On Friday, February 20, 2026, the German group Rheinmetall AG announced that it had received an order worth several hundred million euros from the European company General Dynamics European Land Systems – Mowag for the delivery of unmanned CT-025 turret systems armed with the 25 mm Oerlikon KBA automatic cannon for 274 Luchs 2 (German: Lynx) wheeled reconnaissance vehicles. The procurement is part of the SpähFz NG (Spähfahrzeug Next Generation) program for the Bundeswehr. In addition, the contract includes six AGFS (Ausbildungsgeräten Gefechtssimulation für den Fahrzeuggebundenen Spähtrupp) combat training simulators and AGDUS (Ausbildungsgerät Duellsimulator) laser-based gunnery simulators. The agreement was signed in Kaiserslautern in early February 2026.
Image: Rheinmetall AG
“We are grateful for the trust that GDELS and the Bundeswehr have placed in our products and capabilities“, said Timo Haas, Head of the Digital Systems Division. “The Luchs 2 contract package is a significant success for our Bremen site and our colleagues in Rome. At the same time, it sends a strong signal in favour of European defence cooperation“.
The largest share of the Luchs 2 contract package will be carried out by Rheinmetall’s subsidiary Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH, based in Bremen. A total of 274 CT-025 systems are to be delivered by 2031, marking the first major order for this newly developed modular unmanned turret system. Luchs 2 will receive a modified version of the CT-025 turret tailored to the specific requirements of the Bundeswehr. The newly developed Rheinmetall turret will serve as a baseline technological platform for various mission profiles, combining high operational capability with maximum adaptability to operational and logistical requirements.
State-of-the-art sensor technology and digital network connectivity provide the turret with distinct advantages. A stabilized commander’s and gunner’s sighting system enables precise counterattacks against ground and aerial targets, including drones. The fully digital fire-control system, featuring inertial weapon stabilization, a ballistic computer, and NATO GVA/NGVA-compatible interfaces, ensures maximum accuracy even while the vehicle is on the move.
In addition, the Bundeswehr version of the CT-025 will feature a turret hatch supplemented with ballistic protection, enabling vehicle command from an open, protected position while on the move. To meet maximum weight requirements, the ammunition load has been tailored to the Luchs 2 platform. The turret profile (overall height) has also been optimized to ensure compatibility with other platforms.
The CT-025’s open, modular architecture allows full integration with Rheinmetall’s Battlesuite, a next-generation digital communications platform. This enables rapid and flexible integration of features such as AI-assisted target tracking and mission-specific software updates without requiring hardware modifications.
The main armament of the CT-025 is the proven 25 mm Oerlikon KBA automatic cannon. Manufactured by Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A. in Rome, it is Rheinmetall’s most widely produced artillery weapon in the NATO-standard 25×137 mm caliber, with more than 6,000 units delivered. It offers three firing modes (single shot, rapid single fire at 175 rounds per minute, and burst fire at 600 rounds per minute), dual-feed capability, and an effective range of up to 2,500 meters. Thanks to a broad range of 25×137 mm ammunition types, the cannon can penetrate the armor of most modern lightly armored vehicles. Its 600-round-per-minute rate of fire, the highest in its class, low recoil, and new 25×137 mm proximity-fuze ammunition provide effective protection against drones. The dual-belt feed system allows two different types of ammunition to be loaded and quickly switched between.
The first AGFS combat training simulator is scheduled for delivery in mid-2028 and, following user-driven modifications, will be upgraded to the same standard as the remaining five devices in the series. The system replicates vehicle operations, sensor technology, and ballistic effects. Rheinmetall is developing the AGFS based on the same technological foundation as the live-fire and combat simulators already under contract for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle and the future Schakal wheeled infantry fighting vehicle.
The AGDUS family of laser-based gunnery simulators includes emitters simulating target acquisition of opposing vehicles, indicators simulating hits on the host vehicle, central electronics units, a control unit, and crew displays. Standard installation time is approximately 20 minutes. The system consists of 12 components and is based on Microsoft Windows software. The AGDUS kit enables realistic simulation of both receiving and inflicting damage during combat training. It is sophisticated enough to model damage effects specific to a selected vehicle type in service with the German armed forces. All simulated damage data are transmitted to the control unit in near real time, and the results are displayed to the crew.
Image: GDELS – Mowag
It should be recalled that on October 20, 2025, the BAAINBw (Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr) signed a contract worth approximately 3 billion EUR with General Dynamics European Land Systems – Mowag for the delivery of 274 Luchs 2 vehicles.
Subsequently, on November 26, 2025, the German company Hensoldt AG concluded a contract worth nearly 1 billion EUR for the supply of specialized equipment, including the Ceretron central mission system with the MDOcore software package, the BAA IV optronic system, and the SETAS panoramic observation system.
The German defense outlet Hartpunkt reported on October 7, 2024, that GDELS–Mowag would, unofficially at the time, win the program. It was said to have defeated a counteroffer from KNDS Deutschland featuring the Patria 6×6 (which will, however, replace the TPz Fuchs 6×6), as well as a proposal from Rheinmetall AG with the TPz Fuchs Evolution (also known as Fuchs 1A9).
Luchs 2 is intended to replace the Fennek 4×4 light armored reconnaissance vehicle in the reconnaissance units (Heeresaufklärungstruppe) of the German Army (Heer). Its name refers to the Spähpanzer 2 Luchs (SpPz 2) 8×8 wheeled reconnaissance vehicle, which was in service from 1975 to 2009. Interestingly, earlier reports suggested the vehicle would be named “Korsak,” after the steppe fox (in reference to the Fennek), but this ultimately did not occur. Initially, from October 2023, the Bundeswehr sought a supplier for 254 next-generation vehicles, including 92 under the base order and 162 under options; the final order was later increased by 20 units.
#Bundeswehr’s #Luchs2 reconnaissance vehicle: #Rheinmetall receives orders for CT-025 medium-calibre #turret, Oerlikon KBA 25 #automaticcannon and modern #simulators – #orders in the mid three-digit million-euro range https://t.co/oZhXuQGFSK pic.twitter.com/7kQRhNJ9iP
— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) February 20, 2026
