GROUND COMBAT VEHICLES REPORT

GROUND COMBAT VEHICLES MARKET REPORT 2009

Mise à jour 2009/ALGERIE-DEFENSE/ By Defence IQ a division of IQPC

The market for Ground Combat Vehicles is forecast to be valued at over $70 Billion in the next 10
years. Despite the growing emphasis on medium forces, the main battle tank will remain an integral
part of land forces and will account for nearly 40% of the total value. Light and Medium tracked
AFVs will also account for 40%, with the balance comprised of wheeled vehicles.

SELECTED COUNTRY‐BY‐COUNTRY SUMMARY

Austria – The procurement of additional PANDUR wheeled APCs is planned to supplement the 68
vehicles already in service. Delivery of 112 ULANs to the Austrian Army has been completed.
Belgium – The MOWAG PIRANHA IIIC has been selected under the AIV (Armoured Infantry Vehicle)
programme to progressively replace the entire inventory of tracked AFVs (LEOPARD 1A5 MBTs, YPR‐
765s IFVs and M‐113 APCs). A total of up to 242 vehicles in seven variants will be delivered by 2015,
starting with a first firm order for 138 vehicles that are being delivered. A first batch of 440 IVECO
LMV 4×4 protected vehicles (designated LATV in Belgian service) are on order against a stated
requirement for up to 620 vehicles. 220 DINGO 2 protected carriers are being delivered by 2011,
with a further 132 vehicles on option.
Brazil – 250 LEOPARD 1A5 MBTs have been procured from German Army surplus, with deliveries
starting in 2008.
Bulgaria – A requirement has been formulated for 90 8×8 AFVs in different configurations, but the
programme is on hold.
Canada – Negotiations are underway for the purchase of 100 LEOPARD 2A4s from Dutch surplus. In
the meantime 20 LEOPARD 2A6Ms are on loan from the German Army. The Canadian Armed Forces
have received a total of 651 PIRANHA III vehicles, that were originally designated KODIAK and now
LAV III. The Canadian fleet includes 313 IFV variants (referred to as Infantry Section Carriers, ISC in
Canadian Army parlance) 71 ARGW carriers (TUA turret) part of which are now being converted into
infantry carriers, 47 forward observation officer and 39 engineer variants.
Chile – 140 LEOPARD 2A4 MBTs are being received from German surplus with deliveries to be
completed by mid‐2009. Negotiations are underway for the possible purchase of 100 MARDER AIFVs
and 36 GEPARD SPAAGs.
Croatia – A contract has been signed with Patria for the delivery of 84 AMV 8×8 wheeled AFVs by the
end of 2012. 70 MECO LMV protected carriers are on order with deliveries underway.
Cyprus – Offers have been solicited for the supply of 41 second‐hand MBTs.
Czech Republic – A contract for the delivery of 199 Steyr PANDUR 8×8 AFVs has been cancelled.
There are unconfirmed reports of negotiations being underway for a reduced buy of some 100
vehicles. 21 DINGO 2s and 4 IVECO LMV protected carriers are on order.

