The Bundestag’s Budget Committee has approved the delivery of fifty more Puma tanks to the Bundeswehr. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) sees a need for the weapon system in view of the changed security situation.
“Bit by bit, the Puma is replacing the Mader, which is now forty years old,” Pistorius explained. Compared to its predecessor, he says, the Mader represents a technical quantum leap. In the areas of protection of the soldiers, effectiveness and the increasingly important mobility, the Puma is far superior to the Mader, despite regular upgrades. Since the Puma is the main weapon of the armored infantry, Pistorius welcomes the decision. “The Army has made a very emphatic case for this equipment on several occasions to us.” There are good reasons for this, he said.
No cause for concern
From Pistorius’ perspective, the Puma’s technical difficulties are no cause for concern. It is not a product that is available on the market, but has been developed and improved over many years. On the other hand, the minister does not consider the search for an alternative weapon system to be a practical solution. An additional system would further increase the costs for logistics and maintenance. Moreover, this would result in a further increase in acquisition costs. Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that another vehicle would have the same capabilities.
With the deadline insight
The price commitment agreed in preliminary negotiations expires on May 12, 2023. An order after this period is linked to renegotiations and – in the minister’s view – to cost increases. Pistorius therefore welcomes the fact that the order was placed within the set time frame. He said that a further delay in procurement would be unacceptable in view of alliance and national defense requirements. In addition, the Bundeswehr is obliged by NATO to establish five armored grenadier battalions by 2027. It would not have been possible to meet this requirement without a timely order.
Furthermore, Pistorius expressed optimism about providing the armed forces with even more material in the future. “We hope to be able to place a second order in the course of the year,” the defense minister said.