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{{Short description|German infantry fighting vehicle}}
{{Infobox Weapon
{{About|the West German IFV|the German WWII era tank destroyers of the same name|Marder I|and|Marder II|and|Marder III}}
|name=Marder 1
{{More footnotes needed|date=April 2010}}
|image=[[Image:Marder1A3.6.jpg|300px]]
{{Infobox weapon
|caption=A Marder IFV
| name = Schützenpanzer Marder 1
|origin={{flag|West Germany}}
| image = ILÜ der Bundeswehr am 24.09.2012 -- Marder AT (cropped).jpg
|type=[[Infantry fighting vehicle]]
| image_size = 300
<!-- Type selection -->
| caption = A Marder 1 in 2012.
|is_ranged=
| origin = [[West Germany]]
|is_bladed=
| type = [[Infantry fighting vehicle]]
|is_explosive=
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged =
|is_artillery=
| is_bladed =
|is_vehicle=yes
| is_explosive =
|is_missile=
| is_artillery =
|is_UK=
| is_vehicle = yes
<!-- Service history -->
| is_missile =
|service=1971–present
| is_UK = <!-- Service history -->
|used_by=[[Bundeswehr]]
| service = 1971–present
|wars=
| used_by = [[Bundeswehr]]
<!-- Production history -->
| wars = [[Kosovo War]]
|designer= [[Rheinmetall|Rheinmetall Landsysteme]]
*[[Prizren incident (1999)]]
|design_date= [[May 7]], [[1971]]
[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]]<br />[[Russo-Ukrainian war]]
|manufacturer= Rheinmetall Landsysteme
<!-- Production history -->| designer = [[Rheinmetall|Rheinmetall Landsysteme]]
|unit_cost=
| design_date = 1959–1969
|production_date=
| manufacturer = Rheinmetall Landsysteme<br />Maschinenbau Kiel
|number=
| unit_cost = $390,000 (1975)
|variants=
| production_date = 1969–1975
<!-- General specifications -->
| number = 2,137 (incl. Marder 2 prototype)
|spec_label=
| variants = <!-- General specifications -->
|weight=28.5 [[Metric ton|t]] (Marder 1)<br/> 30.0 t (Marder 1A1)<br/> 33.5 t (Marder 1A3)
|length=6.79 m (Marder 1, Marder 1A1)<br/> 6.88 m (Marder 1A3)
| spec_label = Marder 1
| weight = {{convert|28.5|MT|ST|abbr=on}} Marder 1A1/A2 <br />
|part_length=
{{convert|33.5|MT|ST|abbr=on}} Marder 1A3 <br />
|width=3.24 m (Marder 1, Marder 1A1)<br/> 3.38 m (Marder 1A3)
{{convert|37.4|MT|ST|abbr=on}} Marder 1A5
|height=2.98 m (Marder 1, Marder 1A1)<br/> 3.015 m (Marder 1A3)
| length = {{convert|6.79|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|diameter=
| part_length =
|crew=3+7 (Marder 1)<br/> 3 + 5–6 (Marder 1A1, Marder 1A3)
| width = {{convert|3.24|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| height = {{convert|2.98|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|armour=Welded steel, protection up to 20 mm APDS DM43 from 0 m and 25 mm APDS from 200 m<br/> Marder 1A3 onwards—spaced welded steel up to 30 mm APDS
| diameter =
|primary_armament=20 mm [[Rheinmetall]] [[Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh202|MK 20 Rh 202]] automatic cannon<br/> [[MILAN]] [[ATGM]] launcher
| crew = 3 crew + 6 passengers (prior to MILAN: 3+7)
|secondary_armament=7.62 mm [[Rheinmetall MG3|MG3]] machine gun
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->| armour = Welded steel, protection up to 20 mm APDS DM43 from 0 m and 25 mm APDS from {{convert|200|m|yd|abbr=on}}
|engine=[[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] MB 833 Ea-500 [[diesel engine]]
| primary_armament = 20 mm [[Rheinmetall]] [[Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh202|MK 20 Rh 202]] automatic cannon<br />1,250 rounds<br /> [[MILAN]] [[ATGM]] launcher
|engine_power=600 hp (441 kW)
| secondary_armament = 7.62 mm [[Rheinmetall MG3|MG3]] machine gun<br />5,000 rounds
|pw_ratio=
| engine = [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] MB 833 Ea-500 [[diesel engine]]
|transmission=RENK HSWL 194
| engine_power = {{convert|441|kW|hp|abbr=on}}
|payload_capacity=
| pw_ratio = {{convert|21.1|hp/t|kW/t|abbr=on|disp=flip}}
|suspension=Torsion bar
| transmission = RENK HSWL 194
|clearance=0.45 m (Marder 1, Marder 1A3)<br/> 0.44 m (Marder 1A1)
| payload_capacity =
|wingspan=
| suspension = Torsion bar
|propellant=
| clearance = {{convert|0.45|m|in|abbr=on}}
|fuel_capacity=652 [[Litre|l]]
| wingspan =
|vehicle_range=520 km (Marder 1, Marder 1A1)<br/> 500 km (Marder 1A3)
| propellant =
|ceiling=
| fuel_capacity = {{convert|652|L|abbr=on}}
|altitude=
| vehicle_range = 520 km
|boost=
| ceiling =
|speed=75 [[Kilometres per hour|km/h]] (Marder 1, Marder 1A1)<br/> 65 km/h (Marder 1A3)
| altitude =
|guidance=
| boost =
|steering=
| speed = {{convert|75|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}Marder 1A2 {{convert|65|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} Marder 1A3
|accuracy=
| guidance =
|launch_platform=
| steering =
|transport=
| accuracy =
| launch_platform =
| transport =
}}
}}
The '''Schützenpanzer Marder 1''' ({{IPA|de|ˈʃʏt͜sn̩ˌpant͜sɐ ˈmaʁdɐ ˈaɪ̯ns}}; ''"[[Schützen (military)|Schützen]]" carrying [[Armoured fighting vehicle|"Armour"-ed fighting vehicle]] "[[Marten]] 1"'') is a tracked German [[infantry fighting vehicle]] designed for use with the West German [[Panzergrenadier]]e units, [[mechanized infantry]] specialized for [[IFV]] combat. It has been operated by the [[German Army]] as the main [[Panzergrenadier]]e IFV since the 1970s through to the present day. Developed as part of the rebuilding of [[West Germany]]'s [[armoured fighting vehicle]] industry, the Marder has proven to be a successful and solid [[infantry fighting vehicle]] design.


