At the Eurosatory 2024, Rheinmetall will be presenting the new Ermine family of small tactical vehicles. Ermine is part of a new generation of mobility that combines tactical full electrical transport with a mobile energy source (microgrid) and is fully prepared for autonomy. The premiere will take place at Rheinmetall’s Eurosatory stand E115/F115 on 18 June 2024 at 11.00 am. The modular Ermine family currently consists of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a side-by-side buggy and a quad. Various 4×4 and 6×6 variants are available. All vehicles are based on the same diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain and base platform. This gives Ermine maximum modularity with unrivalled agility. Thanks to the hybrid technology, up to one ton of payload, a range of more than 1,000 kilometres and a top speed of 90 km/h are possible, depending on the vehicle’s configuration. Up to four Ermine vehicles can be transported by cargo helicopters such as the CH-47 or CH-53. The Ermine vehicles can be configured for various purposes, including reconnaissance & connection, anti-tank, weapon carriers, MedEvac or generator function.
The Ermine vehicles are furthermore characterised by high mobility in almost any terrain and can also be driven completely silent thanks to their electric drive. The vehicles are just as easy to operate as civilian quads or buggies. If the vehicles are not used for tactical mobility, they can be used as a mobile energy source. The Ermine family can therefore significantly increase the operational value of armed forces and also contributes to ESG targets as (locally produced) sustainable energy can be stored in the battery pack. The Ermine technology was developed in the Netherlands by the start-up company REEQ – a subsidiary of Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. since March 2024 – and is being produced there. The acquisition of REEQ enables Rheinmetall to serve the Dutch and European market in the field of light tactical mobility, both manned and unmanned, in combination with a microgrid – and with short delivery times. Thereby Rheinmetall’s industrial strength and the innovative power of a start-up complement each other.
Within the Rheinmetall Group, REEQ retains its status as a start-up in the field of development. The further development and serial production of these vehicles will also take place in the Netherlands. As an integrated technology group, the listed company Rheinmetall AG, headquartered in Düsseldorf, stands for a company that is as strong in substance as it is successful internationally, and that is active in various markets with an innovative range of products and services. Rheinmetall is a leading international systems supplier in the defence industry and at the same time a driver of forward-looking technological and industrial innovations in the civilian markets. The focus on sustainability is an integral part of Rheinmetall’s strategy. The company aims to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2035. Rheinmetall AG is the fifth largest arms manufacturer in Europe, and produces a variety of armored fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, in both wheeled and tracked versions.
