RT reported on coverage in Der Spiegel on Dec. 17, in which Germany’s Puma armored infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) have completely broken down during the testing phase. These vehicles were significant because they were intended to be part of Germany’s contribution to the NATO Rapid Reaction Force. (https://www.rt.com/news/568453-germany-puma-vehicle-problems/ )
The Puma ("Schützenpanzer") was designed to replace the aging Marder IFVs that were in service some years ago. Mass production began in July 2009, and in December 2020, some 350 Pumas replaced the Marders, and full operational readiness is expected by the end of 2024.
Citing an internal Bundeswehr document “from Maj. Gen. Ruprecht von Butler, commander of the 10th Armored Division, which said that all of the 18 vehicles that participated in the exercise had become inoperable. He described their performance as ‘a total failure.’” Reportedly, a fire started in one of the turrets because of electrical issues, and after an hour and a half, all 18 vehicles failed to function.
“Due to its numerous problems, the Puma armored vehicle was previously dubbed ‘Pannenpanzer,’ or ‘breakdown tank,’ by German media,” wrote RT.
Von Butler also said that whether or not the Puma would function became “a lottery,” causing “additional stress on the troops.”
Despite shortages of weapons and ammunition, Germany is still attempting to send arms to Ukraine. RT wrote: “Der Spiegel had earlier reported that Germany does not have enough artillery and air-defense systems to contribute to NATO’s battalion-sized multinational unit, stationed in Lithuania.” (https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/schuetzenpanzer-puma-einsatzbereitschaft-wird-zum-lotteriespiel-general-schreibt-brandmail-a-255d0428-ba15-4664-aa79-4868ba86ca2c )
