German Armed Forces awards Rosenbauer long-term contract for airport firefighting vehicles
Iain Hoey
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Rosenbauer’s significant agreement with the German Armed Forces
Rosenbauer Deutschland GmbH, part of the Rosenbauer Group, has received a substantial order from the Procurement Office of the German Armed Forces.
As reported by Rosenbauer, the framework agreement includes the delivery of up to 60 airport firefighting vehicles over the next twenty years.
This initiative will completely replace the current fleet within this performance category.
The agreement outlines the delivery of 35 PANTHER 8×8 vehicles by 2029, with the initial batch expected by 2026.
These vehicles feature a 12,500-litre water tank and a High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET), enhancing their efficiency and capability.
The vehicles will serve defensive fire protection needs at German airports and during international deployments.
The PANTHER’s role in Rosenbauer’s success
Sebastian Wolf, CEO of Rosenbauer International AG, highlighted the historical significance of the PANTHER model, stating: “When we launched the PANTHER in 1991, we redefined the product category of airport firefighting vehicles.
“Like no other product, it embodies performance, safety, and reliability.
“Since then, over 2,000 such vehicles have left our factories in Austria and the USA.”
Wolf expressed satisfaction with the contract: “I am pleased that the PANTHER’s concept convinced the German Armed Forces in the bidding process and that we were able to succeed with our offer.
“This framework agreement with the German Armed Forces is the largest we have ever concluded.”
Importance of airport fire protection for German Armed Forces
The German Armed Forces rely heavily on the operational capacity of airports both domestically and internationally.
In Germany, airports play a crucial role in national defence.
Additionally, tactical air transport is essential for overseas missions.
Ensuring defensive fire protection at these airports is therefore vital for their operation.
The newly ordered PANTHER vehicles will significantly enhance the fire protection capabilities at these strategic locations, aligning with the German Armed Forces’ operational requirements.
