Bundeswehr completes first D-LBO operational test

The Bundeswehr completed the first operational test phase of its Digitalisation of Land-Based Operations programme in mid-October 2026, assessing Rohde & Schwarz Soveron VR 5500 vehicle radios and HR 5500 handheld radios. More than 50 combat and support vehicles took part in five weeks of realistic tactical trials at Munster, including live-fire activity and communications checks. The test evaluated the integrated digital command architecture as well as the radios themselves, with some legacy analogue systems connected through interfaces. Germany expects the NATO-assigned Forward Land Forces Brigade under Panzergrenadierbrigade 37 to achieve digital command capability in January 2027.