Rheinmetall Gladius Light – Special Networking for Special Operations Forces

Soldier systems connect individual warriors on the battlefield with other actors, sensors, effectors and platforms, bringing them into the network-enabled operational loop. Rheinmetall has extensive experience in this area. Just in February 2025 the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) has signed a framework contract with Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH for the follow-on procurement of soldiersystems ‘Infantry Soldier of the Future – Enhanced System’ (IdZES). The framework contract, with a maximum gross volume of €3.1bn, will run until the end of 2030. Overall, the German Armed Forces can thus initiate the proportional regeneration as well as the manufacturing and delivery of up to 368 IdZ-ES platoon systems and various options for the procurement of additional components and services. A platoon is a military sub-unit.

IdZ-ES is based on the soldier system Gladius 2.0. At Enforce Tac 2025, the Group will be presenting another version of its Gladius 2.0 soldier system, specifically designed to meet the needs of special operations forces. During development, the system’s designers kept a sharp focus on the need for lightweight, flexible systems that enable maximum mobility. The Gladius Light configuration has therefore been stripped down to its essentials. At the same time, however, care was taken to maximize flexibility, making it possible to include accessories needed for special operations. Moreover, the new configuration is specially designed to enable subsequent upgrades and extensions. The Gladius Light configuration is based on a lightweight tactical harness with scalable ballistic protection.

It includes:
-a radio for voice and data communication as well as GPS tracking for ‘blue force’ information;
-an advanced headset with various push-to-talk buttons (connected by cable or Bluetooth) for voice communication;
-an end user device (e.g. a tablet) for depicting tactical maps, assuring an uninterrupted exchange of information and improved situational awareness.

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on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025 at 18:00 and is filed under Armor, Comms, Digitization, International, Press Release, SOF.
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