German Joined Netheland Productions Boxer Armoured Fighting Vehicle

The three finalists for the FRES Utility Variant competition are the Nexter Vehicules Blinde de Combat d’Infanterie (VBCI), the Mowag Piranha V and the ARTEC Boxer. Britain was one of the original partners along with France (which later quit) and Germany when the Boxer project was launched in the late 1990s but withdrew from the project in 2002 after investing £57 million when the army decided the vehicle “would not be ideally suited to the type of operations envisaged”.

From the start Boxer 8x8 APC was designed to provide a high level of protection against direct fire weapons, artillery fragments and anti-personnel mines with a steel hull and an appliqu” layer of passive armour. With an empty weight of 25 tonnes and a maximum weight of 33 tonnes the Boxer is designed to be carried by the Airbus Military A400M and this influenced the British decision as the army’s original FRES concept was for a vehicle of no more than 20 tonnes that could be carried inside the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. However, operational experience in Afghanistan and Iraq has changed priorities as the Ministry of Defence noted earlier this year: “The question of the relative priority of force protection in theatre and air deployability has been resolved. Whilst both are important, protection in theatre is a higher priority than air deployability by A400M/C17”.

The Netherlands later joined the Boxer project and a joint production contract was signed in 2006 to deliver 272 vehicles for Germany and 200 for the Netherlands. Ultimately the German Army is seeking 1,000 vehicles to replace its tracked M113 and wheeled Fuchs Tpz 1 vehicles while the Royal Netherlands Army wants 257 Boxers to replace wheeled YPRs and tracked M577s. The Boxer design incorporates changeable mission modules and the 12 prototypes include five mission configurations - APC, command post, ambulance, repair and cargo vehicles. Germany’s production batch will be 125 APCs, 65 command vehicles, 72 ambulances and 10 driver training vehicles while the Dutch will initially receive 55 command vehicles, 58 ambulances, 41 engineers vehicles and 46 cargo vehicles in two configurations. In Dutch service the Boxer will support the army’s new BAE Systems Hägglunds tracked CV9035 IFVs. ARTEC has carried out feasibility studies for other variants including IFV, rocket launcher, mortar vehicle, ordnance disposal and engineer vehicle.

The Boxer is a cooperative European design project aimed at producing the next generation of armoured utility vehicle. The project was originally started as a joint venture between Germany, Britain and France, but France left the programme in 1999, later to pursue their own design, the VBCI. However, in early 2001 the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding and joined the project. In July 2003, shortly after the start of the Iraq war, the UK Ministry of Defence announced its intention to withdraw from the Boxer programme and focus on the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES). Each partner in the programme (including the UK) was to receive four prototypes by July 2004.

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Cobra 2000 and Mamba Missile Made Germany

Cobra 2000 Anti Tank Guide Missile

This predecessor of the Mamba is very similar to that missile, but built using older technology. It uses an older, less accurate guidance method and a smaller, less powerful warhead. It is by virtue of its design a compact, fairly robust system that is very resistant to ECM and EMP. It has long been out of use in Europe, but can still sometimes be found in Central America and South America.

The Cobra has a cruciform arrangement of four large forward swept wings. The main body is a long cylinder, with an underslung launch booster. Each of the wings has a spoiler on the rear edge which is used to steer the missile. The warhead is at the front of the missile, behind which is the gyro and guidance circuitry which allows the missile to interpret steering instructions from the operator. Behind the guidance mechanism is the sustainer motor, around which is wrapped the guidance wire which plays out behind the missile.

Mamba Anti Tank Guide Missile
This is a lightweight, man-portable ATGM used by Germany. The Mamba uses an unusual "jump-start" launch which requires no launcher--the missile’s fins are extended and the missile is simply placed on the ground, and small jets throw the Mamba into the air before the rocket motor is started. The Mamba comes in HEAT and HE warheads. It is not a particularly advanced or effective missile by modern standards.
Twilight 2000 Notes: The Mamba is light and cheap, which is why it was retained; however, it is mostly used as a bunker-buster than an antiarmor weapon.

