Rheinmetall and Nooteboom join forces for next-gen military transport trailers

Rheinmetall and Nooteboom Trailers have signed a cooperation agreement to develop and market military heavy-duty trailers. The partnership aims to meet growing European demand for off-road transport systems, driven by NATO procurement programmes and increased heavy vehicle deployments. Both companies will combine their expertise to create integrated Heavy Equipment Trailers (HETs).

The new HET system will pair Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles' military tractors with Nooteboom's heavy-duty trailers. This setup provides a complete transport solution from a single supplier, designed to carry wheeled, tracked, and specialised military vehicles.

Production will take place in Romania, with the two firms jointly handling development, industrialisation, and global marketing. The collaboration leverages Nooteboom's long-standing experience in civilian heavy transport trailers and Rheinmetall's background in military trailer and superstructure design. Nooteboom Trailers, founded in 1881, operates from its headquarters in Wijchen, Netherlands, employing over 500 people. Rheinmetall, a much larger defence contractor, reported €9.9 billion in revenue for the 2025 fiscal year and employs around 33,000 staff across roughly 180 global locations.

The partnership targets the expanding European market for military transport solutions. The integrated HET system is expected to support NATO's procurement needs and enhance heavy vehicle deployment capabilities. Production in Romania will serve as the central hub for international distribution.