PUMA Infantry Fighting Vehicle

-

 

Photo Credit: RHEINMETALL

General Concept

  • Combines high mobility with maximum protection and firepower
  • Flexible response at any time, location, and intensity

Key Capabilities

  • Optimum protection for crew survivability
  • Armament for escalation and de-escalation
  • Rapid global deployability and tactical mobility
  • Network-centric warfare capability
  • Sustainability under worldwide climatic conditions
  • Built-in test equipment
  • Integrated training system

Crew Survivability

  • Protection against symmetric and asymmetric threats
  • Operates in conflicts of all intensity levels
  • Supports escalation and de-escalation options
  • Rapid global deployments under multinational command

Global Mission Readiness

  • Designed for long-distance missions under worldwide conditions
  • Endurance for long mission times
  • Operates even with inadequate infrastructure

Protection

  • Best combined protection against mines, IEDs, shaped charges, KE ammunition, and NBC weapons
  • Active softkill system against guided missiles
  • Advanced optical and optronic vision for reconnaissance and quick threat response

Firepower

  • Stabilised 30 mm MK30-2/ABM automatic cannon
  • Time-fuse ammunition for varied threats
  • Hunter-Killer functionality for multiple target engagement
  • Secondary armament: MG4 (5.56 mm)
  • Guided missile system: SPIKE LR (EuroSpike)

Mobility

  • Air-transportable by A400M aircraft
  • Power-to-weight ratio: up to 25 kW/t
  • Decoupled hydropneumatic running gear
  • Mobility comparable to modern main battle tanks

Command & Control (C4I)

  • Standardised interfaces for system integration
  • Compatible with combined arms operations
  • Integrated communications concept
  • Contiguous crew compartment for maximum situational awareness

Reliability

  • Built to German and international standards
  • High quality and maximum reliability
  • Redundant design and degraded modes ensure readiness

Ergonomics

  • Simple operation
  • Decoupled running gear
  • Air-conditioned interior
  • Innovative seating concept for endurance in sustained operations

Training Equipment

  • Integrated training system for practice and mission simulation
  • Wide range of training aids to ensure high skill levels

Mission Logistics

  • Built-in test equipment for fault detection and quick remedial action
  • Mission Support Kits and Through Life Support provided by industry

Innovation Cycles

  • Shorter technological innovation cycles without reducing service life or altering doctrines

Modularity

  • Flexible adaptation to different missions and threats
  • Integration of latest communication and battlefield management systems
  • Future-proof design with state-of-the-art technologies

Flexibility

  • Standardised interfaces (CAN-bus) for easy integration of government-furnished equipment
  • Adaptable to new requirements

Growth Potential

  • Crew compartment and weight range (31.5–43 tons) allow integration of future technologies
  • Ideal platform for further combat vehicle variants

Performance Data

  • Weight (Air-transportable): 31.45 t
  • Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): 43.0 t
  • Dimensions: 7.6 m (L) × 3.9 m (W) × 3.6 m (H)
  • Ground clearance: 0.45 m
  • Step climb / Gap crossing: 0.8 m / 2.5 m
  • Fording depth: 1.2 m (without preparation)
  • Engine power: 800 kW
  • Specific power-to-weight ratio: up to 25 kW/t
  • Maximum speed: 70 km/h forward / 30 km/h reverse
  • Crew: 9 (6 + 3)
  • Chassis: decoupled running gear
  • Turret: unmanned, remote-controlled
  • Main armament rounds: 200 ready + 200 stowed
  • Secondary armament rounds: 1000 ready + 1000 stowed

Sensor Systems (Optronics & Situational Awareness)

  • 360° Surveillance: Multiple wide-angle, uncooled thermal cameras provide all-around vision for driver, gunner, and commander. Protected sliding armor panels enhance survivability.

  • Commander's Mast: Equipped with infrared and night vision for superior target acquisition.

  • Redundancy: If primary cameras are damaged, the gunner can rely on the commander’s unit to maintain operational capability.

  • Navigation: Integrated Honeywell Talin 500 navigation system and Rockwell Collins ERGR GPS for precise positioning.

Fire Control & Sighting System

PERI RTWL (Commander’s Periscope)

  • Provides 360° observation capability.

