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HENSOLDT Supplies Digital Optronics for Armoured Vehicle Fleets
Large-scale contracts with KNDS position HENSOLDT’s software-enabled vision systems as a core technology for software-defined land defence platforms.
www.hensoldt.net
HENSOLDT equips the Schakal with digital vision systems, among other things. Photo: KNDS
Digital vision systems for modern armoured vehicles
Digital optronics are becoming a central enabler for modern land combat systems, particularly as armed forces move toward software-defined and networked platforms. In this context, HENSOLDT has secured several major contracts from KNDS to supply digital optronics for combat and armoured personnel carriers, with a combined order volume exceeding €400 million. The contracts cover the BOXER RCT 30 wheeled armoured vehicle, designated Schakal, and the LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tank, representing one of the largest recent procurement programmes for digital vision systems in the land domain.
Large-volume delivery for BOXER RCT 30 “Schakal”
The largest share of the orders relates to the Schakal programme, with a contract value of approximately €290 million. HENSOLDT will deliver 288 complete digital optronics sets for the vehicle, which is based on the GTK-BOXER platform combined with the PUMA turret system. Each set includes the PERI RTWL HD digital commander’s sight, the WAO HD digital gunner’s sight, the Multifunctional Self-Protection System (MUSS), and associated displays for video stream visualisation.
The systems are designed to operate as software-enabled sensors, supporting digital data processing, networking and future software upgrades. Interoperability between the Schakal and PUMA platforms is ensured through interchangeable components, simplifying logistics and improving availability during field operations.
Parallel contract for LEOPARD 2 A8 modernisation
In parallel, HENSOLDT was awarded an additional contract at the end of 2025 to equip the LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tank. This order, valued at more than €110 million, covers 178 digital sighting system sets. The configuration includes the PERI RTWL HD commander’s sight, the FERO Z18 auxiliary gunner’s sight, the Spectus II sensor head, the ATTICA GL thermal imaging system, and the EMES OPO rangefinding and firing system. In total, HENSOLDT will supply 301 digital sighting system sets for the German LEOPARD 2 fleet.
Transition from analogue to fully digital optronics
A defining feature of both programmes is the consistent shift from analogue to fully digital optronics. The PERI RTWL HD stabilised digital periscope enables all-round observation and target acquisition while on the move, even under degraded visibility conditions such as dust, fog or darkness. Its cross-platform design allows deployment across different vehicle types without fundamental architectural changes.
The WAO HD gunner’s sight, developed as the digital successor to an analogue predecessor, shares the same system architecture as the PERI RTWL HD. It provides high-resolution video output, an expanded field of view and improved stabilisation. Digital interfaces support efficient integration into turret systems, while a centralised user interface simplifies maintenance and servicing.
Foundation for software-defined defence concepts
By functioning as intelligent, software-enabled sensors, the digital vision systems support advanced capabilities such as image data fusion, video tracking and integration with command-and-control systems. These functions contribute directly to improved situational awareness, vehicle survivability and combat effectiveness, while enabling future upgrades through software rather than hardware replacement.
According to HENSOLDT, the programmes demonstrate how digital optronics form a technological foundation for software-defined defence architectures, supporting interoperable, networked combat vehicles across different platforms.
Delivery timeline
Prototype digital sighting systems for the PUMA turret have already been delivered. Series production for the Schakal programme is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027, with deliveries for both vehicle programmes starting in 2027.
www.hensoldt.com
Digital vision systems for modern armoured vehicles
Digital optronics are becoming a central enabler for modern land combat systems, particularly as armed forces move toward software-defined and networked platforms. In this context, HENSOLDT has secured several major contracts from KNDS to supply digital optronics for combat and armoured personnel carriers, with a combined order volume exceeding €400 million. The contracts cover the BOXER RCT 30 wheeled armoured vehicle, designated Schakal, and the LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tank, representing one of the largest recent procurement programmes for digital vision systems in the land domain.
Large-volume delivery for BOXER RCT 30 “Schakal”
The largest share of the orders relates to the Schakal programme, with a contract value of approximately €290 million. HENSOLDT will deliver 288 complete digital optronics sets for the vehicle, which is based on the GTK-BOXER platform combined with the PUMA turret system. Each set includes the PERI RTWL HD digital commander’s sight, the WAO HD digital gunner’s sight, the Multifunctional Self-Protection System (MUSS), and associated displays for video stream visualisation.
The systems are designed to operate as software-enabled sensors, supporting digital data processing, networking and future software upgrades. Interoperability between the Schakal and PUMA platforms is ensured through interchangeable components, simplifying logistics and improving availability during field operations.
Parallel contract for LEOPARD 2 A8 modernisation
In parallel, HENSOLDT was awarded an additional contract at the end of 2025 to equip the LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tank. This order, valued at more than €110 million, covers 178 digital sighting system sets. The configuration includes the PERI RTWL HD commander’s sight, the FERO Z18 auxiliary gunner’s sight, the Spectus II sensor head, the ATTICA GL thermal imaging system, and the EMES OPO rangefinding and firing system. In total, HENSOLDT will supply 301 digital sighting system sets for the German LEOPARD 2 fleet.
Transition from analogue to fully digital optronics
A defining feature of both programmes is the consistent shift from analogue to fully digital optronics. The PERI RTWL HD stabilised digital periscope enables all-round observation and target acquisition while on the move, even under degraded visibility conditions such as dust, fog or darkness. Its cross-platform design allows deployment across different vehicle types without fundamental architectural changes.
The WAO HD gunner’s sight, developed as the digital successor to an analogue predecessor, shares the same system architecture as the PERI RTWL HD. It provides high-resolution video output, an expanded field of view and improved stabilisation. Digital interfaces support efficient integration into turret systems, while a centralised user interface simplifies maintenance and servicing.
Foundation for software-defined defence concepts
By functioning as intelligent, software-enabled sensors, the digital vision systems support advanced capabilities such as image data fusion, video tracking and integration with command-and-control systems. These functions contribute directly to improved situational awareness, vehicle survivability and combat effectiveness, while enabling future upgrades through software rather than hardware replacement.
According to HENSOLDT, the programmes demonstrate how digital optronics form a technological foundation for software-defined defence architectures, supporting interoperable, networked combat vehicles across different platforms.
Delivery timeline
Prototype digital sighting systems for the PUMA turret have already been delivered. Series production for the Schakal programme is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027, with deliveries for both vehicle programmes starting in 2027.
www.hensoldt.com
