The systems, to be manufactured by joint venture Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027.
The move expands upon an initial seven-year framework agreement that allowed for the procurement of up to 137 vehicles, under which the Bundeswehr originally ordered 32 Elefant 2 units. Deliveries under the original €122 million gross contract were completed in early 2025. The military expanded the agreement to meet increasing logistical and strategic deployment requirements.
Technical Specifications & Operational Role
The HX81-configured Elefant 2 heavy tractor unit is powered by an eight-cylinder, 680-horsepower diesel engine. The high-mobility, all-wheel-drive military truck reaches a top speed of 89 km/h (55 mph) and can negotiate gradients of up to 60%.
Key Performance Data:
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR): Up to 135 tonnes (tractor unit plus payload)
Cabin Standardization: Shares the same driver cabin as the Bundeswehr's Unprotected Transport Vehicles (UTF) family
Recovery Equipment: Features a dual-winch system manufactured by Rotzler, providing 20 tonnes of tractive force per winch
While unarmored, the Elefant 2 complements RMMV's armored "Mammut" heavy transport vehicles.
Rheinmetall officials emphasized that as Germany assumes a central logistical hub role within NATO’s allied defense posture, the rapid transport and deployment of main battle tanks and heavy armored vehicles remain critical strategic capabilities.