Germany recently commissioned Rheinmetall to supply additional infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, a vital step in fortifying the latter’s defense capabilities.

In a significant move aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities, the German government has officially commissioned Rheinmetall, a renowned defense contractor, to supply an additional 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). This high-stakes contract, worth a substantial double-digit million-euro amount, was awarded to Rheinmetall last month.

This latest order builds upon Germany’s commitment to support Ukraine’s defense efforts after the initial batch of 20 Marder IFVs delivered earlier this year. Furthermore, in June, an additional 20 Rheinmetall IFVs were contracted, currently undergoing thorough overhauls in preparation for delivery.

Rheinmetall’s Remarkable Overhaul Efforts

The Marder IFVs made available to Ukraine are no ordinary vehicles; they are overhauled Marder 1A3 systems formerly utilized by the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr. As early as spring 2022, Rheinmetall embarked on an ambitious mission to restore these infantry fighting vehicles to a state of immediate combat readiness, entirely at their own expense.