The Netherlands to acquire support vehicles for new MBTs

The information was reported by the German defence outlet Hartpunkt, citing a letter dated 11 February (so-called List A/B) sent by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to parliament. The document states that the requirements analysis phase (A) and the market research phase (B) for new armoured recovery vehicles have already been completed. The procurement phase is expected to begin in the second half of this year, when the executive contract could also be signed. 

New ARVs for Leopard 2A8 and CV90 platforms

The letter notes that the current Dutch Army fleet of this type, namely 25 Bergepanzer 3 vehicles undergoing modernisation until 2027, is insufficient in light of plans to expand the land forces. The requirement is linked to providing support vehicles for the newly ordered Leopard 2A8 tanks and the planned acquisition of additional CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.

The potential number of Wisent 2 vehicles to be procured has not been disclosed, although an order for at least several dozen units is anticipated. The package is also expected to include simulators as well as a logistics and training support package. Notably, the contract is to contain an option clause for additional vehicles intended for future units, training purposes, or reserve stockpile. 

The Wisent 2 is a family of support vehicles designed for combat engineering, sapper, and recovery tasks. They are based on the Leopard 2 chassis, similarly to the Bergepanzer 3. The vehicle provides crew protection compliant with NATO STANAG 4569 standards. It is powered by an MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine producing 1,500 hp, coupled with a RENK HSWL 354 transmission, enabling a top speed of up to 68 km/h. Depending on the variant, the vehicle can be equipped with mine-clearing equipment, a crane capable of lifting up to 32 tonnes, an excavator arm, a dozer blade, or a bridge-span module.

Importantly, according to the manufacturer, the Wisent 2 can be converted from the ARV configuration to the armoured engineer vehicle (AEV) configuration in less than five hours. The platform is currently operated by countries including Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Norway, Denmark and Qatar.