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German Army and CL-289 UAV

The CL-289 UAV configuration is characterised by cruciform wings and canard control surfaces for high survivability, easy tactical handling and excellent aerodynamic stability. Due to this stability, the sensors do not need any additional stabilisation system. The sustainer engine is a single-stage turbojet engine. During launch, a solid-propellant booster accelerates the CL-289 UAV to the flight velocity. The flight control and navigation system uses a three-axis flight control system, a GPS, a Doppler system and an Air Distance Measuring Unit (ADMU).

The sensor payload comprises the highquality 3-lense Optical Film Camera KRb 8/24 D by Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen/ Germany) and the IRLS "CORSAIRE" by SAT (Paris/France). A two-stage parachute system and landing bags are used for the UAV landing. The recovery sequence is initiated automatically.

The Ground Equipment The modular ground equipment consists of the mission planning facility, launch
and recovery equipment, the data link ground station, the aerial imagery exploitation equipment and the maintenance facility. All the modules are mobile. In the mission planning facility, the mission request is transferred into the reconnaissance mission. The mission data are transmitted via a data transfer unit or via
a radio data link to the launcher.

The launch system includes a zero-length launcher, an automatic pre-flight checkout unit and the electric and pneumatic power supplies. The recovery system is used to recover the UAV at the chosen landing area and to bring it to the maintenance facility.

The data link ground station receives the IRLS video data from the CL 289 UAV. In the new "M 11N" ground station, the IR-screening can be displayed online in a waterfall mode. It can be synchronised with a digital map, showing sensor-path and -coverage. The data are stored in a raid system for further exploitation. The "LBAA Bundeswehr" (Image Exploitation System of the German Bundeswehr) is used in the CL 289 system in an army-specific configuration. The latest configuration "M 12N" combines a multisensor digital exploitation station equipped with advanced workstations and video technology.

RecceMan-CL 289 UAV, a powerful tool to support identification, is also integrated as a reporting tool to support
the preparation of formatted exploitation reports (ADLER, RECEXREP). The CL-289 UAV systems configuration and maintenance/repair facilities are designed for short turn-around times and high mission frequencies.

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CL289 Reconnaissance Drone

The reconnaissance system CL 289 Reconnaissance Drone is the world-wide unique operational Fast Flying Tactical System. It has been in service with the German and French forces for surveillance and reconnaissance tasks since the beginning of the 1990's. In more than 1500 flights and operational missions in France, Germany and NATO/ EU engagements in the former Yugoslavia, the system has shown its high-image quality and high mission effectiveness.

The system comprises autonomous, reusable and mobile ground equipment, which facilitates the conduct of autonomous missions by means of pre-programmed mission data. Various reconnaissance sensors such as an optical camera and an Infra-Red Line Scanner (IRLS) guarantee day and night as well as adverse weather operability. The system has a modular design; the sensors are quickly exchangeable and the ground
equipment is scalable to meet all tactical tasks.

The Reconnaissance System CL 289 is an evolving system. Both major and minor system upgrades are continuously being made to keep the CL 289 system in shape for future expansion and demands.

The major improvements are:
• Improved on-board flight control and navigation system including new computer HW, SW and a new GPS (latest generation).
• Enhanced mission planning capability through a new mission planning facility based on COTS HW and SW with common planning features for the French and German forces. It is well prepared to integrate future upgrades.
• Fully digitised M 11N datalink ground station and M 12N image exploitation station connected via a powerful 1 Gb Ethernet network provides.
• Digital online monitoring of IRLS-data.
• Nearly online distribution and exploitation of IR image sequences.
• Scalable image exploitation capability.
• Powerful exploitation and reporting tools.

A major upgrade programme is proposed for the Bundeswehr which will improve the system performance by introducing the state-of-the-art reconnaissance technology. The proposed fully digitised system can be integrated in an overall ISR architecture with standard interfaces to NATO or national C3I systems. The
system is open to participate in the running progress of reconnaissance and information technology

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Dutch Army and Germans Army Agree to Build “FENNEK” Light Reconnaissance Vehicle

An unusual wheeled armored vehicle suitable for scouting, security missions, and liaison is being developed in Europe for the German and Dutch armed forces. Two European firms, Wegmann and SP Aerospace, produced test models and are now refining the design based on the tests. The Fennek is a fully armored, wheeled vehicle with a crew of three (driver, observer and commander). Both the Dutch and German armies tested two prototypes apiece during 1998 and from that a fifth prototype is now being built with all the
changes deemed necessary after the tests.

