Dutch company Defenture delivers four AGF 2 reconnaissance vehicles to German Special Forces.

According to Soldat und Technik on April 9, 2024, the German Army has recently received four new AGF 2 reconnaissance and combat vehicles from the Dutch company Defenture. These vehicles, based on the Mammoth platform, have been delivered as proof samples to the Military Technical Department for land-based vehicle systems, pioneer, and troop technology (WTD 41) in Trier, Germany, for a series of tests in collaboration with German Special Forces.
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The AGF 2 et AGF 2/UFK reconnaissance vehicles, intended for the German Special Forces, are based on the Defenture Mammoth vehicle. (Picture source: Bundeswehr)

The Mammoth, produced by Defenture, is an 8.8-ton vehicle built on the GRF platform, designed to support a variety of operations on challenging terrains. In terms of crossing capacity, the Mammoth features a ground clearance of 366 mm, a fording capability of 1,000 mm, and a vertical step capacity of 425 mm. The vehicle is powered by a multifuel 6-cylinder diesel engine, with an output of 268 hp and torque of 610 Nm, and it is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 4WD Hi/Low range driveline, and differential locks on the front and rear. The Mammoth has a turning circle of 1.5 m, approach and departure angles of 40.5 degrees, a breakover angle of 31 degrees, and can achieve a maximum speed of 110 km/h, with a range of 800 km. Additionally, the vehicle is capable of being air transported by C130, A400, C17, and CH47.

These AGF 2 vehicles are intended to replace the AGF Serval that has been in service since 2003 within the German Special Forces. They are currently under assessment to ensure they meet the operational requirements specified by the Bundeswehr Acquisition, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). The testing protocol includes evaluating mobility, weapon system integration, IT compatibility, and logistical support capabilities. Each vehicle has been allocated a specific aspect of these evaluations to facilitate the evaluation process while allowing for a simultaneous assessment by specialized departments.

The AGF 2 vehicles are designed to enhance the German Special Forces Command (KSK)'s capabilities in terms of payload capacities, protection, and mobility. Featuring a 9-ton class platform with a payload capacity of approximately 3.5 tons, these vehicles also include modular protection components to counter ballistic and mine threats, while their drivetrain and four-wheel steering system are engineered to provide significant off-road capabilities.

There are two primary variants of the vehicle designed for the Special Forces Command (KSK). The standard AGF 2 (Aufklärungs- und Gefechtsfahrzeuge, which can be translated as Reconnaissance and combat) model is intended for direct reconnaissance and combat roles. In contrast, the AGF 2/UFK variant (Unterstützungsfahrzeug Kommando Spezialkräfte, which can be translated as Medium Tactical Support Vehicle Special Forces Command) is equipped for logistical support tasks, capable of transporting personnel, materials, and ammunition. Modifications to the AGF 2/UFK variant enable it to transport various cargoes by eliminating certain structural features like modular seats and the rear roll bar.

Additionally, the AGF 2/UFK system integrates various communication and reconnaissance technologies, supporting command and control operations. It can be armed with up to four main weapons, including a .50 caliber machine gun, MG-6 machine gun, and Heckler & Koch GMG automatic grenade launchers, mounted on a standard, electrically rotating base, while secondary mounts are also available for additional armaments.

Further testing of the AGF 2/UFK vehicles will involve operational trials in various locations, including El Paso (USA), Panama, and Alaska, to assess the vehicles' performance across different environmental conditions in collaboration with the KSK. The Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) was established in 1996, partly driven by the realization, following the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, of the need for Germany to possess its own proficient special operations forces.

The Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) serves as a special forces unit within the German Armed Forces dedicated to a range of special operations such as reconnaissance, counterterrorism, combat search and rescue, and acting as military advisors. The formation and operational approach of the KSK have been influenced by the British SAS, the US Special Operations Command, and the GSG 9 of the German Federal Police. It has participated in various international engagements, including in the Yugoslav Wars, Kosovo War, War in Afghanistan, and the 2021 Kabul airlift, receiving acknowledgments from NATO and the United States.