  • Equipped with two-axis stabilization for steady vision.

  • Used by the commander to scan and designate targets independently.

WAO (Gunner’s Sight)

  • Primary sight for the gunner.

  • Integrated with a thermal imager for day/night operations.

  • Includes a TV camera for visual identification.

  • Features a laser rangefinder for precise target distance measurement.

Stabilization

  • Both weapon and sensor systems are fully stabilized.

  • Ensures accurate firing while the vehicle is moving.

Shooting Sensor Functions

  • Laser Rangefinder: Measures target distance with high precision.

  • Thermal Imager: Enables effective engagement in low visibility, day or night.

  • TV Camera: Supports clear target identification with visual imagery.

System Integration

  • All sensors are connected to the Puma IFV’s digital fire control system.

  • Fire control system manages ballistic calculations for the MK30-2/ABM 30mm cannon.

  • Provides hunter-killer capability:

    • Commander can search for new targets.

    • Gunner can simultaneously engage the current locked target.

Protection Systems (Armor & Countermeasures)

  • Modular Armor: Configurable in Levels A, B, and C. Level C adds flank modules for protection against 30mm rounds and anti-tank weapons, while frontal armor withstands 120/125mm rounds.

  • MUSS (Soft-Kill APS): Detects incoming missiles or lasers and counters them using infrared jamming and smoke grenades, disrupting guidance systems such as laser beam riding and SACLOS.

  • IR Signature Reduction: Special paint reduces thermal visibility to enemy sensors.

  • NBC Protection: NBC-proof cabin with internal sensors to detect chemical and nuclear threats.

  • Mine Protection: Crew equipment and seats are decoupled from the floor to increase survivability against under-vehicle blasts.

  • Fire Suppression: Non-toxic agent fire suppression system installed in both crew and engine compartments.

Puma S1 IFV Upgrade

Photo Credit: HENSOLDT

MUSS 2.0 Enhancements: 


Reduced SWaP: Smaller, lighter design (under 60 kg total) for broader vehicle integration. 

Advanced Software: Improved threat detection, classification, and autonomous response. 

Multi-Threat 
Capability: Detects, tracks, and combats multiple threats simultaneously with prioritization. 

Future-Proof: Modular design allowing integration of hard-kill effectors. 

Benefits: 

Reduced Detectability: Passive sensors avoid revealing the vehicle's position. 

Minimised Collateral Damage: Neutralizes threats at range, reducing risk to surrounding areas. 

High Protection: Achieves significant protection against ATGMs and laser threats, exceeding what passive armor alone offers. 

Threats Detected: Laser-guided missiles (ATGM). Laser beams (rangefinders, etc.). Tracer bullets. Muzzle flashes.

New UAV Detection System

  • The Puma S1 Infantry Fighting Vehicle was showcased with the DedroneSensor RF-300, an American-made passive UAV detector.

  • This system can detect, classify, and track up to nine drones simultaneously, including commercial UAVs and remote-control signals.

  • It provides flight path mapping and can locate both the UAV and its operator, identifying “hot spots” of drone activity.

  • The sensor is mounted on the unmanned turret, positioned next to the MUSS 2.0 Jammer Head from Hensoldt.

Reconnaissance Enhancements

  • Puma S1 will integrate Black Hornet Nano-UAVs and AR100-C Micro UAVs for close-range reconnaissance.

  • These drones provide real-time battlefield awareness and extend the vehicle’s surveillance capabilities.

Popular News

AIM-260 Enters Production: Could This U.S. Missile Outclass China’s PL-15

-
Image
The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is poised to enter production, marking a new chapter in the evolution of air-to-air warfare. After years of secrecy and speculation, the U.S. Department of Defense has publicly requested funding for the procurement of the AIM-260A in its Fiscal Year 2026 budget—a move that signals the missile’s transition from development to operational readiness. A Missile Born of Strategic Necessity The AIM-260 program began in 2017, driven by the need to counter emerging threats, particularly China’s PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile. The PL-15, equipped with a dual-pulse rocket motor and advanced guidance systems, posed a serious challenge to U.S. air dominance. In response, the U.S. Air Force and Navy initiated the JATM program to develop a missile that could not only match but exceed the capabilities of the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the current workhorse of American air-to-air engagements. Budget Breakdown and Production Plans For the first time, the U.S...
Read more »