The new vehicle will be 5cm wider and will have a different armor design. Testing is scheduled for 1999 with the first production vehicle to be delivered in December 2001. The Fennek is a little bigger than a HMMWV at 5.71 meters length, 2.49 meters wide, and with a height of 1.79 meters, it is about an inch lower. Because
it is an armored vehicle, it weighs a hefty 10 tons. Its armor-clad aluminum monocoque hull protects against 7.62mm armor piercing rounds, artillery fragments, and anti-personnel mines. But it can still outrun the HMMWV on paved roads with a top speed of 115 kph/71 mph. Big, run-flat, off-road tires are fitted, with
a central tire inflation system (CTIS) to guarantee mobility in the field. The Fennek can negotiate a 60 percent forward slope and a 35 percent side slope and can ford to a depth of one meter.

The “Fennek” (Desert Fox) reconnaissance vehicle carries

The Fennek has enough space to carry supplies to sustain its crew for five days in the field. Stealth has been built into the vehicle as well. The hull was shaped to reduce radar reflection, and to reduce the exhaust heat
signature, the exhausts are placed low in the rear of the Fennek and the hot exhaust fumes are ducted to cool them. The large armored windshields can be covered by a special mesh that reduces glinting reflections when the vehicle is stationary, but doesn’t interfere with the crew’s ability to look out. The driver, who sits well up front in the middle of the vehicle, has an unobstructed view of mo re then 180 degrees.

A rearward-facing video camera with a monitor in the dashboard helps the driver reverse the vehicle without ground guidance from the other two crewmen. The observer and commander both sit in the middle of the vehicle, with room between them for equipment. Both have revolving turrets. The commander’s can be armed with anything from a machinegun to a 40mm grenade launcher. This weapon station is also equipped with
smoke grenade launchers and can be remotely operated from within the Fennek.

The Fennek's tactical command and control system (TCCS).

The controls for the mast-mounted observation equipment, and also the navigation unit in German vehicles, is mounted on a rail that runs along the roof in front of the seats. This way, either crewman can operate them by simply sliding it in front of him and locking the mount. Using a mast mount for the observation equipment allows the vehicle to stay hidden while still retaining the ability to observe a target. The present design for
the Dutch and German armies allows for the masthead to be tripod-mounted so it can be used away from the vehicle. This masthead carries a CCD camera, laser rangefinder, and thermal imager.

The Fennek is optimized for stealthy reconnaissance, unlike the Future Scout and Cavalry System, which has to be capable of both stealth and the ability to fight for information. The Fennek is not large enough to carry dismounts. It is more in the nature of a scout car, similar to the Swiss MOWAG Eagle (an armored version of the HMMWV), the French VBL, and the British Scarab. The Dutch Army will acquire 218 Fenneks and the German Army 164.

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Leopard C2 Main Battle Tank German Army

While the Leopard C2 has performed exceptionally well in combat, officials note that this platform is 30 years old and beginning to show its age. Battle Squadron 1 RCR BG soldiers submitted to the chain of command, in November 2006, a summary of recommended modifications to make the Leopard C2 more suitable
for counterinsurgency (COIN) operations in the harsh environment of Afghanistan. Indicative of the tremendous support provided to the soldiers by both military and civilian leadership, the government of Canada announced in April 2007 that it would not only address Leopard C2 deficiencies in the interim,
but that it would authorize the lease for immediate combat operations of 20 Leopard 2A6M from the German Army and the subsequent purchase of 100 Leopard 2A4 and 2A6 from the Dutch. While this tank has not yet been tested in combat, many countries revere the Leopard 2 as one of the best tanks worldwide.

Weighing in at over 60 tonnes, the Leopard 2 boasts an impressive 1500 horsepower engine (compared to the 830 horsepower of the Leopard C2), and is equipped with the L55 120 mm smooth bore gun. An electric drive turret allows the gun to be traversed much more quickly, while significantly reducing the heat inside the vehicle. Most importantly, the Leopard 2A6M will provide unprecedented protection from the mine and IED threat in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the Leopard 2 is not yet equipped with the tank implements that
have saved many lives in operations. An armoured engineer vehicle on a Leopard 2 chassis (Kodiak) is deployed by the Swiss Army, however, it is unarmed and not yet deployed by other countries.