The '''Marder''' (German for "[[marten]]") is a [[Germany|German]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]] operated by the [[German Army]] as the main weapon of the [[Panzergrenadier]]e (mechanized infantry) from the 1970s through the present day. Developed as part of the rebuilding of [[Germany]]'s [[armoured fighting vehicle]] industry, the Marder has proven to be a successful and solid [[infantry fighting vehicle]] design. While it does include a few unique features, such as the fully remote machine gun on the rear deck, it is overall a simple and conventional machine with rear exit hatch and side gun ports for mounted infantry to fire through. Its successor, the [[Puma (IFV)|Puma]], is under development.
While it used to include a few unique features, such as a fully remote machine gun on the rear deck and gun ports on the sides for infantry to fire through, these features have been deleted or streamlined in later upgrade packages to bring it more in line with modern IFV design. The MG has been moved to be a coaxial, the gun ports entirely welded shut and uparmored. It is overall a simple and conventional machine with one large rear exit hatch and three top hatches for mounted infantry to fire from.


Around 2,100 were taken into service by the German Army in the early 1970s, but the vehicle in its German variant was not sold to any foreign militaries. As the German Army began to retire older vehicles, the Chilean government agreed to acquire 200 Marders; the government of Greece was negotiating for the purchase of 500 retired vehicles, but abandoned this in 2007 choosing to acquire Russian [[BMP-3]]s. Argentina uses a simplified and locally produced variant, the [[TAM (tank)#Variants|VTCP]], and has a number of vehicles based on that platform constructed by Henschel and build by TAMSE.
Around 2,100 were taken into service by the West German army in the early 1970s, but the vehicle in its German variant was not sold to any foreign militaries. As the West German Army began to retire older vehicles, the Chilean government agreed to acquire 200 Marders; the government of Greece has considered the purchase of 450 retired vehicles in the past. Argentina uses a simplified and locally produced variant, the [[TAM (tank)#Variants|VCTP]], and has a number of vehicles based on that platform constructed by Henschel and built by TAMSE.

The intended successor to the Marder 1 was initially the [[#Marder 2|Marder 2]] project in the 1990s, but after its cancellation the successor became the [[Puma (IFV)|Puma]] in the 2010s. The Marder is currently being replaced by the Puma.


