New Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier to Replace German Army's Wiesel 1 Airborne 20mm Cannon Vehicle.

The German Army has announced an upgrade to its infantry support capabilities with the introduction of the new Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry, according to information published on the German Army website on March 21, 2024. This advanced vehicle, armed with a 30mm automatic cannon and MELLS anti-tank guided missile system, is set to replace the Wiesel 1, an airborne tracked armored vehicle armed 20mm automatic cannon or anti-tank guided missile system, marking a significant enhancement in the firepower and versatility of the German forces.
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German Army Inspector General Lieutenant General Alfons Mais (left) convinced himself of the qualities of the heavy weapons carrier infantry in Australia in 2023. (Credit photo Bundeswehr/Marco Dorow)

The Wiesel 1, developed by Rheinmetall for the German Army, has served as a light armored fighting vehicle since the late 1980s. Designed initially for air-transportable support in airborne operations, the Wiesel has seen various adaptations to meet different battlefield roles, including configurations armed with a 20 mm automatic cannon and TOW anti-tank missile system. These will now give way to the more advanced MELLS, a multirole lightweight guided missile system, signifying a strategic shift in infantry support armament.

The introduction of medium forces in the Bundeswehr's strategy aims to bridge the gap between light paratrooper troops and heavy armored units. By combining speed with substantial firepower, these medium forces can rapidly respond to threats while maintaining the resilience needed on the modern battlefield. The heavy weapon carrier infantry vehicle embodies this new doctrine by providing a platform that balances mobility with high-impact weaponry.

Based on the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) used by the Australian Defence Force, the new carrier inherits the robust 8x8 wheeled design and includes a two-person Lance turret for enhanced reconnaissance and firepower. This integration signifies a collaboration of proven platforms and technologies to create a formidable asset for the German infantry.

Armed with the Rheinmetall MK30-2 ABM automatic cannon, shared with the German Puma infantry fighting vehicle, the Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier boasts formidable firepower capable of engaging targets at distances up to 3,000 metres. This cannon, known for its high rate of fire and advanced ammunition technology, offers unmatched reliability and versatility against a variety of threats.

Complementing the cannon, the MELLS missile system provides the vehicle with potent anti-tank capabilities. Supplied by Rheinmetall in collaboration with Eurospike—a joint venture with Diehl Defence and Rafael—the MELLS is capable of engaging armored targets up to 4,000 metres away. This modern missile system, equipped on the new carrier, ensures the German infantry can effectively counter armored threats on the battlefield.

With over a hundred integrated command and launch units ordered, including transport and storage containers, as well as 1,500 sets of components for the Spike LR missile, the German Army's investment in the Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry represents a significant enhancement of its operational capabilities, promising a new era of infantry support and battlefield versatility.

The Wiesel 1 is a light airborne tracked armored vehicle in service with the German army. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)

Defense News March 2024