The German concern Rheinmetall has handed over 20 additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to the Armed Forces of Ukraine to protect them from Russia. This is reported by the press service of the concern.
The delivery was completed at the end of the third quarter of 2024. This brings the total number of combat vehicles delivered directly to Ukraine or as part of the so-called Ringtausch exchanges to about 200.
These are Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles.
The latest order for 20 Marders, funded by the German government, is worth double-digit millions of euros.
The version of the Marder 1A3 that Rheinmetall supplies to Ukraine is equipped with additional laser rangefinders for efficient and accurate target engagement.
Back in the spring of 2022, Rheinmetall began accepting and updating Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles from the Bundeswehr's warehouses.
The Marder is one of the most proven weapons systems of its kind in the world. It was developed for the Bundeswehr and is still in service to some extent.
Over the years, the Marder has been repeatedly modernised and its combat capabilities improved.