==Development==
==Development==
[[File:Maschinenbau Kiel AG (MaK) übergibt ersten Schützenpanzer Marder an die Bundeswehr (Kiel 48.907).jpg|thumb|left|Maschinenbau Kiel AG (MaK) hands over the first Marder to the Bundeswehr in May 1971.]]


Development of the Marder ran from January 1960, when the first development contracts were issued, to [[7 May]] [[1971]], when the first production vehicles were given to the German army.
Development of the Marder ran from January 1960, when the first development contracts were issued, to May 1971, when the first production vehicles were given to the West German army.


The vehicle was intended to be an improvement over the [[Schützenpanzer Lang HS.30]]. The main requirements were:
The vehicle was intended to be an improvement over the [[Schützenpanzer Lang HS.30]]. The main requirements were:
* A capacity of 12 infantrymen.
* A capacity of 12 infantrymen.
* A more reliable 20 mm cannon.
* A more reliable 20&nbsp;mm cannon.
* The infantry must be able to fight from within the vehicle or dismounted.
* The infantry must be able to fight from within the vehicle or dismounted.
* Protection from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.
* Protection from [[Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear|nuclear, biological and chemical]] weapons.


Initially development contracts were awarded to two groups of companies the Rheinstahl group (Rheinstahl-[[Hanomag]], Ruhrstahl, Witten-Annen, Büro Warnecke) and the second group comprising Henschel Werke and the Swiss [[MOWAG]] company. This resulted in the production of seven prototype vehicles. A second set of eight prototype vehicles were built between 1961 and 1963. Development priority was then switched for a while to the development of the [[Jagdpanzer 90 mm Kanone]].
Initially, development contracts were awarded to two groups of companies: the Rheinstahl group (Rheinstahl-[[Hanomag]], Ruhrstahl, Witten-Annen, Büro Warnecke) and the second group comprising Henschel Werke and the Swiss [[MOWAG]] company. This resulted in the production of seven prototype vehicles. A second set of eight prototype vehicles were built between 1961 and 1963. Development priority was then switched for a while to the development of the [[Jagdpanzer 90 mm Kanone]].


In 1967, after military requirements were finalized, a third and final set of ten prototypes were built. Final development work was completed by the Rheinstahl group, and 10 pre-production vehicles were built and completed troop trials with the German army between October 1968 and March 1969. In May 1969, the vehicle was officially named the "Marder" and in October Rheinstahl was chosen as the prime contractor.
In 1967, after military requirements were finalized, a third and final set of ten prototypes were built. Final development work was completed by the Rheinstahl group. 10 pre-production vehicles were built and completed troop trials with the West German army between October 1968 and March 1969. In May 1969, the vehicle was named the "Marder" after the [[European pine marten]], an agile, short-legged, bushy-tailed, medium-sized carnivorous mammal in the weasel family. In October Rheinstahl was chosen as the prime contractor.
[[File:Marder 1 Climbing Steep Grade MaK 1971.jpg|thumb|left|Marder climbing a steep grade at the MaK factory.]]
The first production Marder was handed to the West German army in May 1971. Production of the vehicle continued until 1975, with 2,136 vehicles being completed.


In 1975, the [[MILAN]] anti-tank guided missile was adapted to be fired by the commander from his open hatch. Between 1977 and 1979 MILAN missiles were fitted to the Marders.
The first production Marder 1 was handed to the German army on [[7 May]] [[1971]]. Production of the vehicle continued until 1975, with 2,136 vehicles being completed.


A number of upgrade programs were carried out, that included fitting night vision equipment and a thermal imager, as well as an upgraded ammunition feed to the 20&nbsp;mm cannon.
In 1975 the [[Milan missile]] was first adapted to be fired by commander from his open hatch, and between 1977 and 1979 Milan missiles were fitted to army vehicles.


Around 1985, the designation was changed to Marder&nbsp;1 (until then it was simply Marder) since a follow-up IFV was under construction. The new vehicle was supposed to be the partner of the [[Leopard 2]], just like Marder was the companion to the Standardpanzer/[[Leopard 1]], it was named Marder&nbsp;2 and the older vehicles re-designated.
A number of upgrade programs were carried out, that included fitting night vision equipment and a thermal imager, as well as upgraded the ammunition feed to the 20 mm cannon.


