Sweden follows Norway in signing joint agreement for Rheinmetall MAN trucks

MUNICH, Germany, May 28 (UPI) -- The Swedish military on Wednesday followed Norway in signing a framework agreement for joint procurement of Rheinmetall MAN military trucks.

Together, the armed forces of the two countries have ordered a total of 335 vehicles -- in 14 different configurations -- worth about $272.8 million, with first lot deliveries from the end of next year until the end of 2017.

"Although the framework agreement does not contain details concerning the number of vehicles to be purchased, it expresses the intent of the procurement authorities of Sweden and Norway to buy up to 2,000 military logistics vehicles during the 2014-2026 timeframe," said Rheinmetall. "As a result, the total order value of the joint procurement program would exceed €1 billion ($1.36 billion).

Under the initial order, Sweden will receive 215 trucks in a number of variants, Rheinmetall said, and 51 of them will feature protected driver's cabs.

A service agreement covering all of the vehicles supplied has also been signed, the company said.

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH is a joint venture of Rheinmetall AG and MAN Truck & Bus AG.