Rheinmetall delivers 200th Puma armored personnel carrier to Bundeswehr
Rheinmetall has delivered the 200th Puma armored personnel carrier to the German Bundeswehr. The vehicle, manufactured in Unterlüß, is part of a larger delivery contract.
German technology group Rheinmetall has delivered the 200th Puma armored personnel carrier to the German Bundeswehr. This milestone vehicle, the 100th Puma to be produced by Rheinmetall at its Unterlüß facility, will soon be transferred to the Bundeswehr's introduction organization in Munster.
The Puma is developed and produced by PSM GmbH, a 50/50 joint venture between Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, with production duties shared between the partners. The delivery of a total of 342 combat vehicles, which began in June 2015, is scheduled for completion in 2020, alongside eight driver training vehicles.
The Puma armored personnel carrier represents a significant advancement in armored vehicle technology, designed for versatility across various operational scenarios and climate zones. It offers enhanced protection, mobility, and reconnaissance capabilities, supporting networked operations. The vehicle can accommodate a crew of nine and is transportable via the A400M military transport aircraft.
Beyond the initial vehicle production, Rheinmetall has received further orders through PSM GmbH to enhance the Puma system's capabilities. These include the development of a new secondary weapon system capable of employing non-lethal munitions, and the integration of upgraded optics and displays. Training equipment, such as vehicle-independent turret simulators, is also being developed to improve crew training.
Rheinmetall is also supplying 30mm x 173mm ammunition, including Air-Burst rounds, along with specialized tools and spare parts. The Puma's advanced capabilities have garnered international interest from NATO and associated countries.