First success for Rheinmetall Ermine – Dutch Ministry of Defence orders 20 Manned/Unmanned Ground Vehicles for Ukraine
June 25, 2025 - The Dutch Ministry of Defence has, on behalf of the Ukraine Task Force, signed a contract with the Ede-based subsidiary Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. to supply 20 Ermine vehicles.
The Minister of Defence signed the contract with Rheinmetall on the 24th of June during the NATO Industry Summit in The Hague.
The variants now ordered are manned/unmanned ground vehicles. These are to be delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces, strengthening their capability for casualty evacuation near the frontline. The vehicles are to be delivered in 2026. In this configuration, a cooperation with other Dutch companies like DEMCON defense & security systems B.V. & Abiom Communication Systems (ACS) B.V. has been set up as a force multiplier. This national cooperation among industry and MoD will further develop knowledge and capabilities for the Armed Forces of the Netherlands and Ukraine. Quote by Coen van Leeuwen, CEO of Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V.: “We are grateful for the trust in our capacities. Ermine is an innovative and capable solution for the modern battlefield.”
The Ermine (Hermelin) family of small vehicles represents a new generation of mobility, combining tactical transport with a mobile energy source (microgrid). Operational creativity is at the core Ermine’s design. Its features enable it to act as an effective force multiplier.
The modular Ermine family currently consists of an UGV, a side-by-side buggy and a quad. Various 4x4 and 6x6 variants are available. All vehicles are based on the same diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain and base platform. This gives the Ermine maximum modularity with unrivalled agility. Thanks to the hybrid technology, up to one ton of payload, and a range of more than 1,000 kilometres 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.
This contract marks the first significant milestone for the Ermine and will, by supporting the Ukraine armed forces, also boost the defence industry in the Netherlands.
Contact
Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Press and Public Relations
Phone: +49 211 473-4748
