German lawmakers approved the request of the German Ministry of Defense to purchase a new batch of combat vehicles
What is known
The decision was made on May 10, two days before the expirationthe validity period of the offer from Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. As a result, Germany will spend €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) on the acquisition of 50 infantry fighting vehicles.
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In addition to machinery, the deal includes spare parts.The agreement will be financed from a defense fund of €100 billion ($109 billion). Deliveries will begin in 2024 and be completed by 2027.
Now in service with the German army is 350Puma combat vehicles. The new agreement will increase their number to 400 units. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius does not exclude that another deal for an additional batch will be signed at the end of this year.
Puma is a replacement for infantry fighting vehiclesmarder. It is equipped with a Rheinmetall MK30-2 / ABM automatic cannon, which can hit targets at a distance of up to 4 km. Also on board are a coaxial 5.56 mm machine gun and two Spike-LR anti-tank missiles.
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The combat vehicle is equipped with an engine800 horsepower. With it, it can accelerate to 50 km / h and 70 km / h off-road and highway, respectively. The range of the vehicle is 600 km.
Last month, Germany gave companiesRheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann €770 million ($764 million) to upgrade infantry fighting vehicles to the S1 level. They will receive updated surveillance equipment, new electronic equipment and the MELLS missile system.