Germany Buys Marder 1A3 Infantry Vehicles from Rheinmetall for Ukraine.

German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has received an order from the German government to deliver an additional 20 Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, continuing its support amidst ongoing conflicts. This new order, placed in March 2024, is valued at several tens of millions of euros and is expected to be completed within the year.
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German Marder 1A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)

To date, Rheinmetall has provided Ukraine with a large number of Marder vehicles, totaling in the hundreds, through direct deliveries and circular exchange programs. The 1A3 version of the Marder, ordered this time, includes advanced features such as integrated laser rangefinders, enhancing precision and efficiency in engaging targets.

This is not the first time such vehicles have been delivered to Ukraine. The initial batch of 20 combat vehicles was supplied in March 2023, with several more batches following, each comprising dozens of units. These efforts are part of a broader initiative by Germany to modernize its military capabilities while supporting Ukraine.

Rheinmetall acquired these Marder 1A3 vehicles from the Bundeswehr, the German federal armed forces, and began their refurbishment in spring 2022 at its facilities in Unterluess and Kassel. The company has invested in refurbishing these vehicles at its own expense, preparing them for immediate deployment.

The Marder 1A3 is an infantry fighting vehicle known for its versatile features and design. Equipped with potent armament, it includes a 20mm MK 20 Rh202 automatic cannon, a coaxial 7.62mm MG3 machine gun, and a MILAN anti-tank guided missile launcher. This combination of weaponry provides it with the capability to engage various targets, whether they are ground-based or armored.

Designed in Germany, the Marder 1A3 boasts a robust and protective configuration, offering security to crew members and transported soldiers. Its standard armor provides defense against 7.62mm caliber small arms fire and shell fragments. Additionally, its new armored package offers increased protection against 30mm cannon ammunition, bolstering its resilience on the battlefield.

Weighing 33,500 kg, the Marder 1A3 is utilized by several countries, including Germany, Chile, Greece, Indonesia, Jordan, and Ukraine. Its maximum speed reaches 65 km/h, providing it with excellent mobility across various terrains.

In addition to its offensive and defensive capabilities, the Marder 1A3 is equipped with various essential accessories for military operations. These include day periscopes, passive night vision devices, a thermal sight, an air conditioning system, and an NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection system, ensuring comfort and optimal operational efficiency for its crew.

With a crew of three members and the capacity to transport up to six infantry soldiers, the Marder 1A3 has dimensions of 6.88 meters in length, 3.38 meters in width, and 3.015 meters in height, offering a balance between mobility, firepower, and protection, making it a crucial asset on the modern battlefield.

This ongoing military support from Germany and Rheinmetall underscores their commitment to supporting Ukraine while modernizing their own defense capabilities. The provision of these armored vehicles plays a critical role in strengthening the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to face increasingly significant challenges on the ground.