With the German parliament on October 7 giving the go ahead for the acquisition of thermal imaging sights, the Armed Forces have begun procuring 244 new thermal imaging sights for the Army’s Marder infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) fleet.
The package, worth 27 million euros, includes accessories and spare parts.
Equipment featuring thermal imaging enables the armed forces to clearly see and recognize targets even in the dark and in poor visibility. The acquisition will provide enhanced night combat capabilities of Marder infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) fleet. In fact, for today’s armored infantryman, modern thermal imaging sights are an essential necessity.
The replacement of the thermal imaging target device that were currently being used on the vehicles became necessary following the unavailability of essential spare parts. The new thermal devices that have been ordered are already in use in the FLW 200 remote-controlled light weapon station as well as in the Fennek scout car of the Joint Fire Support Teams of the Artillery.
The installation of the new thermal imaging target device is expected to be completed by June 2023.
Te German mechanized infantry, the Panzergrenadiers, have relied on the Marder infantry fighting vehicle since 1971. Since its introduction, the IFV has seen multiple upgrades in modernization, with the latest upgradation being legacy vehicles replaced by newer Puma infantry fighting vehicle.
Weighing in at 35 tonnes, the Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicle is equipped with a 600 HP-engine which provides it a top speed of around 65 km/h. The compartment for infantrymen in the vehicle is also roomy and can accommodate 9 soldiers. Its main armament is a 20mm RH-202 automatic cannon.