The A3 upgrade program began in 1988. Thyssen-Henschel was awarded a contract to upgrade 2,100 Marder 1 A1/A2 series vehicles to A3 standard, at a rate of 220 a year. The first upgraded vehicles reached the West German army in November 1989. The modification package included:
Around 1985 the designation was changed to Marder-1 (until then it was simply Marder) since a follow-up IFV was under construction. Since the new vehicle should be the partner of the Leopard-II just like Marder was the companion to the Standardpanzer/Leopard I, it was named Marder-2 and the older vehicles re-designated.
* Improved armour, weighing 1,600&nbsp;kg, intended to protect against the 30&nbsp;mm 2A42 cannon on the Russian [[BMP-2]]. The armour provided additional protection against cluster bomblets.

* The hatches over the infantry compartment were rearranged.
The A3 upgrade program began in 1988, with Thyssen Henschel being awarded a contact to upgrade 2,100 Marder 1 A1/A2 series vehicles to A3 standard at a rate of 220 a year. The first upgraded vehicles reached the German army on [[17 November]] [[1989]]. The modification package included:
* The suspension was reinforced, a new braking system was installed, and the gearbox adjusted. The heating system was replaced with a water based heating system.
* Improved armour weighing 1,600 kg intended to protect against the 30 mm 2A42 cannon on the Russian [[BMP-2]]. The armour also provided additional protection against cluster bomblets.
* The turret was reconfigured.
* The hatches over the infantry compartment were re-arranged.
* The new total weight was 35,000&nbsp;kg.
* Suspension was reinforced, a new braking system was installed, the gearbox adjusted. The heating system was replaced with a water based heating system.
* Turret was reconfigured.
* Total weight is now 35,000 kg.


==Description==
==Description==
[[File:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F073486-0027, Manöver, Schützenpanzer Marder.jpg|thumb|A Marder on maneuvers in 1986.]]
[[Image:Marder1A3 Heck.jpg|right|thumb|A Marder 1A3 from the rear, with the ramp lowered]]
[[File:Marder1A3 Heck.jpg|thumb|A Marder 1A3 from the rear, with the ramp lowered]]
The hull of the Marder 1 is all welded steel, giving protection from small-arms fire and shell fragments with the front of the hull providing protection from up to 20 millimeters APDS rounds. Later variants had increased protection up to 30mm APDS, in response to the 30 mm autocannon armed [[BMP-2]] and the development of top attack cluster bomblets.
The hull of the Marder 1 is all welded steel, giving protection from small-arms fire and shell fragments. The front of the hull provided protection from up to 20&nbsp;mm [[armour-piercing discarding sabot]] (APDS) rounds. Later variants increased protection up to 30mm APDS, in response to the 30&nbsp;mm autocannon armed [[BMP-2]] and the development of top-attack cluster bomblets.


The Marder is a relatively conventional design, with the driver sitting at the front left side of the hull with the engine to his right. The driver has three day periscopes mounted in a hatch that opens to the right. The center periscope can be replaced by a passive night vision device. Behind the driver is a seat for a single infantry man. In early version of the Marder this infantry man had a hatch which opened to the right and a periscope that could be rotated through 360 degrees, this hatch was removed in the 1A3 variant onwards.
The Marder is a relatively conventional design, with the driver sitting at the front left side of the hull with the engine to the driver's right. The driver has three day periscopes mounted in a hatch that opens to the right. The center periscope can be replaced by a passive night vision device. Behind the driver is a seat for a single infantryman. In early versions of the Marder, this infantryman had a hatch that opened to the right and a periscope that could be rotated through 360 degrees. This hatch was removed in the 1A3 variant onwards.


In the center of the hull is the two man turret, which holds the commander on the right and the gunner on the left, both are provided with hatches. The commander has eight day periscopes for all round observation and the gunner has an additional three. The primary sighting system is the PERI-Z11 sight which has either 2x or 6x optical magnification. The sight can be replaced by a night vision device. To the rear of the turret is the troop compartment, which can hold six infantry men, sitting back to back facing outwards along the center of the hull.
In the centre of the hull is the two-man turret, which holds the commander on the right and the gunner on the left. Only the commander is provided with a hatch. The commander has eight day periscopes for all round observation and the gunner has three. The primary sighting system is the PERI-Z11 sight, which has either 2× or 6× optical magnification. From version 1A2 on, there is an additional thermal sight with 2x and 8x magnification. To the rear of the turret is the troop compartment, which can hold six infantry men, sitting back to back facing outwards along the center of the hull.