In order to ensure that tactical battlefield mobility and protection is not impaired with the introduction of the Leopard 2, technical staff should immediately seek to design and apply a modification to the Leopard 2 that would allow implements to be mounted. Tests would need to be conducted on the impact of mounting
implements onto this chassis, which is already 15 tonnes heavier than the Leopard C2. Consideration should also be given to retaining a mixed fleet of Leopard C2 and Leopard 2 vehicles in the theatre until this technical issue can be resolved.

The lessons learned during Operation MEDUSA by the Canadian Army leadership included the importance of maintaining heavy armour as part of a balanced force. At the request of Commander RC(S), Canadian Brigadier General David Fraser, the Canadian government announced on 15 September 2006 the
imminent deployment of an enhancement package to better facilitate “reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Afghanistan” which was to include a squadron of Leopard C2 tanks. Beginning in December 2006, the tank squadron and armoured engineers featured prominently in all major combat operations undertaken by the Canadian Battle Group, including at BAAZ TSUKA and ACHILLES, working side by side with Afghan National Security Forces, American Special Operations Forces (SOF), and ISAF troops.

The Battle Squadron was initially responsible for establishing attack byfire positions in support of infantry companies and in forming the nucleus of a Battle Group countermoves force capable of responding throughout the entire Canadian area of operations. Many Taliban insurgents learned the hard way of
the capabilities of the Leopard ’s main gun during the following years when attacking Canadian strong points with rocket propelled grenades (RPG) and indirect fire.

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JAGUAR 2 Vehicle Panzer Tank Destroyer German Army

Jaguar 2 ATGW Vehicle

The Jaguar 2 ATGW panzer Rakete was a modern Tank Destroyer and featured the SS-11 missile, but has since been discontinued and upgraded/replaced. There were 370 built in 1967/68, and they share the same chassis with the now-defunct Jagdpanzer Kanone 90mm Self Propelled Anti- Tank Gun. Between 1978 and 1983 316 of the original Raketes were rebuilt and their missiles upgraded to the more advanced Euromissile K3S HOT ATGW. Armour on the front and sides was upgraded with applique packages to improve protection against HEAT warheads, and a 2nd generation thermal imager was added. These rebuilt vehicles were designated Jaguar 1s.

Between 1983 and 1985, 162 vehicles were converted to the Jaguar 2, which fires TOW missiles. Before 1995 the tank destroyers were an army branch for themselves; they are now integrated into the mechanized infantry (Panzergrenadiere, PzGren) as the 6th company of a PzGren battalion. The Jaguar platoons consist of five vehicles (two sections of two plus the platoon leader). They are to make up for the lack of anti tank capability of the Marders (which, as you know, have just one Milan launcher per platoon).

 Jaguar 2 ATGW Vehicle
Crew: 4
Armament: TOW missile launcher, 1 x 7.62mm coax MG, 1 x 7.62mm AA MG
Ammunition: 12 TOW missiles, 3200 rounds of 7.62mm
Armour: about 50mm max (estimated),
Armour Type: Steel
Length: 6.61 meters
Width: 3.12 meters
Height: 2.54 meters including launcher, 1.98 m to hull top
Combat Weight: 25,500 kg
Engine: Daimler-Benz MB 837, 8 cylinder water-cooled diesel
Max Road Speed: 70 km/h
Max Water Speed: ford 1.2 m with preparation
Max Cruising Range: 400 km

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German Made Army M-113 Artillery Observer By Bundeswehr

M-113 Artillery Observer

The M113 for forward observers (FO) in the German Bundeswehr is based on the M113A1G version, equipped with additional electronics to enhance it's capabilities to observe enemy activity, and to request artillery fire rather quickly and accurately. The vehicle and internal equipment is manned by a crew of four. For self defense purposes, it is equipped with the standard 7.62mm MG3.

