IRIA News

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Germany’s leading defense manufacturer Rheinmetall recently delivered 20 additional Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to the Ukrainian armed forces to defend against the Russian attack. The delivery was completed at the end of the third quarter of 2024.

The delivery of Marder IFVs was financed by the German government and is worth a “mid-double-digit million euro amount,” the Rheinmetall said in a statement. The company received the order in March this year.

The latest supply brings the total number of Marder combat vehicles delivered to Ukraine, directly or through circular exchange programs, to around 200. The Rheinmetall statement noted, “A three-digit number of these systems are Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles.

Germany is providing Ukraine with the 1A3 Marder variant equipped with integrated laser range finders, which enable efficient and precise target elimination. In March 2023, Rheinmetall delivered the first 20 of these combat vehicles to Ukraine on behalf of the German government.

The German defense firm Rheinmetall has provided Ukrainian forces with ground systems including Marder infantry fighting vehicles and Leopard main battle tanks in double digits through a ring exchange process.

In addition to Marder infantry fighting vehicles, Germany has been providing Ukraine with advanced defense equipment including Leopard tanks, TRML-4D air surveillance radars, drone detection systems, and artillery and munitions. Germany has also sent its latest Oerlikon Skynex, an anti-aircraft system designed by Rheinmetall for short-range defense.

Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles

The Marder IFV is one of the world’s most proven weapon systems. It is equipped with strong armor that offers protection against small arms fire, shell splinters, and certain anti-tank munitions. The IFVs are designed for rough terrain, allowing them to operate effectively in diverse environments.

In recent years, the vehicle has received several modernization and combat effectiveness improvements and upgrades to improve electronics, armor, and weapons systems, adapting the Marder to modern combat requirements.

The Marder has a top speed of around 65 km/h on roads and is capable of handling difficult terrain efficiently. The Marder IFVs can typically carry a squad of around six infantry soldiers, in addition to its crew of three, including a commander, driver, and gunner. The interior is designed to allow quick dismount and remount of troops.

The German armed forces operate the latest version of the IFVs with more than 300 Puma IFVs in operation. The German Bundeswehr is gradually replacing its older Marder IFVs with the latest versions of infantry fighting vehicles.

Germany’s support to Ukraine

Germany has recently paced efforts to supply military equipment to Ukraine with Rheinmetall as the leading supplier of indirect fire technology. The European partner is providing Ukraine with combat vehicles, artillery shells, tanks, air defense systems, self-propelled howitzers, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance drones.

Earlier this month Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visited Berlin to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. While in Germany, Zelenskyy thanked the German leadership for their support and said, “I am grateful for all the assistance Germany has provided to Ukraine—air defense, significant defense and economic aid, our political cooperation, support for the Peace Formula, and joint efforts for the effectiveness of Peace Summits. It is very important for us that next year’s aid does not decrease — that it is sufficient to protect people and life.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a €1.4 billion ($ 1.53 billion) military aid package for Ukraine by the end of 2024. Scholz highlighted in a statement, “Germany is the strongest military supporter of Ukraine in Europe. It will stay that way. I can assure you of that.”

In February 2024, Zelenskyy visited Berlin to meet Scholz and both leaders signed a long-term security deal. The long-term security cooperation and support agreement between Germany and Ukraine is valid for 10 years and defines priorities in international cooperation in the military, political, financial, and humanitarian spheres.

The treaty stipulates Germany’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and promises to help the country defend itself against aggression. The document also pledges more than $7.5 billion in German defense support for Ukraine this year.