Denmark – 45 BAE Systems Hagglunds CV9035 tracked AIFVs, 85 MOWAG EAGLE IV armoured patrol
vehicles and 26 MOWAG DURO IIIP 6×6 armoured ambulances are on order, with deliveries
underway. 6 PIRANHA III vehicles have also been ordered by Denmark (armoured reconnaissance
vehicles equipped with the OTO Melara HITFIST turret with Mk44 30mm cannon).
Finland – 62 Patria AMV 8×8 APCs are on order with deliveries starting in 2008. 24 AMOS mortar
systems on AMV 8×8 vehicles are on order with deliveries also starting in 2008. 6 armoured
bridgelayers and 6 obstacle breachers (both on LEOPARD 2 chassis) and 9 wheeled bridgelayers (SISU
10×10 chassis) are being delivered.
France ‐ 300 AMX‐10RCs are being progressively upgraded and will remain in service until replaced
by the new EBRC wheeled armoured combat vehicle after 2012. 108 AMX‐10Ps are also being
extensively upgraded. 72 CAESAR truck‐mounted 155mm howitzers are on order, with a first batch
of 16 delivered in 2008. 314 Auverland A4 small protected vehicles (PVP) are being delivered against
a stated requirement for 933. An additional batch of 92 VB2L, light 4×4 protected vehicles are also
on order.
The French Army has formulated a requirement for up to 700 VBCI vehicles, including 550 VBCI/VCI
infantry fighting vehicles and 150 VBCI/VPC command post vehicles. This has however been reduced
down to a total of 630 (no exact split between the two versions is available) in the latest “Defence
White Paper.” Orders were awarded under the 2005‐2008 Military Programme Law for two initial
batches of 65 vehicles (54 AIFVs and 11 command posts) and 117 vehicles, respectively while a
major series order for 332 VBCIs is to be awarded under the 2009 defence budget.
The new Military Programme Law 2009‐2014 calls for 41 vehicles to be delivered in 2008, 495 in the
2009‐2014 timeframe (including 96 in 2006) and the balance of 94 after 2015. Deliveries of a first
batch of 20 VBCIs to the 1er RCA Regiment in Canjeurs started in May 2008.
Germany ‐ 405 PUMA tracked IFVs have been ordered to replace the MARDER 1s. The PUMA is
based on a radically different appreciation of the roles and missions of the Germany Army and the
AFVs it will need for them. This involves most particularly deployments abroad, often facing
unpredictable threats.72 BOXER 8×8 AFVs are on order in APC, command post and armoured
ambulance configurations to replace the M‐113 tracked APCs and the TPz‐1 FUCHS wheeled AFVs,
with deliveries to start on 2009. Deliveries of 202 FENNEK light armoured vehicles (178
reconnaissance variants to replace the FUCHS and 24 for other missions) were completed by the end
of 2008, with an additional 10 vehicles to follow in 2009. 100 DURO lightweight APCs and 81 Bv‐
206S articulated vehicles are being delivered. An additional batch of 140 DINGO 2 protected carriers
are on order for delivery by 2009 to supplement the 55 vehicles already in service.

AFV Industry
While many armoured fighting vehicle (AFV), weapon, ammunition and other key defence
subcontractors around the world are facing hard times, German land systems businesses are
increasing their market share.
Production of the Boxer (8×8) multirole armoured vehicle (MRAV) will start later this year and this is
expected to be followed by the advanced Puma armoured infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV).

It is expected that the first prototype of the Armoured Multi‐Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), under
development as a private venture by Krauss‐Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall Defence, will be
rolled out in the near future in Kassel. The AMPV is being developed as a complete family of 4×4
vehicles in the five‐to nine‐tonne class, with Type 1 consisting of three vehicles and Type 2 consisting
of two vehicle types. Development of the AMPV commenced following the German Army selection
of the Swiss MOWAG Eagle IV to meet its GFF 2 requirement, which was based on the Italian IVECO
Defence Vehicles Light Multi‐purpose Vehicle (LMV) and optimised for German Army requirements.
In July 2008 Germany placed an initial order for 25 Eagle IVs, with the first of these being delivered
late the same year. This was followed by a second order for an additional 173 vehicles and all of
these will be delivered by 2010. Under GFF2, there is a requirement for a total of 486 vehicles and
the AMPV is being aimed at the remainder of the GFF2 requirement.
Rheinmetall Defence delivered a total of 343 Wiesel 1 light air‐portable tracked AFVs to the German
Army between 1989 and 1992 and most of these remain in service with the airborne forces. Further
development as a private venture resulted in the Wiesel 2, which has a stretched chassis for
increased volume and payload that enable it to undertake a wider range of battlefield missions.
Krauss‐Maffei Wegmann has concluded production of the Leopard 2 MBT at its Munich facility, but
the company and its numerous German subcontractors still have the capability to restart production
again if additional export orders are placed. Licensed production of the MBT is still underway in
Greece (170 units) and Spain (219), with both countries opting for the latest Leopard 2A6, which has
a number of significant improvements on previous versions. The company has completed the
prototype of the Leopard 2 Peace Support Operations (PSO) MBT, which is expected to undergo
trials with the German Army in the second half of 2009. To further support the Leopard 2 MBT,
Rheinmetall Defence and RUAG Land Systems of Switzerland developed the Kodiak AEV, which is
based on a rebuilt Leopard 2 MBT chassis. The first customer for the Kodiak AEV is the Swiss Army,
which will take delivery of 12 vehicles between 2009 and 2011 from the RUAG Land Systems
production line in Switzerland with Rheinmetall Defence supplying subsytems.
At the heavier end of the scale Rheinmetall is also bidding for the Germany Army GFF4 requirement
with its advanced Wisant 8×8 armoured vehicle demonstrator, which has a gross vehicle weight
(GVW) of 26 tonnes and a maximum payload of 9.5 tonnes. Also competing for this contract is
Krauss‐Maffei Wegmann with a 6×6 vehicle. As a private venture, the company has also completed
the prototype of the GeFaS (Geschutztes Fahrzeugsystem – Advanced Protective Vehicle System).
This is a modular design with a high level of crew protection and features a diesel‐electric drive
system.
The German Army initially took delivery of a total of 147 first‐generation Dingo all‐protected vehicles
(APVs) based on a UNIMOG 1550 (4×4) cross‐country chassis. This was followed in production by the
enhanced Dingo 2 based on the latest UNIMOG ‐5000 chassis, which is available in two wheelbase
versions. Five countries have ordered the Dingo 2 so far, Austria (35 units); Belgium (220); the Czech
Republic (21); Germany (255); and Luxembourg (48). Germany has also selected the Dingo 2 as the
platform for a mast‐mounted battlefield surveillance system with two prototype vehicles already
ordered under the leadership of EADS. These are expected to be followed by 78 production vehicles.
Following a competition, the Krauss‐Maffei Wegmann Mungo (4×4) light airborne armoured vehicle

