Rheinmetall demonstrated the highly-protected Keiler Next Generation (NG) armoured breaching system in a live demonstration. 

According to the company, around 100 internationally invited guests from the armed forces, procurement authorities, and industry took part in the event on August 14, 2024, at the Bergen military training area.

In the first section, the Keiler NG demonstrated the rapid creation of demined lanes in the field using its long Pearson-type plough. The mine plough is over four metres wide and can open pathways across minefields for the rapid passage of troops and the movement of vehicles at a speed of up to 250 metres per minute. The long mine plough can be quickly replaced with a bucket plough blade. This means that the Keiler NG can also remove anti-tank obstacles, open up trenches, or create emplacements if required.

In the second section, the ‘Plofadder’ detonation cord system was used. Plofadder from Rheinmetall Denel Munition can create a breach 160 metres long and nine metres wide in mine fields in a matter of minutes. Τhe Keiler NG’s two Plofadder systems make it possible to overcome deep enemy minefields.

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In addition to the mine plough and plofadder detonation cord system, the Keiler NG is also equipped with a magnetic signature duplicator that detonates second-generation mines before the plough gets engaged. Furthermore, its integrated lane marking system marks the created lanes for the friendly forces, even in limited visibility or at night.

The Keiler NG, which was presented to the public for the first time at the Eurosatory 2024 defence fair in Paris, also has an integrated crane, which it uses to establish clearing readiness and to load and unload the Plofadder ammunition boxes.

The Keiler NG is based on the chassis of the Kodiak armoured vehicle and thus belongs to the Leopard 2 family, a feature that improves interoperability, logistics management, and training. The possibility of remote-controlled deployment is already taken into account, as is the fitting of an active protection system and digital interface.

Keiler NG’s technical characteristics: 

• Weight: 63 tons
• Maximum speed: 65 km/h, 
• Climbing capability: 90 cm 
• Gradeability: 60% 
• Trench crossing capability: < 2.50 m
• Crew: 2 soldiers
• Armament: Remotely Controlled Weapon Station Natter 12.7
• Self-protection: ROSY rapid obscurant system

Last, existing Kodiak tanks can be converted into a configuration similar to the Keiler NG using special equipment kits.

Also read: Rheinmetall Defence | Kodiak Armoured Vehicle can serve the Army, the Fire Department, and Civil Defence