Germany modifies Puma before NATO task force deployment
Improvements were made to the Puma IFV after an operational test in July 2020 identified ‘significant defects’.
Optical systems, weapon effects and soldier protection features on the Puma tracked IFV have been ‘significantly modified’ so that the German Army can undertake a lead role in the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) deployment in 2023, the German Armed Forces announced on 18 March.
For VJTF, Puma forms part of a broader Panzergrenadier system comprising the IFV and the modular Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-ES) soldier system in an advanced, network-enabled warfare environment.
However, a tactical operational test in July 2020 was unsuccessful as ‘significant defects’ were found 'and the capabilities of the system were significantly limited’, the German Armed Forces noted.
As a result, the German defence procurement agency BAAINBw, the German Army and an industry team led by Rheinmetall spent six months modifying the Puma.
A second operational test in February 2021 (including a comprehensive logistics and supply assessment) proved the tactical combat capability of the vehicle as ‘an essential prerequisite’ for deploying Puma in VJTF 2023, according to the German Armed Forces.
Training and certification will be carried out by Panzergrenadierbataillon 112 before VJTF 2023 deploys.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Drone wars: countries are looking for answers but do companies have the solutions?]()
Drone wars: countries are looking for answers but do companies have the solutions?
Manufacturers are speeding up their counter-drone development efforts as countries increasingly focus on procurements to provide battlefield and national protection.
-
![Fourth company looks to Texelis Celeris chassis to develop a new 4x4 vehicle]()
Fourth company looks to Texelis Celeris chassis to develop a new 4x4 vehicle
Finnish company SCATA will use the Texelis Celeris chassis for a new vehicle similar to the Serval 4x4 which Texelis is building with KNDS France for the French Army.
-
![Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability]()
Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