was selected by the German Army and an order was placed for 388 units. Further development has
resulted in the Mungo 2, a number of which have been delivered for trials. Meanwhile, the Mungo 3
has fully protected from and rear compartments.
The company is also developing a new special operations vehicle, which will typically have a GVW up
to eight tonnes, of which two tonnes would be payload. The first prototype is due to be rolled out
later this year.
Development of the ARTEC Boxer (8×8) MRAV has now been completed and 472 production vehicles
have been ordered, with the German Army getting 272 units and the Royal Netherlands Army 200
units. Production of the Boxer is currently being undertaken at two facilities in Germany and one in
the Netherlands.
Greece ‐ Deliveries of 170 LEOPARD 2HEL MBTs, 12 BUFFEL ARVs and 8 LEGUAN armoured
bridgelayers are to be completed by 2009. A requirement has been formulated for a first batch of 84
8×8 AFVs against a planned total of up to 400 vehicles. Greece is currently negotiating a major deal
for a series of 420 BMP‐3s that would include 290 vehicles in an upgraded configuration (MBP‐3M?)
and the balance of BMP‐3Fs. Signature of the Greek contract would bring export orders beyond the
1,000‐vehicle mark, and possibly result in the BMP‐3 overtaking the CV‐90 as the commercially most
successful current IFV design.
Ireland ‐ 6 PIRANHA III vehicles have been ordered in the same configuration as Denmark.
Italy – A total of 70 PzH‐2000 155mm/52cal. SP gun/howitzers are being delivered. A total of 1,150
LINCE light multi‐role tactical vehicles are being delivered in a five‐year programme. 189 Bv‐206S allterrain
vehicles are also being delivered.
After many delays due to financial difficulties. in late 2006 the Italian Army was finally able to order a
first batch of 54 VBCs, designated FRECCIA (”Arrow”). These vehicles are being delivered by 2010
and will mostly be used for operational evaluation purposes. Procurement of a total of 250
FRECCIAs (172 IFVs, 36 anti‐tank, 20 command posts and 22 mortar carriers) has been approved.
A first production order for 200 DARDO vehicles was placed in 1998, including 196 IFVs and the
prototypes of four variants (mortar, carrier, command post ambulance and ATGW carrier).
Deliveries started in May 2002 and have since been completed to re‐equip two regiments each of
the “Garibaldi” (Mechanised) and “Ariete” (Armoured) Brigade. The Italian Army still has a tentative
requirement for some 60‐80 derivative versions, but this is unlikely to be implemented due to
budgetary restrictions.
Luxembourg – 48 DINGO 2 protected vehicles are on order equipped with a Thales integrated
tactical reconnaissance capability. Deliveries are to be completed by the end of 2010.
Malaysia – Deliveries of 48 PT‐91M MBTs, 6 WTZ‐4 ARVs and five PMC‐90M armoured bridgelayers
are underway.
The Netherlands – 184 C9035 MKIlls are on order (150 IFVs and 34 command vehicles), with delivery
by 2011 to replace the YPR‐765s. 200 BOXER 8×8 AFVs are also on order in a joint programme with
Germany, including armoured ambulance, cargo transport, combat engineer and command post
variants, with deliveries in 2011‐2016. 410 FENNEK light armoured vehicles are being delivered in a
joint programme with Germany, comprising 202 reconnaissance vehicles, 120 anti‐tank vehicles
(GILL ATGW), 72 general‐purpose vehicles and 18 AA vehicles with STINGER. Ten KODIAK combat

