The German company Rheinmetall has suppliedUkraine with an additional 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, says the company’s website.
Since the start of Russia’s all-out war, the German arms manufacturer has supplied Ukraine with extensive weaponry and equipment. In May 2023, Ukraine’s state-owned defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom signed a strategic partnership agreement with Rheinmetall, leading to the formation of a joint venture in October 2023.
This venture focuses on maintaining Western equipment and localizing the production of Rheinmetall weaponry in Ukraine. In 2024, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger announced plans to establish at least four facilities in Ukraine, specializing in the production of shells, military vehicles, gunpowder, and anti-aircraft systems.
“Rheinmetall has delivered 20 additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to the Armed Forces of Ukraine to aid in defense against Russian military aggression,” the statement reads.
This brings the total number of vehicles sent to Ukraine to approximately 200, with over half being the Marder 1A3 model. Additionally, Rheinmetall has supplied Ukraine with Marder IFVs and Leopard main battle tanks.
The latest batch of 20 Marder IFVs provided to Ukraine was ordered and financed by the German government.
The Marder vehicles sent to Ukraine are of the 1A3 model, equipped with a modern laser rangefinder that enhances its targeting accuracy, according to UkrInform.
This advancement significantly improves the vehicles’ capability to counter offensives, granting Ukrainian forces a technological advantage.
Rheinmetall first received an order to supply these IFVs in March 2023, delivering an initial batch of 20 vehicles for the needs of Ukraine’s Armed Forces at that time.
Read also:
- Rheinmetall sending prototypes of 100km shells to Ukraine
- German extremists torch home of Rheinmetall CEO over Ukraine arms supplies
- Rheinmetall plans to set up four factories in Ukraine
- German Rheinmetall plans to produce ammunition in Ukraine
- Rheinmetall to commence armored vehicle production in Ukraine in 2024