Daimler Truck Secures Significant Logistics Vehicle Contract from Bundeswehr’s Mobility Service, BwFuhrparkService
Daimler Truck has been awarded a substantial contract from BwFuhrparkService GmbH, the official mobility service provider of the German armed forces (Bundeswehr). This agreement encompasses the delivery of several hundred Mercedes-Benz Arocs logistics trucks, specifically in the mid-three-digit range, which will support the Bundeswehr’s military transport operations. The vehicles are scheduled to be delivered by the end of May 2026 and will significantly contribute to strengthening national and allied defense mobility in accordance with the German federal government’s strategic procurement goals.
This contract underlines Daimler Truck’s pivotal role in supplying high-performance logistics vehicles in a volatile security landscape. It also follows a series of successful international tenders with NATO allies, including recent contracts in Lithuania and Canada. The order from BwFuhrparkService further cements Daimler Truck’s position as a trusted provider for modern military mobility solutions.
Franziska Cusumano, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and the executive responsible for Daimler Truck’s defense business, commented on the significance of the deal: “This order is a strong signal of BwFuhrparkService’s confidence in our reliable, field-tested technologies. Given the current geopolitical challenges, our role in delivering dependable logistics platforms for defense operations is more crucial than ever. We’re proud to fulfill this order using our established Franco-German production network.”
Daniel Zittel, Head of Defence Sales at Daimler Truck, highlighted the operational depth of the collaboration: “Over the next year, we will manufacture a mid-three-digit number of Mercedes-Benz Arocs units and tailor them in partnership with Sonntag Fahrzeugbau to meet the Bundeswehr’s specific requirements. But our commitment doesn’t stop at delivery — we will continue to support these vehicles throughout their lifecycle, ensuring consistent operational readiness under all conditions.”
Zittel emphasized the rigorous demands placed on military logistics vehicles, which must be capable of performing reliably in harsh terrains, under pressure, and within unpredictable operational environments. “Our Arocs trucks are not just transportation tools,” he added. “They are resilient, mission-critical platforms that can be counted on even in the most demanding circumstances.”
A Closer Look at the Mercedes-Benz Arocs 6×6: Designed for Resilient, Off-Road Operations
The Arocs series is well-suited for operations involving complex terrain, including off-road environments typical of military and construction zones. The version ordered by BwFuhrparkService is the Mercedes-Benz Arocs 6×6 configuration — a three-axle, all-wheel-drive logistics vehicle with an impressive payload capacity of up to ten tons.
Built with durability in mind, the Arocs 6×6 is equipped with a high ground clearance, a steel suspension system, and a robust chassis. It can traverse water obstacles with depths of up to 0.9 meters, enabling deployment in flood-prone or swampy regions. Powering the vehicle is the reliable OM 470 engine, delivering 335 kW (455 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 2200 Nm. These trucks also feature the advanced PowerShift 3 automated manual transmission and fully comply with the stringent Euro VI emissions standards.
Importantly, these Arocs trucks are classified as hümS (military-use capable standard commercial vehicles), which means they maintain a civilian core design but include select military-specific features such as camouflage paint and reinforced components. This hybrid design approach broadens operational flexibility and opens avenues for secondary civilian use post-military deployment.
Modular Transport Capabilities with Sonntag Fahrzeugbau’s Swap-Body System
Each Arocs vehicle will be outfitted with a 15-foot interchangeable platform body developed by Sonntag Fahrzeugbau GmbH. This modular structure is specifically engineered for rough terrain and high-twist conditions that may arise during missions. The swap-body remains stable despite severe frame torsion, ensuring safe and secure material transport.
The 15-foot platform system provides rapid deployment capabilities. Loads can be transferred between different transportation modes — such as rail, road, and sea — within minutes, without compromising the off-road capabilities of the Arocs base vehicle. The compact size of the platform also enhances the maneuverability of the trucks, making them ideal for operations in confined or complex environments.
Franco-German Production Collaboration: A Model of Efficiency and Precision
Production of the Arocs 6×6 vehicles will leverage Daimler Truck’s integrated Franco-German manufacturing network. Key components such as axles and transmissions will originate from the Mercedes-Benz plant in Gaggenau, while the OM 470 engines will be assembled at the Mannheim engine plant. The primary vehicle assembly, including the installation of major systems and the “marriage” of the chassis and cab, will take place at the Wörth am Rhein facility — Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ largest manufacturing site.
Further customization tailored to military specifications will be completed in Molsheim, France. This facility is responsible for integrating tactical features and applying a base coat designed to resist chemical wear and minimize detection through night vision and infrared equipment. The integration of these features enhances the Arocs’ survivability and operational effectiveness in hostile environments.
This cross-border cooperation allows Daimler Truck to combine the efficiency of high-volume production with the flexibility to meet individual customer specifications. As a result, the manufacturing process becomes more agile and responsive, which is especially important in defense logistics where timing and adaptability are critical.
Sonntag Fahrzeugbau’s Contribution: Final Adaptations and Tactical Enhancements
In addition to supplying the swap-body systems, Sonntag Fahrzeugbau GmbH will handle the final outfitting of the vehicles. Their tasks will include constructing the container swap frames, installing military-grade enhancements in the driver’s cab, and applying the final camouflage paint finish.
Sonntag’s experience in integrating mission-specific capabilities ensures that the vehicles meet both the technical and tactical demands of Bundeswehr units. This attention to detail ensures that the trucks are combat-ready upon delivery and capable of long-term performance in various mission profiles.
A Strategic Move for Military Readiness and Industrial Capability
This contract between Daimler Truck and BwFuhrparkService exemplifies the ongoing efforts to modernize and fortify the Bundeswehr’s logistical backbone. With the integration of robust, off-road-capable Mercedes-Benz Arocs 6×6 trucks, Germany is reinforcing its ability to respond to national and alliance defense obligations effectively.
Furthermore, the collaboration demonstrates how partnerships between military Daimler organizations and industrial leaders can result in highly customized, mission-ready solutions. By leveraging a multi-national production network and incorporating modular adaptability, Daimler Truck ensures that the Bundeswehr receives vehicles that are not only powerful and durable but also tailored to the dynamic requirements of modern military logistics.
