The largest customer of the modular armored vehicle Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV) developed by the Finnish company Patria is Poland; a total of 997 vehicles were ordered in several batches, which received the Rosomak designation there. The Rosomak armored vehicle is manufactured under license at a Polish plant, based on the base version, several modifications were made, in addition, new models were developed. Poland has announced that it will order a new RAK mortar tower with 120mm mortar, developed by Huta Stalowa Wola, which will be installed on 64 vehicles, while 32 Rosomak vehicles will be converted into command posts for mortar units; thus, eight companies will be formed, which will become part of the mechanized battalions. In search of a replacement for its Ratel 6x6 BMPs, South Africa began national development, but in 2013 decided to sign an agreement with Patria to use the AMV machine as the basis for a new vehicle. The car received the designation Badger (badger), it is produced at the plant of the local company Denel OMC, although the initial batch of 10 cars was made in Finland. The initial plans provided for the production of a total of 264 cars, but then this number was reduced to 238, which naturally affected the cost of the car upward. All vehicles are equipped with a modular Denel Modular Combat Turret, which can accept various weapons systems depending on the vehicle variant: a 30-mm cannon for the fire support option, an Ingwe ATGM from Denel Dynamics for the anti-tank version, a 60-mm long-range breech-loading mortar for self-propelled mortar complex and, finally, 12, 7-mm machine gun for the commander's version. Another country that has organized a line for the production of AMV vehicles is Croatia, most of the 126 vehicles in service with the Croatian army are manufactured at the local Duro Dakovic Special Vehicles plant.
Patria does not intend to manufacture its vehicles in large numbers in Finland and therefore relies on its Polish, South African and Croatian partners to organize mass production. Slovakia signed a letter of intent with Poland in July 2015 for the purchase of 31 Rosomak 8x8 vehicles, which will be modified to meet Slovak requirements and will receive the Scipio designation. It will be equipped with an EVPU Turra 30 DBM, armed with a 2A42 30-mm cannon and two anti-tank missile launchers. The next contract is expected to bring the total number of vehicles to 66 units, and if funding allows, another batch of 34 vehicles may be ordered, which will fully satisfy the country's needs. In 2013, one prototype was built on the Duro Dakovic assembly line for testing in Kuwait. In April 2016, a 26 million batch production contract was signed between Patria and the Croatian company. The latter will produce the AMV car for third countries. At present, Denel is fully engaged in the implementation of the national program, but in the future it may participate in the production of cars for other countries.
Patria used the vast experience gained by the seven operators of their machine to further improve the machine. Currently, an analysis of the available data is being carried out, including the study of the experience of Afghanistan, that is, theory is compared with practice in order to further increase the combat stability and operational reliability. In addition to the countries already mentioned, the AMV armored vehicle was bought by Finland, Slovenia and Sweden, the last buyer was the United Arab Emirates, which ordered 40 vehicles in January 2016 with an option for 50 more pieces. This may be an elongated version, which has already been demonstrated with the BMP-3 turret, which is one of the well-known requirements voiced by the Emirati army.
At DSEI 2013, Patria unveiled its new XP variant for the first time (X is taken from Extra, and P stands for protection, payload and performances). It is a further development of the original AMV, with a total weight of 32 tons and a payload of up to 15 tons. The additional payload is partly used for the installation of enhanced protection systems and partly for the installation of new avionics. The machine is equipped with a more powerful 605 hp engine. (previous 545 hp), improved suspension and powertrain undercarriage in order to maintain performance despite the increase in combat weight. One hybrid prototype was made, followed by another 5-7 prototypes, on which various solutions were tested. In different conditions, at low and high temperatures, on sand and snow, more than 25,000 km were covered. The Polish-built XP variant was shown at MSPO 2015. Patria presented at Eurosatory 2016 for the second time its latest XP variant, equipped with a modern communication system. Patria has teamed up with BAE Systems Australia on the Land 400 Phase 2 program, for which it offers the AMV35 variant, that is, an AMV with a CV9035 tracked turret installed.