The Marder is capable of fording in up to 1.5 meters of water unprepared, and can be fitted with a kit allowing it to ford water up to 2.5 meters deep.
The Marder is capable of fording in up to 1.5 meters of water unprepared. It can be fitted with a kit allowing it to ford water up to 2.5 meters deep.


The Marder is powered by an MTU MB Ea-500 six-cylinder liquid cooled [[diesel engine]] which develops approximately 600 [[horsepower]] at 2,200 rpm. The cooling radiators are mounted at the rear of hull either side of the exit ramp. The engine is coupled to a Renk four speed HSWL 194 planetary gear box with four forward and two reverse gears. The transmission also provides steering and braking via a stepless hydrostatic unit which transmits power to two drive units mounted at the front of the hull. The vehicle carries 652 litres of fuel, giving it a road range of around 500 kilometers. Early Marders could achieve a road speed of 75 km/h in 4th gear, but the extra armour of later vehicles reduced this to 65 km/h.
The vehicle is powered by an [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] MB 833 Ea-500 six-cylinder liquid-cooled [[Twin-turbo|sequentially turbocharged]] [[diesel engine]] which delivers approximately {{convert|441|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 2,200 rpm. The cooling radiators are mounted at the rear of the hull, either side of the exit ramp. The engine is coupled to a [[Renk]] four speed HSWL 194 planetary gear box, with four forward and four reverse gears. The transmission also provides steering and braking via a stepless hydrostatic unit, which transmits power to two drive units mounted at the front of the hull. The vehicle carries 652 liters of fuel, giving it a road range of around 500 kilometres. Early Marders could achieve a road speed of 75&nbsp;km/h in 4th gear, but the extra armour of later vehicles reduced this to 65&nbsp;km/h.


The Marder is propelled by a Diehl track which can be fitted with rubber road pads. The drive mechanism consists of six rubber tyred road wheel with a drive sprocket at the front of the hull and an idler at the rear. Three return rollers are also fitted. The suspension is a [[Torsion bar suspension|torsion bar]] system, with additional hydrostatic shock absorbers fitted to the front two and last two road wheels.
The Marder is propelled by a Diehl track, which can be fitted with rubber road pads or metallic grousers for improved mobility in snow. The drive mechanism consists of six rubber tyred road wheels, with a drive sprocket at the front of the hull and an idler at the rear. Three return rollers are fitted. The suspension is a [[Torsion bar suspension|torsion bar]] system, with hydrostatic shock absorbers fitted to the front two and last two road wheels.


===Armament===
===Armament===
[[Image:Marder1A3.2.jpg|right|thumb|A Marder 1 A3 fires its 20 mm cannon in an exercise.]]
[[File:SPz Marder, PzGrenBtl 362 Walldürn, in Lauda, 1973 (3).jpg|right|thumb|Early Marder with remote-controlled rear-facing machine gun pod]]
The primary armament is the 20&nbsp;mm [[Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh202]] [[autocannon]]. It is mounted in the small two-man [[gun turret|turret]] and can fire either armour-piercing or [[High Explosive|HE]] rounds. Mounted [[coaxial]]ly to the left of the cannon is a 7.62&nbsp;mm [[MG 3 machine gun]]. The turret has 360 degree traverse, and can elevate from −17 degrees to +65 degrees, at a rate of 40 degrees per second while traversing at a rate of 60 degrees a second.
[[Image:BundeswehrMarderA5.jpg|thumb| A Marder 1 A5]]
Primary armament is the 20 mm [[Rheinmetall]] [[Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh202|MK 20 Rh202]] [[autocannon]] mounted in the small two-man [[turret]] which can fire either armour-piercing or [[High Explosive|HE]] rounds. Mounted [[coaxial]]ly to the left of the cannon is a 7.62 mm [[MG3]] [[machine gun]]. The turret has 360 degree traverse, and can elevate from -17 degrees to +65 degrees at a rate of 40 degrees per second while traversing at a rate of 60 degrees a second. Early Marders up to and including version 1A1 had a second MG3 mounted on the rear deck in a remote controlled pod. Typically 1,250 rounds are carried for the 20 mm cannon, along with a further 5,000 rounds for the MG3.


