Dutch MoD Orders 20 Rheinmetall Manned/Unmanned Ground Vehicles for Ukraine

The Dutch Ministry of Defence has placed an order for 20 Ermine manned and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) from Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. to be delivered to Ukraine by 2026, in support of frontline casualty evacuation and enhanced mobility.

The contract was signed on June 24 during the NATO Industry Summit in The Hague, as part of the efforts coordinated by the Ukraine Task Force. The Ermine systems will be supplied by Rheinmetall’s subsidiary in Ede and are expected to enhance the Ukrainian armed forces’ ability to conduct operations closer to the frontline.

According to the Dutch MoD, the decision to procure these vehicles aligns with broader goals of strengthening Ukraine’s defense capacity and advancing industrial cooperation between Dutch defense firms. Alongside Rheinmetall, local companies DEMCON Defense & Security Systems B.V. and Abiom Communication Systems (ACS) B.V. will play supporting roles in the production and integration of the Ermine systems.

The Ermine vehicle family, also known as “Hermelin,” represents a new class of modular hybrid ground platforms offering both tactical mobility and energy support. The fleet includes unmanned ground vehicles, buggies, and quads, all based on a common diesel-electric hybrid architecture. These vehicles are designed for modular use in various combat and support roles, with the ability to carry up to one ton of payload and achieve ranges over 1,000 kilometres, depending on configuration.

The Ermine’s adaptability also allows for transport via medium-lift helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook or CH-53. Its dual role as a transport vehicle and mobile microgrid makes it suitable for a wide range of missions, from casualty evacuation to energy support in austere environments.