Bundeswehr expands Schakal vehicle fleet for NATO eastern flank

The German Bundeswehr is expanding its fleet of Schakal armored vehicles to bolster NATO's eastern flank. An additional 35 vehicles have been added to the original order of 150, bringing the total to 185 units.

The Schakal serves as the “backbone” of the army’s new “Medium Forces” category. This new troop classification is designed to bridge the gap between highly mobile light units and heavy armored divisions, providing a capability that is both rapidly deployable over long distances and capable of significant firepower.

This procurement is part of a broader effort by the Bundeswehr to address capability gaps through various major programs, including the acquisition of new main battle tanks, artillery systems, and air defense equipment. The Schakal, based on the eight-wheeled GTK Boxer platform, offers superior mobility compared to heavy tracked vehicles, which is essential for reinforcing and defending the eastern regions of the alliance.