engineer tanks are on order for delivery by 2012.
Poland – In December 2002, the Patria AMV was selected by the Polish Army as the winner of the
KTO programme for a new family of wheeled AFVs. The programme calls for an eventual total of
690 vehicles, designated ROSOMAK (“Wolverine”) and including 313 IFVs equipped with the OTO
Melara HITFIST 30P turret with ATK Mk44 BUSHMASTER 30mm cannon and the possibility of
installing launchers for SPIKE ATGWs. Deliveries of a first batch of Finnish‐produced vehicles started
in January 2005 and in parallel licence production was organised at WZM (Wojskowe Zaklady
Mechaniczne) in Siemanowice which acts as the prime contractor. The first Polish‐built ROSOMAK
rolled out in December 2005 and production is to continue until 2013 with the percentage of locallyproduced
components and sub‐systems now attaining 80%.
Portugal – 37 LEOPARD 2A6 MBTs have been acquired from Dutch surplus, with deliveries in 2008‐
2009 to replace at least part of the M60A3 fleet. Portugal was the first customer for the PANDUR II ,
with a contract in December 2004 for the supply of 260 vehicles covering a family of 15 different
variants to equip the Portuguese Army and Marine Corps. The Portuguese order includes 30 IFVs for
the Army. Deliveries started in January 2008.
Romania – 54 TR‐85 tanks and 105 MLI‐84 APCs are being modernized to the TR‐85MI and MLI‐84M
configurations, respectively, while the non‐modernised vehicles are being withdrawn. 31 MOWAG
PIRANHA III 8×8 APCs have been ordered in an urgent requirement to equip the units deployed to
Afghanistan, and the programme is to continue to a tentatively planned total of up to 490 vehicles.
Russia ‐ Some 700 BMP‐3s are reported to be in service with the Russian Army, and the vehicle has
also been very successful on the export market with sales to the UAE (variously reported at between
390 and 450+ vehicles), Cyprus (43), Kuwait (at least 55, up to 110 according to some sources) and
South Korea (110, although this was in the framework of an “arms for debts” deal).
Saudi Arabia – 80 Nexter CAESAR 155mm/52cal. Truck‐mounted SP howitzers are on order.
Singapore – 66 refurbished LEOPARD 2A4 MBTs are being delivered from German Army surplus, plus
another 30 non‐operational vehicles to be cannibalised for spares. At least some 150 BIONIX and
BIONIX IIs are understood to be in service. The total requirement of the Singapore Army has been
estimated at up to 250‐200 vehicles.
Slovenia – 135 Patria AMV 8×8 AFVs are on order in four variants, including the NEMO 120mm
turreted mortar carrier. Deliveries are underway and will be completed by 2013. 10 Otokar COBRA
NBC recce vehicles were delivered by the end of 2008.
South Africa – In May 2007, the South African MoD placed orders for a modified version of the AMV
to replace the current RATEL 6×6 fleet under Project “Hoefyster”. A total of 264 vehicles designated
BADGER have been ordered in five different versions (Command, Mortar, Missile, Infantry Section
and Fire Support). The first batch of about 40 BADGER chassis will come from the Finnish production
line, while the following ones will be produced under licence by BAE Systems and Systems OMC.
Prime contractor, Denel Land Systems will be responsible for final integration and pre‐delivery
testing. Deliveries will start in 2012.
South Korea ‐ Following a final series of operational evaluation trials, on the 30th October 2008
Doosari Infracore signed a first production contract with DAPA (Defence Acquisition Programme