Early production Marders, up to and including version 1A1 had a second, rear-facing MG 3 mounted on the rear deck in a remote controlled pod and operated by one of the mounted infantry using a co-axial PERI-Z12 periscope sight (with a 180° horizontal traverse arc and a vertical arc of -15° to +55°). Typically, 1,250 rounds are carried for the 20&nbsp;mm cannon, along with a further 5,000 rounds for the MG3.
On current models since version 1A2, a [[MILAN]] anti-tank guided missile launcher can be attached to the turret to provide enhanced [[anti-armour]] capabilities. Typically six missiles are carried inside the vehicle.


On models since version 1A1A, a [[MILAN]] anti-tank guided missile launcher can be attached to the turret to provide enhanced [[anti-armour]] capabilities. Typically, four missiles are carried inside the vehicle.
There are four (two per side) gun ports which can be used by mounted infantry to provide additional fire against attacking infantry targets. Only Marder 1A1 and 1A2 had been equipped with this. Marder 1A3 and above do not have gun ports due to an extra layer of amour and outside storage boxes.


There are four gun ports, two per side, which can be used by mounted infantry to provide additional fire against attacking infantry targets. Only Marder 1A1 and 1A2 were equipped with this. Marder 1A3 and above do not have gun ports due to the fitting of an extra layer of armour and outside storage boxes.
Six 76 millimeter diameter smoke grenade dischargers can create a visual and [[infra-red]] blocking [[smoke screen]].


Six 76-millimeter-diameter smoke grenade dischargers can create a visual and [[infrared]] blocking [[smoke screen]].
==Variants==
[[Image:Marder1A3.5.jpg|right|thumb|A Marder 1A3 fires a Milan missile during an exercise.]]
The '''Marder 1A3''' is the currently most common version of this system, and is in service with the German [[Bundeswehr]], the '''Marder 1A4''' differs from the 1A3 only by the use of a [[cryptography]]-capable radio-set. Newest version of the Marder is the '''Marder 1A5''' with advanced mine protection. Only a small number of this variant is in service.


== Combat service ==
The Marder served as the basis for [[Thyssen-Henschel]]'s medium tank design which became the [[TAM (tank)|TAM]] for [[Argentina]]. A simplified version of the Marder is also employed as an infantry fighting vehicle, mortar carrier and rocket launcher by the Argentinian Army, realising most of the versions originally planned for the Bundeswehr and later abandoned due to costs and/or the availability of cheap alternatives like the M106 mortar carrier. The Marder is also used as a carrier for the [[Roland (air defence)|Roland]] air defence system. The [[Kanonenjagdpanzer]] and [[Raketenjagdpanzer 2]] started development as part of the Marder family but where realised based on the second batch of prototypes using different engines etc. The Kanonenjagdpanzer build for Belgium are a hybrid between the original Bundeswehr version and Marder parts. Some 4–6 test models of a 120mm mortar on a Marder chassis where build and at least one is in use as a firefighting vehicle at the WTS Meppen. Tests with a AAA tank where performed but the high weight of the system resulted in a switch to the heavier Standardpanzer chassis, resulting in the Gepard AAA system. At least one first or second generation prototype was equipped with the 110mm artillery rocket system that later became the truck-mounted LARS system.
{{See also|Kunduz Province Campaign}}
[[File:German KFOR armoured vehicle, 1999.jpg|thumb|A Marder deployed with German peacekeeping troops in Kosovo, 1999.]]
With the first unit delivered in summer 1971, the Marder IFV remained untested in combat for 38 years until July 2009 when they defended a German combat outpost against the [[Taliban]] in Chahar Dara district of [[Afghanistan|Afghanistan's]] [[Kunduz Province]], killing and wounding scores of enemies. Since then, the Marders have been involved in heavy fighting several times. The vehicles have proved to be extremely useful and have been praised as a great tactical asset by German troops.<ref>[http://www.freundeskreis-panzergrenadiere.de/Aktuell/aktuell6.htm ''Freundeskreis der Panzergrenadiertruppe e.V. und Lachen Helfen bauen Wasserspeicher in Afghanistan''] Freundeskreis der Panzergrenadiertruppe e.V {{in lang|de}}</ref> However, the crews have been subject to great physical stress as none of the vehicles are equipped with [[air conditioning]] systems.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wp.de/wp-info/neuer-panzer-fuer-die-truppe-id462780.html|title=Neuer Panzer für die Truppe|first=Jörg|last=Von Fleischer|date=July 6, 2009|website=www.wp.de}}</ref>


