On October 8, the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee approved €32 million for the acquisition of 40 Light Airborne Combat Vehicles (EGF) and 14 Support Vehicles (UGF), along with a complete set of specialized tools, including measurement, testing, and diagnostic equipment (SdWzS). This funding allows the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to establish a framework contract for up to 150 EGFs, 50 UGFs, and 45 SdWzS sets, with the initial order quantities confirmed.
The contract also includes spare parts, training, and full documentation. The winning contractor is Flensburg Technology System (FTS), a joint venture between FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft and Israel’s ELTA Systems. The vehicles will be manufactured in Germany.
Advanced Vehicles for Special Forces Operations
The new EGF and UGF vehicles will complement the German Special Forces’ existing fleet, which currently relies on lightweight, airborne-capable Utility Terrain Vehicles (LLUTVs) in the two-ton range and the ten-ton Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicle (AGF). The EGFs and UGFs are specifically designed for autonomous commando missions in unsecured and rugged terrain.
These 4×4 vehicles are described as highly mobile and off-road capable, featuring an open design without armored protection. The EGF accommodates three soldiers and includes a main weapon mount on a roll bar, capable of carrying either a heavy or light machine gun or a 40mm grenade launcher. The two-seat UGF is intended for logistical support and material transport, operating alongside three EGFs in standard mission configurations.
Introducing a New Vehicle Type to the Bundeswehr
The framework contract stipulates that two EGFs, one UGF, and a prototype SdWzS set will be delivered as pre-series vehicles 18 months after contract signing, with deliveries expected around April 2027. Following serial approval, 51 production vehicles are planned to be delivered by the end of 2028.
This program introduces an entirely new vehicle type to the German Armed Forces. The EGF/UGF is based on ELTA’s Z-family, which is already in service with the Israeli military. The ZD variant can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, is transportable by C-130 aircraft and CH-53 helicopters, and is capable of airborne deployment.