Administration), worth 457.8 billion Won (some $350 million) for the supply of an unspecified
number of K21s, with delivery to operational units starting in 2009. Based on previous official
comments about the price of K21 being in the region of $3.5 million, the order probably covers some
100 vehicles against a stated total requirement for up to 900+ K21s.
Spain – Deliveries of 219 LEOPARD 2Es are being completed. 120 IVECO LMV 4×4 protected carriers
are on order in two batches, with deliveries to be completed by the end of the year. A large‐scale
programme is projected to cover the acquisition of 575 vehicles in three phases. Phase I covers the
120 LMVs already on order plus 100 platoon vehicles by the end of 2009. Phase 2 (2009‐2010) will
see the acquisition of an additional 275 squad vehicles and 80 platoon vehicles (355 vehicles in
total), while Phase 3 will over the acquisition of new‐generation 8×8 AFVs.
Delivery of an initial 125 PIZARRO IFVs and 21 command post vehicles to the Spanish Army were
completed by late 2002. A follow‐on order for 170 IFVs, 5 command post vehicles, 28 forward
observer vehicles, 8 recovery vehicles and one combat engineer vehicle (prototype) was placed in
December 2003, with deliveries underway and expected to be completed by 2010.
Sweden – Plans have been formulated for 24 existing FDH‐77B 155mm towed howitzers to be
converted to the FH‐77BW SP configuration (6×6 chassis) to equip two battalions. Two AMOS twinbarrel
120mm turret mortar carrier vehicles are on order for evaluation purposes. An additional
batch of 52 Bv206S all‐terrain vehicles are on order, bringing the total fleet to 93.
Series production of CV90 began in 1993 and over 1,170 vehicles have been ordered so far, making
the CV90 the most successful European tracked IFV design of its generation. The CV90 is in service in
Sweden (some 540+ vehicles in several variants), Norway (104 CV9030Ns), Switzerland (133
CV9030CHs) and Finland (102 CV9030Fins), while the Netherlands Army has 184 C9035 MkIII on
order (150 IFVs and 34 command vehicles) with deliveries underway and to be completed by 2012.
Denmark is the latest customer having signed an order in December 2005 for 45 C9035 MkIIIs to be
delivered in 2009‐2010.
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has chosen the Armoured Modular Vehicle
(AMV) for its AWV requirement. The contract award, valued at about EUR240 million (US$338
million), covers the supply of 113 AMVs. This is sufficient for one battalion, which will have 74
armoured personnel carriers (APCs), 10 APC/company command‐and‐control vehicles, 18
ambulances, 4 command‐and‐control and 7repair vehicles. Under the terms of the contract, which
is conditional on the formal approval of the Swedish government before it comes into effect, the
vehicles will be delivered between 2011 and 2013. Under current plans the initial operating
capability (IOC) for the battalion will be January 2014.
Switzerland ‐ 40 PIRANHA/TOW tank destroyers have been converted into armoured ambulances,
and another 160 are to be converted into protected command vehicles with redeliveries in 2008‐
2011. 12 surplus Pz87 MBTs are to be converted into KODIAK armoured engineer vehicles, for
delivery starting in 2009. An additional 26 PIRANHA IIICs are on order as battlefield management
and communication vehicles, with deliveries in 2010‐2011. A first batch of Protected Personnel
Transport Vehicles based on MOWAG DURO IIIP chassis are on order. 12 NBC Reconnaissance
Vehicles and as many NBC detection vehicles (DURO IIIP chassis) are on also order.
Thailand – 6 Nexter CAESAR truck‐mounted 155mm howitzers are on order.
United Arab Emirates – Deliveries of 32 FUCHS NBC reconnaissance vehicles started in mid‐2007 and
will be completed in 2009. An order was placed in January 2008 for an unspecified number of Patria

