Large-scale order extends 20-year partnership between Allison and GDELS
KREUZLINGEN, Switzerland, July 2026 – The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has placed a firm order with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) for around 3,000 EAGLE V vehicles. The order includes 2,610 EAGLE V 4×4 and 360 EAGLE V 6×6 medium armouredambulance vehicles (mgSanKfz), scheduled for delivery starting in 2027. The Bundeswehr’s framework contract with GDELS, finalised in December 2025, also includes an option for up to 2,000 additional vehicles. For all EAGLE variants, the Allison 2500 SP fully automatic transmission remains the sole transmission option.
The EAGLE V is powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins six-cylinder engine, delivering between 185 kW and 229 kW, depending on the model, with maximum torque ranging from 925 Nm up to an optional 1,100 Nm. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 100 km/h. Power is transmitted through the Allison 2500 SP (Specialty Series) fully automatic transmission, offering unmatched reliability and mobility. The Allison SP Series is specifically designed for demanding security and military applications such as the EAGLE, ensuring maximum power transfer to the wheels and optimal vehicle control on any terrain. Since the start of production of its predecessor, the EAGLE IV, in 2005, all EAGLE models have been equipped with Allison 2500 SP transmissions as standard. For more than 20 years, GDELShas thus relied on the robustness and reliability of Allison’s torque converter technology.
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) has been operating vehicles from the EAGLE family for many years and has procured around 670 vehicles of the EAGLE IV and EAGLE V types since 2008. In addition, the Bundeswehr has ordered 80 EAGLE V 6×6 protected ambulance vehicles, deliveries of which began in May 2025. The official handover to the troops took place during the “Medical Service Information and Training Exercise (ILÜ San)” in July 2025. The EAGLE V 6×6 ambulances are used as rescue teams or, when staffed with an emergency physician, as mobile medical units. The EAGLE is equipped with a four-person crew and state-of-the-art medical equipment for transporting the wounded. It is considered one of the most advanced military ambulances in the world.
“The troops must be able to drive the EAGLE under the most extreme conditions and operate it intuitively,” explains Torsten Troebs, Customer Support & Channel Development Manager at Allison Transmission. “In stressful situations, the fully automatic transmission reduces the complexity of vehicle operation. The correct gear is always engaged for the given situation, without additional input required from the driver. Misoperation is practically impossible. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic torque converter ensures a continuous flow of power to the wheels without any shifting interruptions — a crucial advantage over semi-automatic transmission solutions. Especially in rough terrain, such as sandy or muddy surfaces, the Allison fully automatic transmissions offer a decisive benefit.”
“The trust that GDELS places in the reliability and performance of our transmissions makes us very proud,” says Christian Bock, Area Sales Manager at Allison Transmission. “Allison’s Specialty Series transmissions are designed for the toughest operations in defence, security, and heavy-duty applications, enabling optimal vehicle control. This, along with their enormous robustness, is indispensable for demanding missions. They also extend the overall vehicle service life and reduce maintenance and repair costs. These are key factors for operational readiness and mission safety.”
The EAGLE V from GDELS ranks among the world’s most advanced protected multi-purpose vehicles in its class and is available in both 4×4 and 6×6 configurations. The vehicles are protected against mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and ballistic threats. In the medical evacuation configuration, both the driver’s cab and the patient compartment are armoured.
Vehicles in the EAGLE series are known for outstanding performance, durability, and reliability. Since their introduction, they have proven themselves in both national and international operations. In addition to Germany, EAGLE vehicles are also in service in Switzerland, Denmark, and Luxembourg.
July 28th 2026