Apart from the developers of the project, Germany and the Netherlands, in December 2015 the first export order was received for the Boxer 8x8 machine. The starting foreign customer was Lithuania, which chose an ARTEC consortium vehicle and began the procurement process through the OCCAR armament cooperation organization. In total, the Lithuanian army will receive 84 infantry fighting vehicles equipped with a UT 30 Mk2 turret from Elbit Systems, armed with a 30-mm cannon and Spike missiles, as well as 4 vehicles in the command post version. The deliveries of vehicles intended for the Steel Wolf brigade should take place from mid-2017 to the end of 2019. The decision did not come as a surprise, because there are close ties between Germany and Lithuania in the military sphere, and the choice of the Boxer machine allows for a high level of uniformity.
Lithuania's decision was made a week before the signing of the German contract for the second batch of 131 Boxer vehicles. Thus, the number of Germany will reach 403 cars; in turn, the Netherlands ordered 200 Boxers. The second batch will consist entirely of machines of the latest configuration developed by Artec. Deliveries will take place from the end of 2016 to 2020.
As for the national market, the deliveries of the first batch to the German army have been completed. It currently operates 125 armored personnel carriers, 72 ambulances, 65 command posts and 10 driving training machines. All vehicles will be retrofitted from A1 configuration (Afghanistan) to A2 configuration, which includes increased protection, a new vision system for the driver, a fire extinguishing system, satellite radios, etc., will begin in 2017. At the same time, KMW and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition will begin deliveries of the second batch of machines; deliveries of 131 ordered machines in A2 configuration will be completed in 2020. In order to support the infantry with direct fire, the German Bundeswehr is also considering the acquisition of another batch of vehicles equipped with a turret with a medium-caliber cannon.
As for the Netherlands, just before Eurosatory 2016, half of the vehicles ordered were delivered. The original contract provides for 60 command posts, 53 vehicles of the engineering group, 52 ambulances, 27 trucks and 8 driving training. However, in May 2016, a change was made to the contract, according to which the total number of vehicles remained unchanged, but 24 command posts and 15 cargo transporters were removed, and 39 vehicles of the engineering group were added instead. In connection with its participation in the European battle group, the Netherlands must equip the light brigade with Boxer vehicles, which will require additional platforms. Like its German partner, the Dutch army is showing interest in the Boxer equipped with a turret with a medium-caliber cannon, but is also considering purchasing a vehicle with heavier weapons.
The ARTEC consortium is currently completing several optional technical upgrades: among them a more powerful 600 kW power unit, sandy wheels, a higher level of ballistic protection, new modular mine shields, etc. If the KMW company used the Boxer chassis to install the Donar artillery module on it (two vehicles passed firing tests), then the Rheinmetall company installed a high-energy laser installation on the Boxer armored vehicle chassis.
The Turkish company FNSS is persistently promoting its PARS family of wheeled vehicles to the local and foreign markets, and, as a result, in February 2016, it entered into another export deal, for which there is no detailed information yet. On the basis of the PARS 8x8 platform, Malaysia is implementing a program for its AV8 wheeled vehicle, which is mass-produced and supplied by the local company Deftech. The contract provides for a total of 257 vehicles in 12 different versions; half of the options have already been developed, while the remaining options are ongoing. FNSS is responsible for the platform itself, the Sharpshooter single-seat turret with a 25mm cannon, and overall system integration. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2020.
