Germany’s special forces get their first new TAHR vehicle

Flensburg Technology Systems and Germany’s Special Forces Command unveiled the first pre-series TAHR light airborne combat vehicle on Sept. 15, 2026, at the opening of the 10th KSK Defence Symposium in Altensteig-Wart, Germany.

FTS presented the vehicle to Brigadier General Andreas Kühne, commander of the Special Forces Command, known by its German acronym KSK. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, or BAAINBw, signed a framework agreement with FTS in October 2025 covering delivery of up to 200 vehicles. That contract set a new vehicle class for German special operations forces, built in a 3.2-ton range on a platform from Israel Aerospace Industries and its ELTA subsidiary that has already seen combat use elsewhere.

The TAHR comes in two versions, a combat vehicle and a support vehicle, both based on the same all-terrain 4×4 chassis. The combat variant reportedly seats three and can mount a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, an MG6 minigun or a grenade launcher. The support variant carries two crew and no main weapon, built instead to move equipment and supplies. FTS says the vehicle’s open layout gives operators a clear line of sight from inside, while still allowing different weapon systems to be fitted. Two TAHR vehicles fit inside a single CH-47 Chinook, and FTS says troops can reach full combat readiness within a short window after landing and exiting the aircraft.

“The KSK’s mission is to successfully conduct special forces operations worldwide and under all conditions,” said Brigadier General Andreas Kühne, Commander of the Special Forces Command. “To do this, the KSK requires not only high mobility but also a variety of suitable modes of transport depending on the situation, mission, and terrain. With the TAHR, we are getting an operational and combat vehicle that is air-droppable and ready for deployment in any terrain. Together, we have succeeded in advancing this important armament project for the KSK in such a way that the first pre-series vehicle can be presented within just one year.”

“IAI views Germany as a strategic partner in developing joint defense capabilities over the long term,” said Guy Bar Lev, CEO of IAI. “Our cooperation spans multiple domains, from air and maritime to land, and is grounded in the combination of technology, expertise, and industrial capabilities on both sides. We are committed to further deepening this cooperation and jointly developing solutions to address the evolving security challenges of the years ahead.”

“We are proud to be making a direct contribution to the future operational readiness of the Bundeswehr and the KSK by presenting the first pre-series vehicle ahead of schedule,” said Jörg Kamper, Managing Director of FTS. “Achieving this important milestone is only possible if, as in the current EGF project, all parties involved work together in a focused and coordinated manner. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the KSK and the BAAINBw for their excellent and trusting cooperation during the first phase of the project. With today’s presentation, we have laid an important foundation for making this project a lasting success story.”

FTS is a joint venture between FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft and IAI/ELTA Systems, combining FFG’s vehicle and combat engineering work with IAI/ELTA’s robotics, autonomy and electronic warfare technology.

Reports around the October 2025 signing put the framework agreement’s initial order at 40 combat vehicles and 14 support vehicles, worth roughly 30 million euros ($35 million), with deliveries expected by the end of 2028 and further vehicles possible over the seven-year agreement. FTS said today’s unveiling came ahead of that original schedule. The company has said it plans to offer the TAHR to international special operations customers beyond Germany, though no foreign order has been announced.