€162M Investment: CBRN ErkW Reconnaissance Vehicles for Germany’s Federal States
The goal is to ensure rapid deployment of CBRN reconnaissance vehicles nationwide. According to the BBK, this project has been in development since 2019.
CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicles for Germany’s Federal States
The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) has delivered 395 new Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles (CBRN ErkW) to Germany’s federal states. The goal is to ensure rapid deployment of CBRN reconnaissance vehicles nationwide. According to the BBK, this project has been in development since 2019.
Due to the complexity of the vehicles, extensive collaboration was required with various contractors, including manufacturers of measuring instruments, software developers, and vehicle builders. The project faced delayscaused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ahr Valley disaster, and the war in Ukraine, affecting development, planning, and procurement. The procurement process was conducted in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community’s procurement office (BeschA).
€162 Million Investment in National Safety
A total of 518 new CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, valued at €162 million, will be distributed across all German states. Each vehicle costs €311,000, with three remaining under the BBK’s direct control.
These off-road-capable vehicles are equipped with advanced measuring technology for detecting chemical, radiological, and nuclear hazards. They also include a wide range of protective equipment, such as:
- Protective masks
- Filters
- Self-contained breathing apparatus
- Chemical protective suits
- Marking materials for contaminated zones
Each CBRN ErkW accommodates four personnel and is capable of conducting in-motion measurements while driving.
“Biggest Innovation” in CBRN Reconnaissance
The new reconnaissance vehicles feature enhanced communication technologies and digital networking capabilities. They will be integrated with command vehicles currently under procurement, forming the CBRN measurement command component—described as the biggest innovation of the new vehicle generation.
At the handover ceremony, BBK President Ralph Tiesler emphasized the importance of modern equipment in civil protection efforts:
“Successful civil protection relies not only on dedication and collaboration but also on high-quality equipment. I am delighted that we can now see the first results of our six-year project. These new CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will allow us to protect people in Germany more safely, efficiently, and comprehensively.”
Training Program
Building on the "ABC Reconnaissance" course according to FwDV 2, which is conducted at the state or district level, a train-the-trainer seminar will be introduced at the Federal Academy for Civil Protection and Civil Defense (BABZ).
During this four-day seminar, two trainers per newly delivered CBRN reconnaissance vehicle will be trained. These trainers will then instruct personnel already certified under FwDV 2 at their respective locations on how to operate the new vehicles.
The seminar at BABZ is intended to become a permanent part of the training program and will complement the existing courses offered at state fire service schools across Germany.
Sources: bbk.bund, Behörden Spiegel Newsletter Verteidigung. Streitkräfte. Wehrtechnik,