At IDEF 2015, FNSS presented the new PARS 4x4, which nominally belongs to the family, but is structurally significantly different from the rest of its members. The vehicle is aimed at the STA (Silah Tasiyici Arac) weapons transporter program, but since only 76 of these vehicles are to be purchased, FNSS is inevitably considering other markets. The engine of the car is installed in the aft part in order to ensure optimal weight distribution, the air intake of cooling air is brought upward, which allows the Pars 4x4 to enter the water without preparation, in the water the car is propelled by two water cannons and has a freeboard height of 350 mm. The combat weight of the vehicle is 10-12 tons, and the power density varies in the range of 25-30 hp / t. The two front seats accommodate the driver and commander, while the three rear seats are arranged in a row for optimal control, including thanks to the large windscreen. The winch is located under the armor, while the lower inclined plate is set at a slight angle to the vertical, which provides an entry angle of 54 °. The independent suspension with double wishbones and hydropneumatic shock absorbers, together with large diameter wheels and a tire pressure control system, provides maximum flotation and low ground pressure. The machine has a lifting capacity of three tons and can take a tower weighing up to one ton. Behind the crew compartment there is space for the installation of a mast and a radar, for example, for surveillance and reconnaissance. The vehicle has two batteries, one of which is intended only for powering on-board systems.
Meanwhile, FNSS is constantly improving its 6x6 and 8x8 wheeled vehicles and is currently developing a new generation of PARS, designated PARS 3. In this project, FNSS wants to increase the combat effectiveness of the vehicle by increasing the level of ballistic protection, increasing the useful internal volume and useful lifting capacity, reduced maintenance requirements, better situational awareness while maintaining excellent driving performance. At the moment, the most modern technologies have been used in the PARS 3 project, including for the modification of its power unit and transmission, which made it possible to obtain a more robust design, adaptable to a wide range of options without changing the basic systems of the machine. Thanks to its new suspension and power train components, the PARS 3 armored car will have a higher level of protection, accommodate more people without changing the physical signs of visibility. Since PARS 3 is built on a modular principle, it can be adapted for various tasks, including a personnel carrier, mortar, reconnaissance and command options. Its ride height system and flexible steering system provide the agility inherent in the PARS family. Like other members of the PARS family, the engine in the PARS 3 is located behind the commander and driver, which allows them to be placed in a row and thereby increase the level of situational awareness, not least due to the periscopic field of view of more than 180 °. As for the Otokar company, it actively promotes its Arma 6x6 and 8x8 machines, not forgetting to develop new configurations. The latest development here was the Arma 8x8 CBRN radiation, chemical and biological reconnaissance vehicle. All companies are awaiting the publication by the Turkish army of an application for a specialized vehicle, which provides for the delivery of 472 vehicles in 4 variants.
Currently, the Singapore army is armed with the Terrex 8x8 armored vehicle, and, nevertheless, at the DSEI 2015 exhibition, ST Kinetics presented a new version of this Terrex 2 vehicle. The combat weight of the new vehicle increased significantly, from 24 to 30 tons, which indicates the best protection and greater carrying capacity, increased to 9 tons. To cope with this dramatic increase in weight, the former Caterpillar C9 engine with 450 hp. was replaced by a 525 hp Caterpillar C9.3 engine coupled to an Allison 4500SP gearbox. Protection against explosions on mines and IEDs is increased due to the design of the double V-shaped body, the lower (outer) body also protects the drives. The width has increased significantly, from 2.97 to 3.6 meters, as well as the height, from 2.46 to 2.8 meters. The increase in volume is due to the requirements for buoyancy; The Terrex 2 uses the experience of developing the Terrex modification, which meets the requirements of the US Marine Corps. On this application, STK teamed up with the American company SAIC, and this team became one of two selected for the Marine Corps ACV1.1 program. The Terrex 2 machine is equipped with two hydraulically driven propellers with an independent thrust control system, which made it possible to achieve a maximum speed of 6 knots, ensure safe movement at wave heights up to 1.25 meters and land landing at a surf height of up to 1.8 meters. The passenger capacity is three crew members and 11 paratroopers. In addition to the US application for Terrex 2, Australia has been proposed for its Land 400 Phase 2 program; in addition, STK is exploring other potential markets.
