Despite all the automation, the infantryman is still the core element of the mission. Just as air superiority alone does not win a war, ground superiority through drones will hardly force a (dictatorially led) absolute, determined state to surrender. Only Boots on the Ground can do this.
Germany began early to equip these boots on the ground with modern equipment, integrated as a system concept, implemented by a main contractor. The infantryman of the future - extended system (IdZ-ES) was ordered from Rheinmetall in 2006, and the first systems were delivered in 2012. This long time was only due to the fact that with the IdZ-ES a completely new concept - both in terms of technology and use - had to be adapted to the soldier. The problem was the limits that the human body sets. The electronics of that time were not quite as miniaturized, at least not in an affordable way. However, most of the weight was taken up by the protective components. The solution also had to be suitable for all weather and climate conditions and work in areas without their own infrastructure.
The solution was certainly not perfect, but it was perfect enough to even hold its own in the Afghanistan mission. She also showed the courage that is often required today to make mistakes and bring systems into the troop where operational experience has shown errors, without which the troop would have been able to act much worse.
Improvements by the manufacturer
The manufacturer was able to replace the majority of the recognized need for improvement with other solutions in the subsequent tranches. The successor tranche with the greatest improvements is certainly the IdZ-ES Plus, which the Bundeswehr is procuring for the VJTF (L) 2023. Here, among other things, the much criticized electronic back was replaced by a USB hub. The management computer is now an adapted, commercially available tablet. However, in 2006, when the IdZ-ES signed a contract, this option did not yet exist.
A disadvantage of procurement is that only what has been ordered may be delivered. This means that new opportunities and technologies cannot be introduced to the troops in a timely manner. This obligation to comply with the contract means that two variants of the IdZ are currently being delivered to the Bundeswehr, on the one hand the delivery of 68 train systems IdZ-ES between 2019 and 2021 signed in July 2017, and on the other hand the delivery of IdZ-ES Plus for the VJTF signed in June 2019 (L) 2023. For the IdZ-ES Plus, Rheinmetall is supplying the new C4I subsystem in three variants that build on one another. The "Basic" variant comes with the central USB hub, the UHF radio PNR 1000 with speech set and the portable MX50 command computer with TacNet-based command system. The "Light" variant lacks a radio and control computer. The Enhanced variant is enhanced with an SDHR VHF radio that provides command capability above the group level. A total of 340 C4I equipment sets will be supplied, of which 170 will be in the “Basic” variant, 90 “Extended” systems and 80 “Light” systems.
The troops will continue to receive newly produced electronic backs for over a year, although this technology is actually already outdated and has been replaced by a new, significantly better system. And the Bundeswehr will also get this new system – parallel to the old systems.
The IdZ-ES Plus is almost a quantum leap. In addition to the hub, the radios were also replaced. The soldiers are given PNR 1000 (E-LynX) UHF radios from the Israeli company Elbit Systems, which are manufactured and maintained by the German subsidiary TELEFUNKEN RACOMS. VHF radios SDTR and SDHR from Rohde & Schwarz also ensure the control circuits and long-range connections on the vehicles. Two software-defined tactical radios from Rohde & Schwarz are installed on each vehicle, and the squad and platoon leaders also wear an SDHR.
Disadvantage procurement
Not introducing new technologies into the Bundeswehr just because contracts cannot be adjusted shows the dilemma of German procurement. If it is not possible to adapt developments and introduce them promptly, if instead old systems continue to be manufactured and introduced over the years and at the same time significantly better new systems, then digitization cannot work. It's not up to the manufacturers, they can do both, as Rheinmetall is currently demonstrating. But they are not allowed. It is precisely at this point that adjustments need to be made if procurement is to keep up with the technology. Spiral development is a keyword that is often used here, but its implementation in contracts is still a long time coming. However, the Boots on the Ground would need the most modern equipment, not the one that has to continue to run due to non-adjustable contracts.
Dorothee Frank