The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) announced a major contract with KNDS Deutschland to upgrade their Fennek reconnaissance vehicles. The Bundeswehr's Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Internal Support (BAAINBw) announced the news on July 25, stating that 70 units will be upgraded to the latest surveillance and intelligence standards.
This upgrade applies to vehicles including the Fennek 1A2 reconnaissance vehicle as well as the Fennek JFST (Joint Fire Support Group). Deliveries of new BAA III systems, including the operational reserve, are planned for the period 2027-2029. While the total cost of these upgrades has yet to be determined, the initiative represents a significant advance for the German military's intelligence capabilities.
The Fennek upgrade is of strategic importance, allowing the armed forces to take advantage of enhanced intelligence and identification capabilities that are critical to national defense and joint missions with international partners. The operational reserve BAA III will also increase the readiness of the vehicles for training and conducting real operations.
The new BAA III system includes a thermal imager, a daytime camera and a laser rangefinder, all of which are mounted on a rotating and tilting platform located on a retractable masts In addition, a laser-guided ammunition pointer will be integrated, thus standardizing a large part of the German Army's Fennek fleet.
In service since 2003, the Fennek is a reconnaissance vehicle with a crew of three that offers surveillance and reconnaissance day and night in all weather conditions. This modernization is a crucial step in maintaining and improving the operational efficiency of the German armed forces.