Recently, the Israeli Ministry of Defense presented a prototype of a new Eitan armored personnel carrier in the 8x8 configuration, which should replace the tracked M113 armored personnel carriers, which are in service with the Israeli army. It will be much lighter than the Namer armored personnel carrier based on the Merkava tank chassis, Israeli officials said, although it should remain in the heavy 8x8 wheeled vehicle segment, as 35 tonnes appears to be the vehicle's target weight. In this case, we can talk about the priority of defense systems, and this is not a new direction for Israel, given its rich experience in local military operations. These are modular armor, mine protection of the bottom, the Trophy active protection complex, as well as various life support systems. The date of entry into service is scheduled for approximately 2022.
The recent order of 20 BTR-82A 8x8 armored personnel carriers by the Russian armed forces shows on the one hand that the combination of wheeled and tracked vehicles will continue in the future, but also raises vague doubts about the Boomerang 8x8 project, the first vehicles of which were first presented on May 9, 2015 at the Victory Parade. Although not much information is available, the appearance of the new wheeled BMP / BTR very much resembles Western vehicles of the same class, for example, the VBCI from Nexter and the VBM Freccia from CIO. The main difference is that the Boomerang is a floating machine and, as a result, the water deflector is mounted on the front plate, and the two propellers are in the stern. It is difficult to estimate its combat weight, but it should not exceed 30 tons. In the BMP version, it is equipped with a remotely controlled module Epoch (Boomerang-BM) armed with a 30-mm 2A42 cannon and Kornet missiles, while the armored personnel carrier version is equipped with a DBM with a 12.7-mm machine gun. Up to nine paratroopers can be accommodated in the rear compartment, the aft ramp has a mechanical drive, while the large door allows you to leave and get into the car without using the ramp. The driver sits in front to the left, to the right of the engine, which significantly distinguishes the new car from the traditional layout of the previous models of Russian armored personnel carriers, in which the engine is located at the rear. With regard to sales forecasts, here it is necessary to look at the number of armored personnel carriers of the Russian army that need to be replaced.
Many countries with a need for wheeled combat vehicles have decided to develop their own platforms; sometimes entirely on our own, and sometimes in cooperation with well-known foreign manufacturers. Malaysia is just working according to the second scheme, where the local company DRB-HICOM Defense Technologies, better known as Deftech, produces AV8 armored vehicles based on the Pars 8x8 chassis of the Turkish company FNSS. The Emirates Defense Technology company, which presented the Enigma 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle at IDEX 2015, developed on the chassis of the Irish company Timoney, also works in cooperation with a foreign partner. This chassis has all steer wheels and a 711 hp Caterpillar C13 engine located at the front right and mated to a Caterpillar CX31 automatic transmission. The vehicle with the installed Bakhcha turret from the BMP-3 has a combat weight of 28 tons. The declared protection levels according to the NATO standard STANAG 4569 correspond to Level 4 (ballistic) and Level 4a / b (anti-mine). The car is floating, on the water is driven by two aft propellers. A model of this vehicle was also presented in the configuration of a self-propelled artillery unit with an installed M777 howitzer from BAE Systems. The UAE's purchase of AMVs from Finnish Patria put an end to this project.
India is also considering purchasing a locally developed machine. The Indian company Tata Motors showed in 2014 its Kestrel project, developed in collaboration with the Defense Research and Development Organization, which was shown again in 2016, but with a different tower. Initially, the Kongsberg MCT-30R turret was installed on the Kestrel car, while two years later, the BMP-2 turret was installed on this wheeled platform. The maximum combat weight of the armored vehicle is 26 tons, lighter configurations are offered depending on the armor set, while the basic version with protection level 1 according to the STANAG 4569 standard has a mass of 22.5 tons. In early 2016, the Indian company Tata Motors signed an agreement for this car with Bharat Forge and the American General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). Time will tell how the program for the future infantry fighting vehicle Future Infantry Combat Vehicle will develop, especially taking into account the delays that have already happened. The Indian army needs about 2,600 wheeled vehicles.
Articles in this series:
Following in the footsteps of Eurosatory 2016: trends in the development of armored vehicles. Part 1
Following in the footsteps of Eurosatory 2016: trends in the development of armored vehicles. Part 2