AMV 8×8 AFVs.
United Kingdom – The CHALLENGER MBTs in the active inventory are to be converted to the NATOstandard
120mm smooth‐bore gun. A new Engineer Tank Systems family on CHALLENGER chassis,
including the TITAN armoured bridgelayer and the TROJAN obstacle/mine clearance vehicle, is now
in service with deliveries of 33 + 33 vehicles completed in 2008. A total of 65 TERRIER armoured
combat engineer vehicles are being developed, starting with a first batch of 20 vehicles to be in
service from 2008. A new family of light, medium and heavy AFVs is to be developed under the FRES
(Future Rapid Effect System) programme.
The UK Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organisation is expected to soon issue the invitation
to tender (ITT) for the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP), with contract award due
early in 2010.
The ITT, however, will be issued only to BAE Systems Global Combat Systems (which is the current
design authority for the Warrior) and Lockheed Martin INSYS out of an original 6 contenders.
Under this programme the Warrior infantry combat vehicle will be upgraded in a number of key
areas to enable it to remain effective until its out‐of service date of 2035.
Under WCSP, the vehicle will be upgraded in a number of key areas. This includes the Warrior
Lethality Improvement Programme, The Warrior Enhanced Electronic Architecture, Warrior Modular
Protection System and the Armoured Battlegroup Support Vehicle initiatives.

U.K. AFV SUMMARY

• A total of 386 Challenger 2 MBTs were built with final deliveries being made in 2002.The
current planned out‐of‐service date (OSD) of the Challenger 2 is 2035.
• A total of 81 Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicles were supplied to the British
Army and under current plans the OSD is 2040.
• A total of 331 Scimitar vehicles are in service. The current planned OSD of the Scimitar is
now 2020.
• In order to meet the Warthog UOR in December 2008, the UK awarded Singapore
Technologies Kinetics (STK) a contract worth £150 million for the supply of more than 100
Bronco all terrain tracked carriers (ATTC).The first Bronco ATTC will be delivered to the UK
late in September 2009 with the majority of the vehicles being delivered by the end of 2010.
These will replace the Viking and will be known as Warthog in British service.
• The British Army took delivery of 664 GKN Defence Saxon 4×4 vehicles with most of these
being in the APC configuration. Today only 147 remain in service and these are all expected
to be out of service by 2012.
• In 1999, the U.K. started a programme called the Future Command and Liaison Vehicle and
in July 2003, the Italian IVECO light multi‐role vehicle (LMV) was selected for this
requirement. The LMV was subsequently called Panther by the UK. The production contract

was awarded in late 2003 for a total of 401 vehicles with final deliveries due later this year.
• The Warrior IFV was originally designed and built by GKN Defence. A total of 789 Warrior
IFVs and variants were built with final deliveries made in early 1995; the planned OSD is
currently 2035.
• The British Army still has 1,490 FV432 Mk 2 vehicles and variants and, of these, 900 are
being upgraded to the FV432 Mk 3 Bulldog standard. Under current plans, the UK will only
retain the 900 FV432 Mk 3 Bulldog vehicles in service with a projected OSD of 2030 – all
others are due to be phased out in 2009.
• A total of 991 Snatch Land Rovers were built and 645 remain in service. These are to be
replaced by the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV). Around 400 are expected to be
procured, with selection due within 12 months and the first vehicles to be delivered in 2011.
• 147 Saxon 4×4 vehicles remain in service, but these are all expected to be out of service by
2012.
• A total of 157 Ridgback protected patrol vehicles based on the Cougar have been ordered
from Force Protection.
• The UK has already taken delivery of a total of 108 Force Protection Mastiff 1 HPPVs in two
versions. In 2008 an additional 174 Mastiff 2 were ordered to an enhanced and improved
design.
• The U.K. requirement for a Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV) will have a contract value of £350
million.
• The Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) will be a medium force AFV, intended to replace the
Scimitar in the reconnaissance role, as well as older vehicles, such as FV432. Up to 2,000
vehicles may be procured, with a potential in‐service date of 2012. FRES‐Scout now has
priority over FRES‐UV ‐ the utility variant. An invitation to tender is expected in September
2009.

U.S.A.
The US Army announced on the 11th June that it is beginning work on a new Ground Combat Vehicle
(GCV) effort that will reflect lessons from theatre and new technology. In the wake of Secretary of
Defense Robert Gates’ decision in April to cancel the manned ground vehicle portion of the Future
Combat Systems (FCS) modernisation programme, the army is commencing work on a new vehicle
development effort that started with a workshop in Washington DC, on the 15th June.
According to the army announcement, a so‐called ‘blue ribbon panel’ oversaw the seminar, which
was intended to bring together various “knowledgeable individuals to offer information and
opinions on a way ahead” for developing the vehicles. The panel – consisting of army and Pentagon
leaders – allowed “interested

