After approval by the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag, the Bundeswehr can conclude a framework agreement for up to 191,000 speaking sets with hearing protection (SMG). In an initial order, 30,000 speaking sets including connecting cables are to be ordered for delivery this year. In order to meet the minimum purchase quantity, a second order for the delivery of an additional 30,000 SMGs is planned for 2025. The financial expenses were stated at 145.6 million euros and are to be borne from the special fund.
The Bundeswehr wants to procure a total of 203,000 SMGs in the SMG project. Despite the criticism of the Federal Audit Office, the Bundeswehr wants to give all soldiers access to comprehensive communications, even when deployed. This means superiority in combat and, under certain circumstances, also ensures survival. Analogous to the full equipment with combat helmets, backpack systems, combat clothing, MOBAST, etc., in the future every soldier will be equipped with a headset.
Im Rahmen von Zwischenlösungen hat die Bundeswehr bereits über 15.000 SMG beschafft.
The SMG should be purchased in three different sets: speaking set with hearing protection function without push-to-talk button (PTT), with PTT for soldier radio or with PTT for command radio. An optional addition with wireless PTT (WPTT) will be added later.
The main contractor is Rheinmetall Electronics, which will be involved as subcontractors 3M Germany for the headset (ComTac VIII) and CEOTronics for the PTT.
Gerhard Heiming