Bundeswehr selects Rohde & Schwarz for major digital radio programme

Rohde & Schwarz has officially been named as the chosen vendor for the Bundeswehr's multibillion-euro digital radio programme. The company has already delivered units to the Bundeswehr, which are based on the SVFuA dual-channel, multiband radio (pictured in the vehicular variant). (Rohde & Schwarz)

Rohde & Schwarz (R&S) has officially been named as the chosen vendor for the German Bundeswehr's major Combat Net Radio (CNR) programme, the company announced on 7 December.

In December 2022 the Bundeswehr signed a multibillion-euro contract with an unnamed company for the supply of CNRs for the military's tanks, combat vehicles, and trucks under the wider Digitisation of Land-Based Operations (D-LBO) programme. R&S was widely purported to have been selected for the CNR (often referred to as the digital radio programme); however, Thales lodged a complaint against the selection process, delaying the announcement.

It is believed that approximately EUR2.9 billion (USD3.1 billion) has been earmarked for the procurement of over 30,000 radios under the CNR programme.

According to R&S, the radios, which were developed for the Bundeswehr and are currently installed in key platforms with the land forces, are based on the Joint Service Interoperable Radio Equipment (SVFuA). Systems known to have been installed with the SVFuA include the army's Puma infantry fighting vehicles and Boxer armoured transport vehicles.

The radios come in various form factors, from vehicular, handheld, and backpack systems to fixed stations and tactical devices for airborne platforms. A significant number of which have already been delivered, the announcement said.