Marder 1A3 IFV makes first combat mission in Ukraine with elite unit

According to a tweet posted by MilitaryLand on August 19, 2023, the Ukrainian 82nd Air Assault Brigade, known as the most powerful Ukrainian Air Assault unit, has utilized the German-supplied Marder 1A3 in a combat operation for the first time. The brigade's armament is said to comprise 90 Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), 40 Marder 1A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), 24 M113 infantry carriers, and 14 British Challenger 2 main battle tanks.
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Marder 1A3 IFVs (Picture source: MilitaryLand and Bundeswehr)

The inclusion of the 82nd Brigade into the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia introduces both potential strategic advantages and operational complexities for Kyiv's broader counteroffensive strategy. This move follows the decision of the Ukrainian general staff to commit these formerly reserved brigades to the front lines, with the aim of bolstering the combat capabilities of Ukrainian forces along a significant axis spanning from Robotyne under Russian control to the occupied city of Melitopol on the northern Black Sea coast.

The presence of the 82nd Brigade, combined with an air-assault force, introduces the prospect of substantial gains against the Russian garrison in contested regions. However, the ultimate outcome rests on the ability of Russian forces to withstand the intensified pressure posed by these heavily-equipped brigades and their capacity to navigate the ensuing rotations.

On August 21, 2023, Germany supplied a total of 100 Marder IFVs to Ukraine. These IFVs belong to the refurbished Marder 1A3 model, which underwent upgrading by the German firm Rheinmetall. The initial batch of these upgraded IFVs arrived in Ukraine in March 2023. These reconditioned units, once part of the Bundeswehr's Marder 1A3 systems, underwent meticulous overhauls, managed by Rheinmetall Landsysteme. This refurbishment process, initiated in spring 2022, was carried out at Rheinmetall's facilities in Unterlüß and Kassel, with the goal of ensuring prompt combat readiness.

The Marder 1A3, a version of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) originally developed by the German Army, offers enhanced features including upgraded armor protection, increased firepower, and improved mobility. Equipped with a 20mm autocannon as its primary armament, alongside anti-tank guided missiles and machine guns, the Marder 1A3 is designed to prioritize infantry safeguarding and maneuverability. Its armored design provides substantial defense against small arms fire and shell fragments.

The 82nd Air Assault Brigade of Ukraine has further augmented its capabilities with an additional 128 western-supplied vehicles, encompassing American Stryker APCs, M113 infantry carriers, and British Challenger 2 main battle tanks. The Stryker, a wheeled armored vehicle noted for its adaptability, serves a range of roles such as infantry transport, reconnaissance, anti-tank operations, and medical evacuation. Its modular design allows for tailored configurations based on mission demands, with an operational range generally spanning between 300 to 500 kilometers, and accommodating squads of up to nine personnel.

Conversely, the British Challenger 2 main battle tank, employed by the British Army, features a powerful 120mm smoothbore gun intended for effective engagement of armored targets. Utilizing diverse ammunition types, such as armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds for anti-armor combat and high-explosive squash head (HESH) rounds for anti-personnel scenarios, the Challenger 2 offers a firing range of roughly 4,000 meters, dependent on ammunition selection. The tank's armament and ammunition capabilities constitute vital assets for engaging a variety of targets across the battlefield.

In parallel, the M113, a tracked armored personnel carrier, continues to play a substantial role across various armed forces. Tailored for infantry transport, medical evacuation, and command post operations, the M113 serves as a versatile platform. With an operational range spanning 300 to 500 kilometers, influenced by factors such as fuel capacity and terrain conditions, the vehicle accommodates a standard infantry squad of approximately 11 personnel. Renowned for its adaptability, the M113, including its M113 A3 variant, remains a steadfast presence on the battlefield, serving as a reliable platform for personnel transport and various support functions.