Rheinmetall to deliver 56 Elefant 2 heavy transporters to German Bundeswehr

The German Bundeswehr has placed an additional order with Rheinmetall for 56 Elefant 2 heavy‑duty tractor units. The €60.5 million contract, part of an existing framework that can cover up to 137 vehicles, will see the trucks delivered in 2026 and 2027. The Elefant 2 (model HX81) features an eight‑cylinder diesel engine delivering 680 hp, a top speed of 89 km/h and a permissible gross combination weight of 135 tonnes. It complements the armoured Mammut transporter already in service and enhances Germany’s logistical role within NATO’s collective defence.

The extension reflects heightened demand for heavy‑lift capability to move combat vehicles, reinforcing the Bundeswehr’s operational readiness and NATO’s strategic mobility.