The major German arms manufacturer, Rheinmetall, said the German armed forces placed an order worth as much as €400 million ($427 million) for a framework contract to supply up to 191,000 "intercom with hearing protection function" sets.
The contract, announced on Wednesday, has a 7-year term and is part of a key project for tactical communications which is of cross-sectional importance for the entire force.
As per the conditions by the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag, 30,000 sets including connection cables with delivery in 2024 have been firmly ordered. A option for the delivery of a further 30,000 sets for 2025 is expected to be activated.
These two delivery batches, financed from Germany's special defence fund, will have a net vallue of up to around €140 million.
The intercom with hearing protection function includes modern active capsule ear protection that attenuates harmful impulse noise and amplifies quiet sounds. It also has a microphone and can be connected to various radio devices so that radio communication is possible.In addition to the combined headset, the scope of supply includes various push-to-talk or PTT buttons and different cable sets for connecting to a range of radios and on-board communication systems.
Rheinmetall is the prime contractor for the Bundeswehr's system infantry soldier of the future - expanded system program.
