Bergepanzer: FFG demands fair awarding in the controversial contract process!

Bergepanzer: FFG demands fair awarding in the controversial contract process!

The current developments surrounding the awarding of contracts for armored recovery vehicles are causing lively discussions in Germany's political and economic landscape. New opportunities are opening up for the Flensburger Fahrzeug Gesellschaft (FFG) after the Bundestag's budget politicians decided to publicly award future orders for recovery tanks. Nevertheless, the focus is on the current order for 23 armored recovery vehicles, which will not be put out to public tender and will presumably be awarded to the armaments giant Rheinmetall, reports ndr.de.

The Federal Ministry of Defense justifies the decision with the need for quick procurement, but in the same breath mentions that it is a repeat order for the “Büffel” model recovery vehicle. This argument is causing criticism from the FFG, which points out that it could offer its “Wisent” armored recovery vehicle significantly more cost-effectively. The FFG is also planning to invest up to 75 million euros in a new production site, which is scheduled to open in 2027.

Public procurement as a future perspective

With a focus on transparency in the awarding of contracts, the budget politicians are demanding a statement from the Federal Ministry of Defense on the FFG's concerns. The public procurement process is intended to ensure that all providers have the same opportunities in the future. The department also plans to procure 100 more tanks in the near future, which could significantly change the order situation in the industry.

So far, the Bundeswehr has handed over 23 armored recovery vehicles to Ukraine, which now have to be replaced. Although there is currently no replacement process for these vehicles, further decisions are underway. defense-network.com reports that the manufacturer made an offer for the “Wisent” recovery vehicle, but received no response. This raises concerns about fair competition. The manufacturer sees itself as a relevant partner of the Federal Republic and demands serious consideration of its suggestions and options.

Budgetary issues and economic sustainability

The federal government has increased defense spending to meet international challenges. The regular defense budget for 2025 is over 53 billion euros. A special fund of 100 billion euros approved by the Bundestag is specifically intended for procurement and modernization of the Bundeswehr. Nevertheless, Kay Scheller, President of the Federal Audit Office, calls for these financial resources to be used responsibly, because unlimited debt options could have a negative impact on price developments in the defense sector staatsanzeiger.de.

Increasing the defense budget to at least two percent of GDP by the end of 2027 also raises questions about procurement law. Experts emphasize the need to ensure competitive conditions to optimize costs and efficiency. Christoph Goller, an experienced lawyer and former Bundeswehr officer, criticizes the tendency to prioritize quick procurement over legitimate tendering procedures and points to the legal framework that must be respected.

The debate surrounding the awarding of contracts and future procurement of armored recovery vehicles is therefore not only an economic but also a legal issue that will continue to be examined intensively in the coming weeks and months. What seems certain is that FGG and its competitors are ready to take part in the competition for future orders.