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For a long time, battle tank duels or anti-tank defenses were not part of the Bundeswehr's planning for countering threats. However, since national and alliance defense has regained relevance, these topics are also being considered again.

The main focus is on the question of whether you are sufficiently armed against the currently possible enemy. Of course, the main focus is on the threat from Russia. Since China is also one of NATO's potential adversaries, its capabilities must also be taken into account.

The threat

Russia has introduced the Armata family (T-14 main battle tank and T-15 infantry fighting vehicle) since 2019 in small numbers to date. In terms of protection, the Armata family is characterized above all by reactive armor and active hard-kill systems. But it's not just these newest systems that pose a challenge. In terms of protection, Russia is also modernizing older main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers, such as the T-72, T-80 or BMP-3. Almost all vehicles are gradually being equipped with at least reactive armor.

Main battle tank T-14 Armata: Can our anti-tank handguns also disable this system or other modern systems with reactive armor and distance-active protection systems? (Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense)

New concept

The basis of the platform-independent anti-tank defense was formerly the central service regulation 3/50 anti-tank defense of all troops. But this was repealed a few years ago. In May 2017, the planning office of the Bundeswehr was then commissioned with the anti-tank defense project for all troops. This resulted in the concept of platform-independent anti-tank defense of the Bundeswehr. This is not to be understood as a direct successor to the service regulation, because it mainly represents the conceptual requirements for the ability to carry out platform-independent anti-tank defense for the future range of applications of the Bundeswehr.

The aim is to create a common basis for the Bundeswehr for task-oriented equipment. The concept was drawn up in March 2020, so the next steps can now be taken. This includes, among other things, the area of ​​research and technology and the provision of corresponding funds. The concept was mainly created in the Office for Army Development, Department for Combat Development.

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