It will make a recommendation to senior army officials on the requirements for a new GCV “at a
later date.” GCV is likely to be a massive programme as it must fill the void of the US$87 billion FCS
manned ground vehicle effort that would have delivered a networked family of tracked combat
systems.
Ultimately recommendations from the workshop will help inform Army Training and Doctrine
Command’s (TRADOC’s) continuing work on operational requirements for the GCV. TRADOC is
expected to finish a concept design for the vehicles in early September. Gates recommended
terminating development of FCS’s manned ground vehicles in part because he felt the lighter armour
and hull structure did not adequately reflect lessons gleaned from theatre about protecting troops
and platforms against roadside bombs.
The M113 armoured personnel carrier (APC) was originally developed to meet the requirements of
the US Army, with the first production vehicles rolling off the San Jose production line as far back as
1960. To date, more than 80,000 M113‐series vehicles have been built or licensed to be built by BAE
Systems Ground Systems for home and export markets.
The last new build of M113 vehicles took place in 1998, but the company continues to convert old
configurations to new, add modern technology and overhaul the vehicle to bring it up to an as‐new
condition. Although a number of countries are now replacing or supplementing their M113‐series
vehicles with more recent designs – often wheeled APCs – the M113 and its many variants are still
used by over 50 countries and are expected to remain in service for many years to come.
Since the end of the Cold War, over 5,500 M113‐serires vehicles have been exported by a number of
countries including Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the US. Against this background a
number of contractors around the world are now offering upgrades to the M113 and its many
variants. Some of these concentrate on automotive aspects while others also include enhancements
to firepower and survivability. While the now BAE Systems Ground Systems is the Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), a number of other contractors around the world also offer M113
upgrades.
Production of the M2/M3 BRADLEY Infantry Fighting Vehicle/Cavalry Fighting Vehicle has since been
completed at a total of 6,720 vehicles, including 400 M2s for Saudi Arabia. The A3 upgrade
programme includes a range of modifications mostly aimed at improving the vehicles ability to
operate on a digital battlefield, including most notably the Improved BRADLEY Acquisition System
(IBAS) for the TOW missile, the Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV), the Driver’s
Vision Enhancer and more capable computers as part of the US Army’s Force XXI Battle Command,
Brigade and Below (FBCB2) initiative.

HEAVY AFV/IFV UPGRADES
Israeli operational experience in southern Lebanon since the 1980s led to the requirement for a
better‐protected vehicle than the BAE Systems US Combat Systems M113 APC, which is used in large
numbers by the IDF. This resulted in the development and fielding of a number of heavy APCs with a
high level of anti‐tank mine and direct‐fire weapons protection. These included the Nagmashot
(understood to be no longer in service), Nakpadon and Nagmachon, the latter two being based on a
much‐modified Centurion MBT chassis. Strictly speaking, these are specialist APCs as opposed to the

more recently developed HIFVs.
The IDF also deploys the Puma combat engineer APC, which can be fitted with front‐mounted mineclearing
devices or a dozer blade. Israel captured large quantities of Russian T‐54/T‐55 MBTs in the
1960s and ‘70s and it is estimated that 400‐50 of them have since been converted into Achzarit
variants. Israel has recently introduced into service the Namer HIFV, which gives a step change in
capability as, unlike all earlier IDF vehicles, it is a new‐build rather than a conversion of an obsolete
MBT chassis. Namer has a combat weight of 62 tonnes and a high level of protection courtesy of an
advanced modular armour system.
In 2008, Yugoimport of Serbia unveiled a new HIFV called Munja (Lightning), which it has developed
to prototype stage. This was intended to meet potential user requirements for a vehicle with a
higher level of protection than Serbia’s existing APCs. The Munja prototype is based on a surplus
Russian‐designed T‐55 MBT chassis.
Early in 2008 the UAE awarded Belgium’s Sabiex a EUR12 million (US$16 million) contract to build
the prototype of a new HIFV based on components of the surplus OF‐40 MBTs. The first vehicle was
completed in Belgium and subsequently went to the UAE for trials, but as yet work has not started
on converting the remaining OF‐40s and ARVs to the HIFV configuration.
Ukraine has continued to develop and manufacture an increasing number of tracked and, more
recently, wheeled AFVs. It has also developed to the prototype stage a number of HIFVs based on a
much modified MBRT chassis, but