The M113/VB (VB is the German abbreviation for FO, "Vorgeschobener Beobachter") is equipped with a vehicle navigational system FNA-615, the optically based observation periscope OZVA/Peri D11, a computer to calculate the ballistic paths of the firing units ("Falke"), and digital radio for data transmission. The OZVA has an integrated laser range finder. Due to the reduced night combat capabilities (no thermal imager) of the M113, it has begun to be phased out this year, to be replaced by a new vehicle based on the Leopard 1A5 hull and turret (the main gun will be removed from the turret in this new FO vehicle).

As stated before, this vehicle acts as a forward observer for German units in the sim, and will give you increased capabilities in calling in artillery fire. According to the German TO&E the M113/VB belongs to the brigade units; one vehicle will be detached to one combat company each. It's pretty easy to tell the difference between a normal M113 and this FO vehicle; the distinguishing features are the comparatively big periscope and the heightened, box-type part of the hull on the roof as a result of the space requirements of the D11 system.

M-113 Artillery Observer

Crew: 4
Armament: 7.62mm MG
Ammunition: 2,000 x 12.7mm
Armour: 44mm maximum
Armour Type: Aluminum
Length: 4.863 meters
Width: 2.686 meters
Height: 1.85 meters to top of hull, another meter for periscope equipment, extending to about another 3.5 meters.
Combat Weight: 12.1t
Engine: 6 cylinder water-cooled diesel
Max Road Speed: 65 km/h
Max Water Speed: 5.8 km/h amphibious
Max Cruising Range: 480 km

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German Made Marder 1A3 Vehicle Carier Upgrade Bradley Fire Support Team (BFIST) Vehicle U.S.A

Marder 1A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The Bundeswehr began looking for a new infantry vehicle in the early 1960s, and the Marder won the competition. Prototypes were made in 1967 and 1968, and the first vehicles entered service in 1970. Production of Marders essentially ended in 1975 (the chassis was produced until 1983 for Roland SAM carriers), and the Marder 1A3 is only in service with the German Army.

The Marder 1A3  has a number of unique features. The original model had firing ports similar to the original Bradleys, and a remote controlled MG on the rear deck above the rear door. These have since been removed, the firing ports being covered over with a new armor package. The 20mm cannon and the 7.62mm MG are on an external powered mount above the turret, allowing minimal exposure while in a hull-down position. On the other hand, unlike most other IFVs, the Marder cannot swim, and it's original configuration had no ATGM. This may have gotten around the dilemma of deciding if the Marder 1A3 was there to be a tank destroyer or an infantry support vehicle, but the Germans also apparently changed their minds, later fitting Milan ATGMs to the turret. The Marder 1A3 also has a number of armor upgrades and improvements to its roof hatches.

In combat, the Marder 1A3 is much like its cousins, the BMP and the much bigger Bradley. The Milan missile makes it a real threat to tanks, and the 20mm cannon enables it to support its squad. If defending, you'll have to make the call between stationing it where it can best support and move its troops, or stationing it where it can best use its missile to act as a tank destroyer in an ambush. If attacking, provide overwatch to keep them from getting blown away; even the improved armor is not likely to stop an ATGM, tank round, or RPG. Try to make sure the Marders 1A3 are not the center of attention in the attack. Not an easy task, but that's why you get paid the big bucks.

Marder 1A3
Crew: 3 plus 6 dismounts
Armament: 20mm cannon, 7.62mm MG, Milan ATGM launcher Ammunition: 1,250 x 20mm, 5,000 x 7.62, 1 Milan plus 5 reloads
Armour: max 300mm vs HEAT, max 50mm vs KE
Armour Type: Steel
Length: 6.79 meters
Width: 3.24 meters
Height: 2.985 meters
Combat Weight: 34,000 kg
Engine: MTU MB 833 Ea-500 6-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel
Max Road Speed: 75 km/h
Max Water Speed: sinks [can ford 1.5 meters, 2 meters with preparation]
Max Cruising Range: 520 km

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German Produce Variant SAeries Leopard 2A MBT

Leopard 2A4 MBT, Leopard 2A5 MBT, Leopard 2A6 MBT

Current German Army plans call for the existing Leopard 2 fleet to be rationalised down to 852 tanks by 2006. This is to consist of 350 of the latest 2A6 variants and 502 of the older, non-modernised, 2A4 models.
With the Leopard 2A5/A6 currently the dominant MBT design in Europe, further development will likely continue via the recently established Leopard 2 Working Group formed by Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, which have a combined total of around 580 Leopard 2A5/2A6s in service. Spain, which plans to introduce 219 Leopard 2A5s, may also join the group. In March 2002, Greece signed up for 170 Leopard 2A6s.

