General Dynamics European Land Systems Secures Contract for Piranha 5 in Tactical Wide Area Network (TaWAN) Project
PIRANHA 5 will be equipped with a 15-meter telescopic mast system, which will serve as a highly mobile, armored connectivity point in the TaWAN network.
As reported by GDELS and esut.de, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has been awarded a contract to supply key components for the vehicle-mounted, long-range telecommunications network known as the Tactical Wide Area Network (TaWAN). The contract, which covers the provision of Richtfunkmanagement, klein (small radio relay management units), was signed on February 20 at the GDELS facility in Neubrandenburg, Germany, with the main contractor, Rheinmetall. The announcement was made by GDELS on the same day.
TaWAN: Enhancing Communication for the Bundeswehr
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) are establishing a comprehensive mobile radio relay network to facilitate seamless communication between the tactical levels of the army and the core network at the operational and strategic levels. The system will also enhance connectivity between different units and international partners.
To achieve this, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed a framework agreement with Rheinmetall on February 4, securing a maximum contract value of €5.5 billion. As part of an initial order, 107 system components in three different variants were commissioned. The German Parliament’s Budget Committee approved the necessary funding on January 29.
Key Components of TaWAN
The TaWAN system comprises four primary components:
- TaWAN LBO Richtfunkmanagement, klein (TLRk) – Small radio relay management unit
- TaWAN LBO Richtfunkmanagement, groß (TLRg) – Large radio relay management unit
- TaWAN LBO Richtfunkmanagement, tragbar (TLRt) – Portable radio relay management unit
- TaWAN Führungs Interface Fahrzeug (TFI Fz) – Command interface vehicle
Piranha 5 as the Backbone of Mobile Communication
The first batch of 58 TLRk units will be integrated into the 8x8 Piranha 5 armored vehicle, designed by GDELS. This highly mobile, protected vehicle will be equipped with a 15-meter telescopic mast and radio relay system, enabling it to function as a highly mobile, armored data hub within the TaWAN network.
GDELS has highlighted the success of a similar vehicle variant, the Piranha 3 Kompak, which has been in operational use within the Swiss Army for years, demonstrating its effectiveness in long-range communication roles.
Ensuring Operational Readiness
To guarantee immediate technical and logistical readiness, GDELS plans to establish a system support center at its Neubrandenburg facility. The overarching framework agreement includes the delivery of 256 TLRk units on the Piranha platform. The first vehicle from the initial batch is scheduled for delivery in 2026.
A Strategic Step for German Defense
Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, Vice President of Sales and Managing Director of GDELS-Germany, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the company, stating:
“We are very grateful for the confidence shown in us and will start delivering the first series vehicles to our German customer from next year. The state-of-the-art Piranha 5, which we will also manufacture in Germany in the future, will play a crucial role in enhancing the Bundeswehr’s digitized command capabilities.”
This contract marks a positive step in modernizing the Bundeswehr’s tactical communication infrastructure, reinforcing Germany’s commitment to developing a robust, future-ready military network.
Further sources: Europäische Sicherheit & Technik, General Dynamics European Land System
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