Fox reconnaissance vehicle

Rheinmetall Defence has been awarded a contract to supply high-performance electro-optical (EO) sensors, gun mount-adaptable aiming system (LAZ) for integration with German Army vehicles.

Under the terms of €55m contract, the company will deliver 418 LAZ 200 and 275 LAZ 400L sensors for installation on around 700 remote control weapon stations (RCWS) on different vehicle types.

The contract has been awarded as part of a Bundeswehr procurement programme, which aims to significantly improve self-defence capabilities of numerous vehicle types, in addition to enhancing their night fighting capabilities.

Serving as the central element of the RCWS’s electronic fire control unit, the sensor is capable of helping vehicle crew in target recognition, tracking and engagement in the battlefield.

Operating with RCWS enables crew members to safely respond to threats without leaving the armoured vehicle fighting compartment, which potentially eliminates exposure to enemy fire.

"Operating with RCWS enables crew members to safely respond to threats without leaving the armoured vehicle fighting compartment, which potentially eliminates exposure to enemy fire."

The legacy weapon systems can be operated only with the hatch open in unprotected mode.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Manufactured at the company’s Ismaning plant, the LAZ 200 is a compact and lightweight sensor unit that features a thermal imager with three fields of view in non-cooled or cooled modes and a high resolution CCD daylight camera.

The advanced LAZ 400L model is equipped with a cooled thermal imaging device with enhanced night-vision capabilities, an eye-safe laser rangefinder, as well as operator interface and display devices that comprises an integral part of the overall weapon station system.

The sensors have already proven to be highly effective while operating from Bundeswehr’s M93A1/M93A1P1 Fox NBC reconnaissance vehicle, Boxer, Yak and Dingo heavy armoured vehicles.

Deliveries under the contract are scheduled to continue for the next four years.


Image: LAZ sensors are mounted on the German Army’s Fox reconnaissance vehicle. Photo: courtesy of US Army.

Defence Technology