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Portugal Strengthens Infantry Combat Capabilities by Modernizing its Pandur II 8x8 APCs.
The Portuguese Armed Forces are exploring plans to modernize their Pandur II 8x8 armored vehicles fleet, aiming to enhance their operational capabilities as Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). This strategic initiative was highlighted during the Future Armored Vehicles Survivability (FAVS) forum, held in London by SMG Conferences, a division of SAE Media Group specializing in defense and aerospace events.
The Pandur II 8x8 is an armored personnel carrier (APC) designed to meet the modern requirements of military operations and peacekeeping missions. (Picture source: NATO)
Lieutenant Colonel Marco Cordeiro, commander of the reconnaissance squadron of the 6th Cavalry Regiment of the Portuguese Army, presented the various options being considered to modernize the fleet. These include either a comprehensive upgrade of the current armored vehicles or their complete replacement with vehicles specifically optimized for infantry combat roles.
The Portuguese mechanized brigade currently operates two main variants of the Pandur II, produced by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). One serves as an armored personnel carrier, while the other functions as an infantry combat vehicle. According to the information shared at the forum, one modernization strategy involves transforming the existing infantry combat vehicles into fully capable IFVs equipped with advanced weaponry and systems to meet the challenges of modern battlefields.
GDELS has proposed a mid-life upgrade program for the Pandur II fleet, including replacing the 12.7 mm machine gun with a Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS) fitted with a 30 mm Mk44 automatic cannon. This upgrade would enhance the vehicles’ ability to counter unmanned aerial systems and concealed infantry through the use of programmable airburst munitions. Additionally, the upgraded vehicles could be equipped with anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) such as the Javelin, Spike, or MMP (Akeron), significantly increasing their versatility and lethality.
The Pandur II, an advanced version of the original Pandur designed by Austrian manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch, remains a critical asset in Portugal's defense strategy. Following General Dynamics' acquisition of Steyr-Daimler-Puch in 2003, the Pandur series has continued to evolve.
The Pandur II 8x8 is an armored personnel carrier (APC) designed to meet the modern requirements of military operations and peacekeeping missions. Developed from the Pandur I 6x6 model by Steyr-Daimler-Puch, this vehicle offers enhanced mobility and protection thanks to its eight-wheel-drive configuration, allowing it to adapt to a variety of terrains and missions.
The Pandur II has been adopted by several armies worldwide, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe and Asia, with licensed production carried out by the Czech Czechoslovak Group. Weighing 14.5 tons unladen, it can accommodate a crew of two and twelve passengers in its troop transport configuration. Measuring 7.35 meters in length, 2.67 meters in width, and 2.08 meters in height, it features a compact profile and an 8.5-ton payload capacity, enabling the integration of various equipment and weaponry.
The Pandur II is available with a modular range of armaments tailored to mission and operational needs. Its standard version can be equipped with a 30 mm Bushmaster II cannon or, for direct support missions, a 105 mm high-pressure Cockerill cannon. Secondary armament options include a 7.62 mm FN MAG machine gun, a 12.7 mm M2 Browning heavy machine gun, or anti-tank missiles such as the Spike LR or TOW, further enhancing its versatility against diverse threats. This modularity in weaponry allows the Pandur II to adapt to both transport and combat roles.
Its six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, liquid-cooled, delivers 449 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 105 km/h on roads and an operational range of approximately 700 kilometers. Additionally, the Pandur II is amphibious, with a top speed of 11 km/h in water, bolstering its ability to operate in complex and diverse environments.
Designed to combine protection, firepower, and mobility, the Pandur II is a cornerstone of modern mechanized forces, effectively meeting the demands of current conflicts and humanitarian missions.
Portugal’s decision to modernize its Pandur II fleet aligns with a broader trend among NATO allies striving to maintain technological parity and adapt to the increasing complexity of hybrid warfare. This initiative would bolster the Portuguese Army’s mechanized brigade if implemented, ensuring it remains a robust and adaptable force within the European defense landscape.