Germany receives first Puma IFV from second production batch

The German Army (Bundeswehr) has received the first Puma infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) from its second production batch. The vehicle, delivered in the S1 configuration, was provided by PSM, a joint venture between KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall.

These new vehicles are part of a broader program to modernize Germany's armored infantry units and phase out the aging Marder IFVs. Following delivery, the vehicles will undergo further testing at the WTD 81 and WTD 91 military-technical centers before officially entering active service. This follows a May 2023 agreement where the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) ordered 50 new Puma IFVs.

The Puma is a 43-metric-ton tracked vehicle designed for a crew of three and six infantrymen. The S1 configuration features an unmanned turret equipped with a 30mm MK30-2/ABM automatic cannon, a 5.56mm MG4 coaxial machine gun, and a MELLS anti-tank system with Spike LR missiles. It also includes upgraded digital communication, control systems, and enhanced 360-degree surveillance capabilities.