Protection: Even the oldest Leopard 2A4 enjoys better all-round armour protection than the Leopard AS1,
particularly over the critical hull and turret front and sides. The Leopard 2A5 features additional passive armour on the front hull sides and in a wedge-shape over the turret front and gun mantlet. The Leopard 2A6 has the same armour package but a new 120mm, 55-calibre smoothbore gun, which grants increased engagement ranges and lethality against enemy armour.

It is interesting to note that while the Leopard 2 user community has clearly embraced the need to up-armour its tanks in the face of modern threats, the M1 Abrams’ armour has remained unaltered since introduction of the M1A1 version more than a decade ago. Does this signify a higher level of baseline armour protection in the M1 Abrams over other competing tank designs? An underbelly add-on armour kit for the Leopard 2A6, to provide improved protection against anti-tank mines, is under development. The latest variants of the Leopard 2 MBT family (particularly that entering service with the Swedish Army) are fitted with add-on armour, which is at the forefront of MBT armour technology development in Europe. This is provided almost exclusively by German firm IBD Deisenroth Engineering.

Leopard 2A5 MBt

Firepower: The Leopard 2A4 and Leopard 2A5 sport the same 120mm smoothbore gun as the M1 Abrams. The Leopard 2A6 upgrade, however, includes replacement of the old 44-calibre ordnance with the new high velocity 55- calibre 120mm gun from Rheinmetall. The secondary armament of all variants of the Leopard
2 gives away its design origins in the middle of the Cold War when the Soviet tank threat predominated. As such, only a 7.62mm coaxial machine and 7.62mm MG3 machine gun mounted at the loader’s hatch are fitted. This cannot be considered ideal for a vehicle tasked with providing intimate fire support for infantry as any Leopard 2 acquired by Australia would be. The total number of 120mm rounds carried on board is 42.

Mobility: The Leopard 2 family of MBT, like the Leopard 1 series before it, is highly mobile and more than
a match for either the M1 Abrams or Challenger 2 in this area. Typically sound German automotive and mechanical engineering has resulted in a platform with no known mechanical or performance deficiencies.
Of note is the lower ground pressure figures of both the Leopard 2A4 and 2A5 (0.83kg/cm2 and 0.89kg/cm2 respectively) compared to those of Challenger 2 (0.90kg/ cm2) and M1A1 Abrams (1.08kg/cm2). This infers a slight advantage in cross-country mobility over soft ground or sand for the Leopard 2A4/2A5. As an aside, Army’s current Leopard AS1 has a ground pressure of 0.88kg/cm2.

Leopard 2A6 MBT

Deployability: Coming in around five tonnes lighter than the M1A1 Abrams, there is likely to be little difference in the nature and scope of challenges encountered in introducing into service a late variant of the Leopard 2. Contrary to media reports, Army will still require new tank transporters, recovery vehicles and modifications to its existing infrastructure and the RAN will have to modify the LPA ramps and perhaps the new Army watercraft. Supportability: It is claimed that from a logistics standpoint there is some commonality between the Leopard AS1 and Leopard 2, although this is difficult to see considering the two were designed some 10–15 years apart and are separated by light years in terms of capabilities. Engines are from the same manufacturer (MTU) but from a different series. Transmissions are from different manufacturers.

Despite feedback from some members of 1st Armoured Regiment to the effect that there is a degree of cross-over between the overall design and workings of the Leopard AS1 and Leopard 2 series that would help alleviate the initial training burden and facilitate a rapid transition between the two types, complete re-training of instructors, vehicle crews and maintenance/support personnel would still be necessary. So too would the acquisition of new training simulators and the modification of live fire gunnery ranges to cater for and exploit the longer engagement ranges inherent in the 120mm ordnance.

