Rheinmetall has secured a contract from Germany for 23 Bergepanzer 3 Büffel armored recovery vehicles, replacing units previously supplied to Ukraine. The procurement, worth several hundred million euros, was approved under Germany’s 2026 defense budget to restore recovery and support assets transferred from Bundeswehr inventories.
The armored recovery vehicles will be delivered in the latest A2 standard, providing enhanced capabilities for battlefield recovery, vehicle maintenance, and combat support missions. Rheinmetall has commenced production ahead of schedule through advance financing measures, allowing the first vehicle to be delivered in 2027, with the full fleet expected by 2029.
Derived from the Leopard 2 platform, the Bergepanzer 3 Büffel is equipped with a heavy-duty crane capable of rotating through 270 degrees and can integrate a front-mounted clearing blade. Its recovery equipment includes a maximum lifting capacity of 30 tonnes and towing performance reaching 105 tonnes. The vehicle is crewed by a commander, driver, and mechanic, and features armored protection designed to enhance survivability on the battlefield. Additional armament options include a 7.62mm machine gun and a 76mm grenade launcher. A 1,500-horsepower MTU powerpack enables the vehicle to achieve speeds above 60 km/h while maintaining a range of up to 500 kilometers.
