Germany’s Marder IFV features and significance for Ukraine’s counteroffensive

Espreso shares the key features of the Marder infantry fighting vehicle and what makes it special.

The history of development

Photo: Wikipedia

As a rule, combat vehicles are named after animals or other symbolic images that may reflect the basic nature of the developed equipment. The Marder infantry fighting vehicle is no exception to the rule. The word "marder" is translated from German as "marten". These animals are noted for their ability to maintain balance. That is, the development of this IFV was focused on manoeuvrability and cross-country ability.

Marder development began in the 60s of the last century. At that time, the Germans were one step away from mass production of the Leopard 1 battle tank and therefore needed a new generation of IFVs. A modern and manoeuvrable infantry fighting vehicle was needed to perform joint tactical tasks. Marder development lasted for ten years until Rheinmetall Landsysteme Maschinenbau began mass production in the first half of the 1970s. Since then, the Marder has undergone many upgrades and changes, so there are more than ten modifications of this armoured personnel carrier. In total, about 3,000 vehicles were produced.   

Marder infantry fighting vehicle

Photo: gettyimages

The Marder infantry fighting vehicle provides infantry with security and support in various combat situations. In particular, its high mobility, armament and armour allow it to operate successfully even in modern warfare. Ukraine has received upgraded Marder 1A3s, which are still in use by the German army. Their features:

• Armour. The Marder can protect the crew from bullets, 30 mm shells and small fragments. It has protection against standard weapons systems thanks to welded steel.

• Armament. The main weapon is a 20 mm or 30 mm cannon, which can effectively combat light armoured targets and enemy manpower. Its range is up to 2.5 km. In addition, the IFV is equipped with 7.62 mm machine guns. It is also equipped with the MILAN 2T anti-tank system with a range of 2 km.

• Mobility. The weight of the IFV is about 30-35 tonnes. The Marder is a mobile armoured personnel carrier with a 600 hp diesel engine. The speed on the highway is up to 65 km/h, on rough terrain - up to 45 km/h. The operational range is up to 600 km. The maximum number of soldiers that Marder can carry depends on the version, but usually it is 8-10 people - three crew members and 5-7 infantrymen. The airborne compartment is designed to carry six soldiers in full equipment. The arrangement of the seats allows the soldiers to sit comfortably and confidently during active manoeuvring of the IFV and rapid off-road movement.

Analogues similar to the Marder infantry fighting vehicle

The Marder is similar in its characteristics to the Soviet BMP-1 and BMP-2, which have a similar concept of transporting troops and combat power. The modified Marder 1A3 has better cross-country ability and armour, and is more comfortable for military personnel than the Soviet models.

The Bradley M2/M3 (American armoured infantry fighting vehicles) are also analogues of the Marder. They have similar capabilities, features and functional purpose.

Where these combat vehicles have been used

In addition to Germany, the Marder is in service with the armed forces of Indonesia, Jordan, Chile and Greece. This IFV took part in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. The Marder was used in combat only in 2009 in Afghanistan, where it took part in several conflicts against the Taliban terrorist organisation.

How many Marder infantry fighting vehicles are there in Ukraine?

Photo: gettyimages

In January of this year, it was first confirmed that Ukraine would receive Marder infantry fighting vehicles from Germany: 20 vehicles from Rheinmetall and 20 vehicles from the warehouses of the Bundeswehr. The vehicles were already in Ukraine in March. In June, the German Ministry of Defence ordered another 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles from Rheinmetall to be shipped to Ukraine by the end of July. This brings the total number of vehicles delivered to 60. At the end of July, a video was released showing the airborne assault troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine demonstrating their Marder 1A3s in combat.

Significance during combat operations

For a successful counter-offensive, the Ukrainian army needs not only tanks but also infantry fighting vehicles. The impact of the Marder infantry fighting vehicle on combat operations is that it supports infantry during combat by providing them with weapons, transport and protection. The IFV can support offensive or defensive operations, contributing to the successful completion of combat missions and reducing casualties. Thanks to its tracked base, the Marder IFV is able to move in hard-to-reach places and does not depend on the availability of roads.