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Puma VJTF_Bundeswehr — The Puma VJTF were the first in which the S1 design level was largely implemented. (Photo: Bundeswehr)

Retrofitted Puma S1 will come later

Gerhard Heiming

November 28, 2023

The retrofitting of the Puma armored personnel carrier, which was commissioned in June 2021 and is intended, among other things, to make the tanks combat-ready, has been delayed, as the Ministry of Defense (BMVg) announced yesterday. After the tanks have been modernized with extensive improvements to the latest design standards, the first combat vehicles should be delivered at the end of 2023.

According to the BMVg, acceptance of the first vehicles will be postponed to the end of February 2024. The reason is necessary rework, particularly on the software, which, according to the industry, should be completed in February 2024. Despite the delay in delivery, the ministry still sees the essential requirements for testing, training and exercise projects as present.

The June 2021 contract provides for the modernization of 154 Puma infantry fighting vehicles in four lots. The second lot was called up in April 2023. Financing comes from the Bundeswehr special fund.

The Puma VJTF were the first in which the S1 design level was largely implemented. (Photo: Bundeswehr)

After the Army Inspector declared its suitability for combat, the design status of the Puma S1 was determined in March 2021. The new Puma version S1 is characterized, among other things, by the integration of distance-capable effectors such as the multi-role light guided missile system (MELLS), additional sensors such as the new driver vision system and an improved guidance architecture. The new all-round and driver vision system marks the end of the angle mirror era. For the first time, the entire crew can see “through the armor” both day and night. Fusion mode combines daytime vision with powerful thermal imaging and enables early detection of camouflaged targets, both day and night. The Puma is the first Western combat vehicle that can be used with such a system as standard.

Another feature of the Puma S1 AFV is that it is prepared to accommodate the turret-independent secondary weapon system (TSWA) on the right rear of the vehicle. The unmanned weapon station TSWA is used for self-protection and can fire non-lethal and lethal 40 mm ammunition up to 400 m. Once development has been completed, the series order is expected soon.

In addition, the equipment with SEM radio devices (SEM 80, SEM 90, SEM 93) is to be replaced by the new digital cross-sectional armed forces joint network capable radio equipment (SVFuA). The SOTAS IP on-board communication system is being expanded by the more current version SOTAS IP6R. The explosion-proof GPS navigation system ERGR (Explosion Resistant GPS Receiver) is being replaced by the successor system ERGR II.

According to the contract, the modernization of the first lot should be completed by 2029. However, with 154 tanks, the modernization has only been commissioned for just under half of the Army's 350 Puma. It is not yet known when the order for the remaining tanks will be placed.

Gerhard Heiming

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