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Leopard 2 PSO Main Battle Tank Germany Army

Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann unveiled the company-funded prototype of its Leopard 2A6 tank optimised for operations in an urban environment at Eurosatory 2006 under the designation Leopard 2 Peace Support Operations (PSO). Advanced passive armour side skirts have been mounted along the sides of the hull along with the addition of armour to the sides and roof of the tank’s turret. To minimise the exposure of the crew the machine gun on the commander’s cupola has been replaced by a remote controlled weapon station behind the loader’s hatch. This can be armed with a 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine gun or a 40-mm automatic grenade launcher.

The tank’s optics are better protected against damage from falling debris and thrown stones. A hydraulically operated dozer blade, operated by the driver, is fitted to the front of the hull enabling the tank to clear barricades and rubble. KMW has developed a mine protection kit for German and Swedish Leopard 2s deployed on international operations and this can be fitted to the PSO variant for additional protection.

Several countries are developing multipurpose 120-mm tank rounds better suited for the contemporary operational environment. The French Army has placed an initial order for 1000 rounds of the new Nexter High Explosive-Tracer.

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TAURUS KEPD 350 Stand Off Missile For Precision Strike Germany

TAURUS KEPD 350

The modular stand-off missile system for precision strikes against strongly hardened and high-value point and area targets is deployed on the German Air Force Tornado IDS aircraft. A procurement contract has been signed by the Spanish Air Force for this missile to equip their EF-18 aircraft. The integration on EUROFIGHTER is planned by both countries.


TAURUS KEPD 350 is designed to penetrate dense air defences in very low level terrain-following flight and neutralise high-value stationary and semi-stationary targets – with its highly effective 481 kg dual stage warhead system MEPHISTO. It combines excellent penetration capabilities for hard and deep buried targets (HDBT) as well as blast and fragmentation capabilities against high-value point and aerial targets.

Today’s one and only Programmable Intelligent Multi-Purpose Fuze (PIMPF) enables detonation of the penetrator at pre-selected floors within the target through layer counting and void sensing technologies.
TAURUS KEPD 350 is a product of TAURUS Systems GmbH, a joint venture between LFK Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH and Saab Bofors Dynamics AB for the development, production and global marketing of the TAURUS stand-off missile family for precision strike.

MISSILE CHARACTERISTICS
• Range: 250 km+
•Weight: ≈ 1400 kg
• Length: ≈ 5 m
•Warhead: ≈ 481 kg

TAURUS KEPD 350 is a German/Swedish air-launched cruise missile, manufactured by TAURUS Systems GmbH and used by Germany and Spain. TAURUS Systems is a partnership between LFK (EADS/MBDA) and Saab Bofors Dynamics.

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Germany PZH2000 Vehicle MBT

Germany’s Bundesheer has the first fielded L52 solution, ordering 185 Rheinmetall/KMW PzH 2000 self-propelled systems. The system’s 155 mm/52 calibre ordnance has achieved range of 60km, using a Denel-developed munition. Using other rounds, ranges of as little as 2.7km can be achieved in the indirect
role. It carries one of the highest number of rounds on board, with 60 complete projectiles carried, with the system achieving sustained rates of fire of ten rounds per minute, with the first three rounds fired in under ten seconds.
In Europe, users have largely followed Germany’s example in adopting the PzH2000 to replace their fleets of M109s, with Greece, Netherlands, Italy becoming users. The Netherlands has deployed a small number of systems operationally in Afghanistan. Italy achieved its Initial Operating Capability with its first PzH 2000
battery in September. A total of 70 are being built under license by Oto Melara.

KMW has also developed its fully automatic, 30 round Autonomous Gun module (AGM) using the same weapon system as the PzH2000. This unmanned, automated design was originally launched on a M270 MLRS chassis but at Eurosatory in June 2008, Donar, a collaboration with General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas based on the ASCOD 2 IFV was shown for the first time. For its part, Rheinmetall has developed three solutions based on the PzH2000; the RT-52 turreted gun, the RWG-52 wheeled SP howitzer and the
RFH-52 towed howitzer, with immediate interest focusing on India’s requirements, working with Denel.

Germany PZH2000

PZH2000

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