In December 2024, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) finalized a framework agreement with Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND) to facilitate the flexible procurement of reactive protection modules for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) over the next few years.
The framework agreement will facilitate the Bundeswehr’s swift and flexible procurement of reactive protection modules in the forthcoming years. This initiative aims to maintain the operational readiness of the Puma fleet consistently, even during crises or comparable operational demands.
Additionally, the signing of this framework agreement includes an initial order for reactive protection modules intended for basic operational stockpiling, with a value in the mid-double-digit million range.
DND stated that this contract underlines the Bundeswehr’s commitment to future-proof ERA technology as part of a modern and holistic concept of a network of passive, reactive and active protection for land platforms and that the long-term framework agreement creates security on both sides and enables industry to expand the required production capacities accordingly.
DND provides customized, comprehensive protection strategies for various types of combat and command vehicles. Our primary expertise is in explosive reactive protection (ERA). This technology can be implemented as an enhancement to existing vehicles during modernization or service life extension processes, or it can be integrated into the foundational design of newly developed land platforms.
DND’s ERA solutions build upon the existing protective measures of vehicles while incorporating additional passive components. We utilize advanced materials and highly insensitive explosives, enabling weight reductions of up to 80% while maintaining equivalent protection levels compared to traditional passive systems. Through strategic industry collaborations and our extensive knowledge in complementary protection technologies, we are equipped to develop, validate, and manufacture comprehensive protection solutions for a diverse range of platforms.
Puma infantry fighting vehicle
The Puma IFV is a modern armoured vehicle designed and manufactured in Germany. It is intended to replace the ageing Marder IFVs in service with the German Army. The Puma offers several advantages over its predecessor, such as improved mobility, protection, firepower, and situational awareness.
The Puma is based on a modular concept that allows it to adapt to different missions and threats. The vehicle has a crew of three: a driver, a gunner, and a commander. It can also carry up to six fully equipped infantrymen in the rear compartment. The Puma is equipped with a 30mm automatic cannon, a 5.56mm coaxial machine gun, and two launchers for Spike anti-tank guided missiles. The vehicle also has a remote-controlled weapon station that can mount a 7.62mm machine gun or a 40mm grenade launcher.
The Puma has a high level of protection against various threats, such as mines, improvised explosive devices, rocket-propelled grenades, and kinetic energy projectiles. The vehicle has advanced composite armour that can be augmented with additional modules for increased protection. The Puma also has a hard-kill active protection system that can intercept incoming projectiles with countermeasures. The vehicle also features a nuclear, biological, and chemical protection system, as well as smoke grenade launchers and infrared jamming devices.
The Puma has high mobility and agility on different terrains, thanks to its powerful engine and hydro-pneumatic suspension. The vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 70 km/h on the road and 50 km/h off-road. It can also cross water obstacles up to 1.5 m deep without preparation. The Puma has a range of 600 km on road and 450 km off-road. The vehicle can be transported by air, rail, or sea.
The Puma has a state-of-the-art situational awareness system that provides the crew with a 360-degree view of the surroundings. The vehicle has several cameras and sensors that feed information to a digital display in the crew compartment. The Puma also has an integrated battle management system that allows it to communicate and coordinate with other units and platforms. The vehicle also has a laser warning system, a fire detection and suppression system, and an acoustic sniper detection system.
The Puma is one of the most advanced infantry fighting vehicles in the world, and it represents a significant upgrade for the German Army. The Puma is expected to serve as the backbone of the German mechanized infantry for decades to come.
