regularly introduces new ones. Recently, it developed the Schakal wheeled infantry fighting vehicle, based on a common platform, with a new weapons system. It has now completed all necessary testing and confirmed its design characteristics. As a result, the first contracts for serial production and delivery have recently been awarded.
New modification
The basic version of the Boxer platform was developed in the 2000s and has been in serial production since the early 2010s. The German and Dutch armies have now accumulated extensive experience operating similar vehicles and have adjusted their requirements. Furthermore, over the intervening period, the basic configuration of the APC has become obsolete.
In the early 1920s, West Germany and the Netherlands jointly developed requirements for a prospective modification of the Boxer. Overall, they wanted to increase protection and firepower, as well as improve certain operational characteristics. To simplify development, it was proposed to borrow the combat module from the prospective Puma infantry fighting vehicle.
The development of the new armored vehicle modification was handled by ARTEC, a joint venture between Germany's Rheinmetall Defence and KNDS Deutschland. The project was initially known as the Puma Boxer or PuBo, but was later renamed Schakal ("Jackal").
The completed "Jakal" infantry fighting vehicle was first unveiled last February at the DIMDEX-2024 exhibition in Qatar. The prototype then underwent all necessary testing and confirmed its expected performance. Meanwhile, negotiations with customers were underway, and the terms of the future contract were being determined.
First orders
On October 17, 2025, the first agreements for the serial production and delivery of the new IFVs were signed. The governments of Germany and the Netherlands served as the customers, with the European Defense Procurement Agency (OCCAR) acting as the intermediary. The German developer of the new equipment, ARTEC, is the lead contractor.
The contract covers the construction and delivery of 222 Schakal armored vehicles at a total cost of €4,5 billion. There is also an option for 248 vehicles. The implementation of the latter will be discussed at a later date, after the main order is completed.
Germany is ordering two-thirds of the new equipment, 150 units for €3,4 billion, for its Bundeswehr. It also wants to receive 48 ambulance and training armored vehicles based on the original Boxer platform. Deliveries of all these vehicles will begin by the end of 2027. The final batches are expected in 2030-31.
The Netherlands wants to receive only 72 new IFVs. The first batch is expected in 2028 or later. As with Germany, production of all Jackals will be spread over several years. The price tag for these vehicles is 1,1 billion.
The option is also not equally divided. Germany will be able to order 200 IFVs in the future, while the Netherlands will be limited to 48 units. However, over the next few years, the two countries may revise their plans one way or the other. It also cannot be ruled out that the option will not be converted into a firm contract.
Technique in the ranks
Some details about the future deployment and operation of the new equipment are already known. For example, the Netherlands will use the new Schakal IFVs to reequip existing units and subunits. This will allow them to phase out various types of obsolete armored vehicles.
An early prototype of the Boxer RCT30 / PuBo / Schakal
The Bundeswehr, in turn, has more ambitious plans, envisioning a change in the appearance of the ground forces. Beginning in 2023, the German ground forces will undergo transformations aimed at creating so-called medium forces—Mittlere Kräfte. The 21st Army previously underwent a similar transformation. tank The Lipperland Brigade from the 1st Panzer Division. After all the changes, it now has three Jäger battalions in Boxer APCs.
The 41st Tank Brigade "Formpromern" of the 1st Tank Division is scheduled for conversion in 2027. It will receive two Jäger battalions equipped with Jackals. Other brigades may also be converted in the future, for which an option for 200 vehicles has already been issued.
Upgraded Option
The Schakal IFV belongs to the Boxer family of vehicles and is very similar to existing models. However, the new design utilizes modern platform variants and a different fighting compartment, achieving advantages in tactical, technical, and operational characteristics.
At customer request, the Schakal is built on a modified chassis of the Future Common Drive Module B0. This version of the Boxer was developed in the 1920s at the request of the United Kingdom and in accordance with its requirements. The modernization affected the hull design and the composition of the main components, resulting in improved key performance parameters.
The "B0" platform is fundamentally unchanged from previous versions of the Boxer. It is a wheeled vehicle with a welded armored hull, a forward engine compartment, and a large troop compartment in the rear. However, the hull design has been modified to improve protection. The mounting system for the special payload modules has also been modified—in the case of the IFV, this means the troop compartment. It is now mounted on six mounting points instead of the previous four.
The Schakal project incorporates measures aimed at improving protection. Along with a reinforced hull, new add-on armor modules are used. The combat module is equipped with smoke grenade launchers controlled by the MUSS 2.0 passive protection system. Acoustic and laser sensors are used for threat detection.
The updated vehicle can be equipped with a variety of diesel engines. The newest option is the MTU 8V 199 TS21, producing 815 hp. The same transmission, delivering torque to all wheels, remains. The engine and gearbox are designed as a single unit for quick replacement.
The Schakal IFV is equipped with the RCT30 remotely controlled weapon station from KNDS. This is a large, unmanned turret with an oscillating mount for a Rheinmetall MK30-2/ABM 30mm cannon. The cannon can fire a variety of projectiles, including programmable fuse rounds. A standard-caliber machine gun and launcher are also included. rocket MELLS complex for Spike series missiles.
The RCT30 features a fire control system based on modern components. It includes a fully functional computer with the necessary software, a panoramic day/night sight on the turret roof, a stabilizer, and more. The fire control system allows the use of all available weapons against ground and air targets.
The Shakal's crew consists of three people: the driver, commander, and gunner. They occupy the same positions as the base Boxer. The troop compartment accommodates six soldiers. The standard ramp in the rear and hatches in the roof are retained. An interesting innovation, borrowed from the B0 platform, is a dry closet built into one of the troop compartment seats.
The British Army's Boxer, built on a modified platform
The new IFV's dimensions are essentially identical to those of other vehicles in the Boxer family. Its combat weight has reached 38,5 tons. However, the upgraded Future Common Drive Module B0 chassis allows this to be increased to 40 tons. It is unknown whether this additional payload capacity will be used.
Despite the increased weight compared to the base Boxer models, the more powerful engine allows for comparable performance and maneuverability. The maximum road speed remains above 100 km/h, with a cruising range of over 1 km. Various terrain obstacles can be overcome. Water obstacles are crossed only by fording.
Intermediate result
ARTEC continues to develop the Boxer platform and develop new equipment based on it. It is ready to accept and implement the wishes of potential customers to secure more lucrative contracts.
Another result of this activity has been new orders from Germany and the Netherlands. They have already ordered 222 vehicles of the new modification and are prepared to purchase another 200 in the future. To date, approximately 800-900 armored vehicles have been built to Boxer series designs, and orders for a comparable number of vehicles are pending. These new contracts will significantly increase the existing portfolio.
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