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Rheinmetall has formally transferred its new IdZ-ES future soldier system to the German Bundeswehr.
The Düsseldorf, Germany-based Rheinmetall Group was awarded the contract to develop the IdZ-ES expanded system in 2006.
The German government ordered a first lot of thirty systems in 2012, which Rheinmetall is currently delivering according to plan (each system is designed to equip a 10-man section).
The troops now have until June 2013 to practise using the new systems before deploying to Afghanistan.??Rheinmetall received a follow-up order in January 2013 to supply a further 60 systems.
This order is worth €84 million and encompasses equipment for 60 infantry sections, i.e. 600 soldiers.
Delivery will take place in two lots of thirty systems each, the first in mid-2013, the second at the end of the year.
This ensures that the next two Bundeswehr contingents to deploy to Afghanistan will receive the new equipment in time to familiarise themselves with it.