Germany Conducts First Airlift of Puma Armored Vehicle with A400M

The German Bundeswehr achieved a notable milestone in its logistics and transport capabilities: the first successful airlift of the Schützenpanzer Puma infantry fighting vehicle aboard an Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. This operation, conducted by Lufttransportgeschwader 62 (LTG 62), marked the heaviest single-vehicle load ever transported by the A400M, with the Puma weighing over 30 tons in its airlift configuration.

Puma IFV. Rheinmetall

The Puma was originally designed with air transport in mind, specifically for compatibility with the A400M. However, its operational weight has increased over time to approximately 43 tons due to additional armor and systems. To meet the A400M’s payload constraints, the vehicle underwent a detailed disassembly process to reduce its weight below the 32-ton threshold required for air transport. This involved removing modular armor components and other heavy systems, a process that was carefully planned and executed over several days.

Puma IFV loaded into A400. Bundeswehr / Julia Dahlmann

Preparations for the airlift began in mid-2024, involving simulations and coordination among multiple stakeholders, including the German Air Force, Army, the Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), and the Puma’s manufacturers. The operation required custom-built load distribution pallets and precise calculations to ensure the vehicle’s weight was evenly distributed across the aircraft’s cargo hold. Notably, the Puma’s asymmetrical weight—being roughly one ton heavier on one side—posed an additional challenge for load balancing.

The loading procedure itself was conducted with caution. The Puma was winched into the aircraft using the A400M’s onboard system, avoiding any risk of damage to the aircraft’s structure. Stabilizer struts were deployed to maintain the aircraft’s balance during the process. Once inside, the vehicle was secured using heavy-duty chains, with careful attention paid to the limited number of anchoring points on both the Puma and the aircraft. Ensuring the vehicle was immobile during flight was critical to prevent any shift in weight that could compromise safety.

The subsequent test flight was described as uneventful, which in this context signified success. The A400M handled the load without issue, and the procedures developed during this operation are expected to inform future deployments. According to LTG 62, the entire loading process could potentially be completed in approximately two hours by two loadmasters and a tank driver, suggesting a feasible timeline for operational use.

This development has implications for the Bundeswehr’s strategic mobility. Traditionally, heavy armored vehicles like the Puma have been transported via rail, ship, or heavy-duty road vehicles. Air transport offers a faster alternative, particularly in scenarios where infrastructure is compromised or rapid deployment is essential. However, the need to disassemble and reassemble the vehicle for air transport introduces logistical complexity and time constraints that may limit the practicality of this method in certain operational contexts.

The successful airlift also reflects broader trends in military procurement and capability development. The Puma’s design, which incorporates modular armor and advanced systems, was influenced by requirements for versatility and deployability. Yet, these same features have contributed to increased weight and complexity, necessitating adaptations for air transport. The operation underscores the trade-offs inherent in designing multi-role combat vehicles that must meet diverse operational demands while remaining compatible with existing transport infrastructure.

Looking ahead, further evaluations and tests are planned to refine the procedures and assess the long-term viability of airlifting the Puma. The final authorization for routine use of this capability will depend on data collected during these trials and subsequent assessments by BAAINBw. While the current configuration allows for air transport in a reduced protection state, transporting the Puma in its full combat configuration would require multiple aircraft, raising questions about efficiency and resource allocation.

The first airlift of the Schützenpanzer Puma aboard an A400M represents a technical achievement and a step forward in operational flexibility for the German military. It highlights both the possibilities and limitations of integrating heavy armored vehicles into rapid deployment strategies, and sets the stage for continued evaluation of how best to balance protection, mobility, and logistical feasibility in future operations.