Special Forces of Austria to receive Puch G 290/LP Sandviper Special OPS vehicles.

On April 11, 2024, Franz Achleitner company announced that the Austrian Ministry of Defense had entered into a contract with the Dutch company Defenture. This agreement focuses on upgrading Austria's military capabilities by introducing a new generation of Ground Force (GRF) vehicles for the elite Jagdkommando Special Operations Forces. The initiative will replace the older PUCH G 290/LP Sandviper vehicles, aiming to modernize the operational effectiveness of Austria's defense forces.
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Defenture PUCH G 290/LP Sandviper Air-Transportable Tactical Vehicle (Picture source: Austria MoD)

The GRF vehicles, known for their exceptional agility, speed, traction, and payload capacity, will provide a versatile platform suited to the diverse requirements of special missions. These vehicles have high ground clearance and a four-wheel steering system and are designed to offer optimal mobility and safety in the most extreme off-road conditions.

Austria's choice of GRF vehicles demonstrates the importance of adaptability and reliability in defense operations. The customizable configurations and advanced system integration possibilities ensure that these vehicles will meet the specific needs of future operations. With initial deliveries scheduled for 2024, excitement and anticipation are palpable within the Austrian special command.

To ensure ongoing and effective support, Defenture has also formed a strategic partnership with Achleitner, a company specializing in maintenance and technical support, highlighting a long-term commitment to quality and durability. This extensive collaboration will include lifetime maintenance, additional system integration, and the development of future configurations, thus ensuring a platform that can adapt to evolving military needs.

Henk van der Scheer, CEO of Defenture, expressed pride in this collaboration with the Austrian Ministry of Defense, describing it as a testament to the GRF vehicles' status as a benchmark in the light tactical vehicle segment. According to him, this partnership perfectly illustrates the company's commitment to establishing strong and mutually beneficial international ties.

The GRF vehicles embody the "Military Off the Shelf" (MOTS) concept, with a design that meets stringent military standards while offering flexibility and performance. The collaborative approach with local partners reflects Defenture's global vision of providing a comprehensive military mobility solution, encompassing manufacturing, support, maintenance, and training.

This contract positions Defenture as a prime mobility partner for European defense forces, enhancing its already established presence in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. With this new step, Austria secures cutting-edge vehicles for its special operations and contributes to defining the future of tactical mobility within its armed forces.

The Puch G 290/LP, nicknamed "Sandviper," is a special vehicle designed by Steyr Daimler Puch AG and modified by the Austrian army to meet the specific needs of special forces, particularly for operations in desert environments like Chad. This vehicle is equipped with a Steyr 5-cylinder inline diesel engine, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, producing 88 horsepower at 4400 rpm and a torque of 172 Nm at 2400 rpm. It features a maximum speed of 125 km/h and can navigate slopes up to 70% and wade through water up to 500 mm deep.

The Puch G 290/LP is notable for its adaptations for air transport, compatible with aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules and the C-160 Transall, and can even be transported externally by an S-70A Black Hawk helicopter. In terms of armament, it is equipped with 7.62 mm MG 74 machine guns, with configurations allowing for 360-degree coverage for the main operator and a fixed station for the co-driver.

The "Sandviper" is also designed to maximize logistics and storage, incorporating storage cages for fuel, water, and personal equipment, while maintaining high mobility and advanced communication capabilities thanks to its navigation and communication equipment. These features make the Puch G 290/LP a robust and flexible vehicle, suited to the rigors of reconnaissance and patrol missions in extreme conditions.