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Netherlands Sends Ukraine Hybrid Combat Vehicles With Manned and Unmanned Modes
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
The Dutch Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with Rheinmetall Defense Nederland B.V. to deliver 20 Ermine (Hermelin) hybrid tactical vehicles to Ukraine, including both manned and unmanned variants.
The agreement was announced on June 24 during the NATO Industry Summit in The Hague.
According to Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, the vehicles are expected to be delivered by the first quarter of 2026.
The contract also involves Dutch defense firms DEMCON Defense & Security Systems B.V. and Abiom Communication Systems B.V., in what Rheinmetall described as a collaborative effort to integrate communication, mobility, and automation technologies.
The Ermine platform, developed by Rheinmetall in partnership with Dutch industry, combines a modular diesel-electric hybrid powertrain with a common chassis, offering both 4×4 and 6×6 configurations.
The vehicles are designed for high maneuverability and feature modularity for battlefield adaptability. Each variant is capable of carrying up to one ton of payload, with a maximum range exceeding 1,000 kilometers (approximately 620 miles) and speeds up to 90 km/h (about 56 mph) depending on configuration.
Variants include a side-by-side manned buggy, a quad bike, and an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed for remote or autonomous operation. The Ermine system is air-transportable by medium- and heavy-lift helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook and CH-53, enhancing its operational flexibility across diverse terrain.
Rheinmetall representatives described the deal as the first significant export milestone for the Ermine family and noted growing international interest in hybrid military mobility platforms. The vehicle’s design emphasizes energy efficiency, low acoustic signatures, and reduced thermal visibility—features considered increasingly relevant in modern combat environments.
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No financial terms of the contract were disclosed. Dutch authorities framed the delivery as part of a broader NATO effort to enhance the mobility and survivability of Ukrainian forces amid continued hostilities with Russia.
The Ermine vehicles are expected to support both evacuation and logistics tasks near frontline positions, particularly where traditional vehicles may face increased risk from drones and indirect fire. Their hybrid configuration allows for silent movement in electric mode, providing tactical advantages during reconnaissance or casualty evacuation missions.
Earlier, Ukrainian special operations forces were spotted using the rare US-made Flyer 72-LD tactical vehicle, designed for helicopter airlift and rapid deployment. The vehicle, seen in a video from Ukraine’s 6th Ranger Regiment, is capable of carrying nine troops or five wounded soldiers and is armed with multiple machine gun mounts. Its presence suggests it may have been part of undisclosed US military aid.
