After the Leopard 2A6 tank, the German-made Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicle suffered damage on the Ukrainian battlefield.
The international press has published images of a German-made Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) destroyed in Ukraine. This is the first damage recorded for this IFV line.
There is still no exact information on how the Marder was destroyed. Observing from the outside, the vehicle was burned down, but according to the crew’s announcement, there were no casualties, showing the reliability of the German-made vehicle. According to many different explanations, the above Marder 1A3 IFV could have been directly destroyed by an anti-tank missile system, or run over a mine, causing damage and then being “finished” by other weapons.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces received Marder 1A3 IFVs earlier this year. They were delivered the first 20 units in March 2023 after Rheinmetall Defense Industrial Group completed the refurbishment. A further delivery was made in June 2023. Now that information about the third delivery has been released, it is expected that 40 refurbished combat vehicles will be available in Ukraine by the end of this year.
The Marder 1A3 is a German armored vehicle designed to support and transport infantry. It is an upgraded version of the original 1A1 and 1A2 models. Production of the Marder 1A3 began in the late 1980s and continued until the early 1990s. Currently, the Marder 1A3s have been retired by the German Army to be replaced by the much more advanced Lynx. The armored vehicles donated to Ukraine are 2hands, only undergoing refurbishment without upgrading.
The Marder 1A3 IFV has several notable technical characteristics. It has a crew of three, including a driver, a commander, and a gunner. The vehicle weighs around 35 tons and has a length of approximately 6.9 meters. It is powered by a 600 horsepower engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 65 kilometers per hour [40 mph] on roads and 40 kilometers per hour [25 mph] off-road. The Marder 1A3 is equipped with advanced suspension systems, providing enhanced mobility and maneuverability.
The Marder 1A3 IFV features a 20mm autocannon as its primary weapon. It is capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds and high-explosive rounds. Additionally, it is equipped with a coaxial machine gun and anti-aircraft machine guns for self-defense purposes. The vehicle also has six smoke grenade launchers, which can be used to create smoke screens for concealment or to provide cover during combat operations.
The Marder 1A3 IFV plays a crucial role on the combat field as an infantry support vehicle. Its primary function is to transport infantry troops to the battlefield and provide them with fire support. The vehicle’s powerful armament and advanced mobility allow it to engage enemy targets effectively and protect the infantry soldiers it carries. The Marder 1A3 is also equipped with advanced communication systems, enabling coordination with other units on the battlefield. Overall, the Marder 1A3 IFV is a versatile and reliable asset that enhances the combat capabilities of infantry forces.
