Armored Vehicles

Fennek Reconnaissance Vehicle

Also known as

FENNEK
Spähwagen Fennek
LGS Fennek
European Fennek armored personnel carrier

The Fennek Reconnaissance Vehicle is a jointly developed German-Dutch 4x4 wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicle built for long-range observation and protected mobility. It is fielded by German, Dutch, and Qatari forces and is documented in a configuration that can be carried internally by the CH-53K King Stallion.

Fennek Reconnaissance Vehicle, Armored reconnaissance vehicle, Armored Vehicles

Image source: Fennek20070115.jpg

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: Germany / Netherlands
Built by: Krauss-Maffei WegmannDutch Defence Vehicle Systems
Type: Armored reconnaissance vehicle
Service note: 2000s-present
Unit cost: US$4.235 million (2024 USD, reported)
Number built: 690 (through 2022, reported)

armored vehiclereconnaissance wheeled

Specifications

Crew: 3
Configuration: 4x4 wheeled chassis
Length: 5.58 m (17 ft 4 in)
Width: 2.55 m (8 ft 4 in) / 2.67 m (8 ft 9 in)
Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight: About 12 t (26,455 lb)
Speed: > 100 km/h
Range: 1,000 km (621 mi)
Protection: Ballistic, mine, and IED protection
Armament: 40 mm grenade machine gun, 7.62 mm machine gun, or .50 cal machine gun

Carrier Helicopter

NAVAIR documents an internal payload example that includes the Fennek in the CH-53K's load envelope.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

CH-53K King Stallion, Heavy-lift transport helicopter, Aircraft & UAVs

CH-53K King Stallion

Heavy-lift transport helicopter

NAVAIR says the CH-53K payload capability can include an internally loaded European Fennek armored personnel carrier.

Sources: CH-53K vehicle lift with Fennek | NAVAIR

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Fielded from the 2000s for reconnaissance and observation missions.
Used by: German Bundeswehr, Royal Netherlands Army, Qatari Armed Forces

Media

Fennek Reconnaissance Vehicle Images

Fennek Reconnaissance Vehicle, Armored reconnaissance vehicle, Armored Vehicles - view 1 — Source: Fennek reconnaissance vehicle - Berlin 2011.jpg

Fennek Reconnaissance Vehicle, Armored reconnaissance vehicle, Armored Vehicles - view 2 — Source: SpW Fennek Wettin Sword 2022.jpg

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Sources

Fennek Reconnaissance Vehicle | KNDS DeutschlandPublisher: KNDS Deutschland | Note: Supports the Fennek reconnaissance role, manufacturer background, and general technical description. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Fennek - Forecast InternationalPublisher: Forecast International | Note: Supports reported unit cost, program background, and production-total context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Fennek20070115.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the primary Fennek image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Fennek reconnaissance vehicle - Berlin 2011.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the Berlin 2011 gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 SpW Fennek Wettin Sword 2022.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the Wettin Sword 2022 gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 CH-53K vehicle lift with Fennek | NAVAIRPublisher: NAVAIR | Note: Supports the CH-53K payload example that includes an internally loaded European Fennek armored personnel carrier. | Accessed: 2026-06-27