Denmark Confirms Permanent Acquisition of NASAMS, IRIS-T, MICA and SAMP/T Air Defence Systems

-
Image
The Danish Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its interim solution for short and medium-range air defence will now be converted into a permanent capability, marking a significant step in strengthening the nation’s integrated air defence architecture. The acquisition includes two NASAMS batteries from Kongsberg, two IRIS-T SLM systems from Diehl, and two VL MICA systems from MBDA, ensuring a layered and versatile shield against aerial threats. In addition, Denmark will procure two long-range SAMP/T systems from MBDA, further enhancing its ability to counter high-end threats and contribute to NATO’s collective defence posture. NASAMS. Photo: kongsberg.com IRIS-T SLM. Photo: hensoldt.net VL MICA. Photo: mbda-systems.com SAMP/T The decision to move from leased or temporary arrangements to permanent acquisitions underscores Copenhagen’s commitment to building a robust and sovereign air defence capability. NASAMS, already widely deployed among NATO allies, will provide Denm...
Read more »

L3Harris Advances MK-48 Torpedo Tech with New Fiber-Optic Cable for U.S. Navy

-
Image
L3Harris Technologies has successfully passed a critical milestone in the development of its advanced fiber-optic torpedo cable system, known as the Improved Post-Launch Communications System (IPLCS). This achievement, marked by the completion of the Proof of Design (POD) phase, signals a significant leap forward in undersea warfare capabilities for allied naval forces. The IPLCS is now poised to enter full-scale production, ready to be deployed by both the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. Photo: l3harris.com The IPLCS represents a transformative upgrade over legacy copper wire systems traditionally used to guide torpedoes. By replacing outdated copper cables with ultra-thin fiber-optic lines—comparable in thickness to a 20-pound fishing line—L3Harris has introduced a solution that is exponentially more capable. Despite its slender profile, the fiber-optic cable offers thousands of times more bandwidth, vastly improved reliability, and extended communication range. Th...
Read more »

BOXER Skyranger30

-
Image
  Photo Credit: RHEINMETALL Overview Highly mobile air defence system designed to counter drones and aerial threats. Integrates active search and passive tracking sensors. Equipped with both gun and missiles for autonomous engagement. Special focus on small uncrewed aerial targets. Capable of defeating agile single or swarming threats performing loiter, pop-up, or dive attacks. Provides a lethal, mobile, and protected wheeled air defence platform. Main Features Highly mobile air defence system adopted by NATO countries. Latest development focusing on small aerial targets. High protection combined with superior mobility. Firepower: 30mm Oerlikon Revolver Cannon KCE-ABM and VSHORAD missiles (MISTRAL/Stinger). Simple handling and maintenance. Dimensions Length: up to 8,000 mm Width: <3,000 mm Height: <3,950 mm Combat weight: <39.5 t Performance Top speed (paved roads): >65 km/h Gradeability: 60% Side slope: 30% Trench crossing: 2,000 mm Verti...
Read more »

HENSOLDT ARGOS‑8

-
Image
HENSOLDT ARGOS‑8 Specifications Photo Credit: HENSOLDT System Overview 8” class airborne electro‑optical system for ISR (observation) and ISTAR (targeting) Designed for Group‑2 & Group‑3 UAVs Mechanically stabilized EOS with 3 sensors Day/night operation, target range finding & designation via semi‑active laser Integral INS for geo‑location STANAG‑compliant video metadata Digital video stabilization in ISR mode Features & Benefits SWaP optimized targeting solution Day/night imaging with laser range finding Target laser designation Software‑controlled laser no‑firing zones Integral INS for geo‑pointing & geo‑location Moving target engagement with video auto‑tracker STANAG‑compliant video metadata Picture‑in‑Picture video display Mission planning, operational & debrief software Ease of integration ITAR Free Interfaces Communication Control & video: Ethernet or RS‑422 Full HD video over Ethernet 100 BaseT INS Aircraft GPS antenna ×2...
Read more »