VG Standards: German Bundeswehr Requirements Explained
VG standards, or Verteidigungsgerätenormen, are the German defence equipment standards that define technical requirements for Bundeswehr equipment, systems and components. They are issued by the Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) and hold the same formal status in Germany as DIN standards.
These standards apply to military land vehicles, cabins, trailers, electrical systems, lighting and much more. They are published in both German and English, making them accessible to suppliers across NATO. For any company delivering to German forces or to a vehicle integrator working on a German programme, VG compliance is a procurement requirement rather than a preference.
Why VG Standards Matter
- National Compliance Requirement: Bundeswehr procurement specifications reference VG standards directly, and non compliant equipment is not accepted.
- Proven Performance in Extreme Conditions: VG standards exist only where civilian standards fall short of military demands.
- Recognition Beyond Germany: VG standards are recognised by NATO-aligned procurement bodies including Armasuisse in Switzerland and the Dutch Ministerie van Defensie.
- Interoperability Across Fleets: Standardised requirements ensure components integrate correctly with existing vehicle platforms and electrical systems.
When a VG Standard Applies
German procurement does not default to military standards. The process follows a clear order:
- Check whether an existing DIN, EN or ISO standard already covers the requirement.
- Where it does not, attempt to introduce the military requirement into civilian standards work.
- Only where that is not achievable, develop a dedicated VG standard.
When a requirement is later absorbed into a civilian standard, the corresponding VG standard is withdrawn. A VG standard therefore exists precisely because no commercial product meets the need. Blackout and infrared vehicle lighting is a clear example.
Key VG Standards for Military Vehicle Lighting
VG 96945: Lighting and Light Signalling Devices
The central standard for military vehicle lighting. VG 96945 covers lighting and light signalling devices on motor vehicles, including camouflage lighting made up of visible blackout light and infrared blackout light. Its scope extends to cabins, trailers and gun carriages.
The series is layered. VG 96945-2 is the generic standard, setting general requirements and test conditions across all covered components. Individual design standards within the series then define the specific requirements and tests for each component type. A compliance claim should always reference the applicable part, not only the family number.
VG 96916: Electrical Systems for Land Vehicles
Defines 12 V and 24 V DC electrical systems on military land vehicles, including tactical vehicles, cabins, trailers and gun carriages. This is the electrical environment every vehicle light must survive, and it is significantly harsher than commercial automotive conditions. Electromagnetic compatibility falls outside the scope of this series.
VG 95373: Electromagnetic Compatibility
The Bundeswehr standard for electromagnetic compatibility. It defines general requirements and test methods for both electromagnetic emissions and interference immunity of electrical, electronic and electromechanical devices. VG 95373-22 sets limits for radiated emissions from 10 kHz to 40 GHz. It serves a comparable function to MIL-STD-461.
EMC is the most common failure point for LED lighting. Switching drivers generate emissions, and a light that interferes with vehicle radio or sensor systems will not pass qualification.
VG 95318-2: Vehicle Light Switches
Covers three circuit rotary switches used as light switches in military vehicles. Relevant wherever lighting is retrofitted into an existing Bundeswehr platform rather than installed as a standalone system.
VG Standards Compared to MIL-STD and STANAG
- MIL-STD: The United States Department of Defense standards family. Most documents are freely available.
- STANAG: NATO Standardization Agreements covering interoperability between member nations, including STANAG 4113 and STANAG 4381 for vehicle lighting.
- VG: The German national family, applied where civilian and international standards are insufficient.
VG standards are comparable to MIL-STD and MIL-SPEC in scope and rigour. One practical difference matters for suppliers: VG standards are sold commercially through DIN Media, formerly Beuth Verlag, and are not supplied with tender documentation. Bidders are expected to obtain them independently.
Bundeswehr Blackout Lighting: Tarnlicht
German forces refer to blackout lighting as Tarnlicht, operated through the Tarnkreis switch position. When active, normal road lighting is switched off entirely, along with indicators, reversing lights, standard brake lights and the horn.
The system operates in four stages:
- Stage 0: No light at all, including no brake lights.
- Stage 1: Guide cross only, with blackout brake lights operating.
- Stage 2: Front blackout headlights only, with no brake lights.
- Stage 3: Blackout headlights, guide cross, blackout tail lights and blackout brake lights all operating.
The guide cross, known as the Leitkreuz, is the cross shaped rear signal that allows a following driver to judge distance and closing rate in a blacked out column.
With night vision goggles now issued across the force rather than to specialist units alone, infrared camouflage lighting has become standard practice. IR blackout lighting illuminates the route for NVG-equipped drivers while producing no signature visible to the naked eye, enabling higher speeds and greater safety during covert night movement.
Note that in Germany, blackout lighting on public roads is restricted under StVZO paragraph 53c to vehicles of the Bundeswehr, Bundespolizei, police and civil protection services.
VG Approval: VG 95211 and VG 95212
Certain components used in Bundeswehr equipment require formal approval rather than self declaration.
- VG 95211: Defines the approval process for components.
- VG 95212: The database in which approved components are recorded.
Manufacturers completing the process receive a Zulassungsurkunde, a certificate confirming authorisation to supply those components for use in military equipment. Two points are essential to understand:
- Approval applies to specific components and part numbers, not to a company as a whole.
- Approval is not permanent. Requalification takes place at intervals, and certificates can be withdrawn.
Betalight Tactical and VG Requirements
At Betalight Tactical, we design and manufacture blackout, infrared and convoy lighting for military land vehicles operating under German and NATO requirements. Our systems are built for the electrical, environmental and electromagnetic conditions these standards define, including NVG-compatible infrared output with controlled wavelength selection to prevent blooming under image intensifiers.
Explore our blackout lights, convoy cross signal lights, infrared tail lights and infrared convoy brake lights.
Working to a specific VG reference or German platform requirement? Email us at info@betalight-tactical.com
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but they serve the same purpose. VG standards are the German national defence equipment standards issued by BAAINBw, while MIL-STD is the American equivalent. They are comparable in scope and rigour, and VG standards are recognised by several NATO-aligned procurement bodies.
VG standards are not available as free downloads. They are distributed commercially through DIN Media, previously Beuth Verlag, and are not included with tender documentation. Suppliers bidding on Bundeswehr contracts must obtain them independently.
No. Approval under VG 95211 applies to specific components and requires requalification at intervals. Certificates can also be withdrawn. Always confirm that an approval is current and covers the exact part number being supplied.