Two Marders were damaged by improvised explosive devices in the course of a German-led offensive on Taliban fighters in Quatliam, on 31 October 2010. Later in the battle, code-named by the Coalition "[[Operation Halmazag]]", a single Marder beat off a Taliban attempt to outflank positions held by German paratroopers.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Scraven|first=David|date=November 2012|title=Der Kampf um Quatliam|language=de|url=http://www.whq-forum.de/invisionboard/index.php?s=11630f13627051defbfa8ac3d9234ccc&showtopic=28520&st=2880&p=1205021&#entry1205021|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> On 2 June 2011, a German Marder was destroyed near Kunduz by a 200&nbsp;kg (440.91 lbs.) IED, killing one soldier and injuring five others.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gebauer |first=Matthias |date=2011-06-02 |title=Afghanistan: Deutscher Soldat bei Taliban-Angriff getötet |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/afghanistan-deutscher-soldat-bei-taliban-angriff-getoetet-a-766267.html |access-date=2024-06-23 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349}}</ref>
[[File:Marder 2 Prototype.jpg|thumb|right|A prototype of the experimental Marder 2.]]


The Marder was deployed during the [[Kosovo War]] as part of the German peacekeeping forces sent as part of NATO's Kosovo Force ([[Kosovo Force|KFOR]]).
* Marder 1 (1971–)
** Marder 1 with Milan: a Milan launcher was fitted to all Marders between 1977 and 1979.
** Marder 1 A1(+) (1979–1982): dual feed for 20 mm cannon enabling choice of ammunition, night vision equipment including image intensifiers and a thermal imager. Infantry capacity reduced to five. Applied to 674 vehicles between 1979 and 1982.
** Marder 1 A1(-) (1979–1982): as A1(+) but without thermal imager. 350 vehicles upgraded to this standard.
*** Marder 1 A1A3: a Marder A1 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
** Marder 1 A1A as 1 A1 but without any passive night vision equipment. 1,112 vehicles upgraded to this standard.
*** Marder 1 A1A4: a Marder A1A with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
** Marder 1 A1A2: a converted Marder 1 with A1 turret and A2 chassis
*** Marder 1 A1A5: a Marder A1A2 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
** Marder 1 A2 (1984–1991): Between 1984 and 1991, all German Marder 1's were upgraded to A2 standard, this included substantial modification of the suspension, fuel tanks, cooling system and water-jet cleaning system. Additionally a new sighting system was installed. The infrared search light equipment was removed, and all vehicles were fitted with thermal imagers except for the 674 A1(+) vehicles, which already had them.
*** Marder 1 A2A1: a Marder 1 A2 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
** Marder 1 A3 (1988–1998)
** Marder 1 A4: a Marder 1 A3 with SEM 93 cryptographic radio.
** Marder 1 A5 (2003–2004): Additional anti-mine armor and completely remodeled interior in order to avoid blast and shock injuries to the crew when hit by a mine. Applied to 74 Marder 1 A3s only.


On 29 March 2023, [[List of Ministers of Defense (Ukraine)|Ukrainian Minister of Defence]] [[Oleksii Reznikov]] announced that Marders donated from Germany during the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]] had arrived in the country.<ref>[https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/03/29/7395565/ Ukrainian Defence Minister tweets video of Marder vehicles in Ukraine and drives one of them himself]. ''[[Ukrainska Pravda]]''. 29 March 2023.</ref> They were first used by the [[82nd Air Assault Brigade (Ukraine)|82nd Air Assault Brigade]] in August as part of the [[2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive]]; 100 vehicles had been delivered by that time.<br>
==Users==
* {{flag|Chile}} (130 vehicles to be delivered)
* {{flag|Germany}}


According to the Oryx blog as of 3 September 2024, at least 26 Ukrainian Marders had been confirmed to have been lost by photos or videos; 13 destroyed, 3 damaged, 8 abandoned and 2 captured.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-ukrainian.html | title=Attack on Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During the Russian Invasion of Ukraine }}</ref><ref>[https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_conflict_war_2022/marder_1a3_ifv_makes_first_combat_mission_in_ukraine_with_elite_unit.html Marder 1A3 IFV makes first combat mission in Ukraine with elite unit]. ''Army Recognition''. 21 August 2023.</ref>
==Notes==

== Variants ==
The '''Marder 1A3'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://defense-update.com/20120611_marder-upgrades.html|title=Rheinmetall Defence Displays Two Marder Upgrades|first=Tamir|last=Eshel|date=June 11, 2012}}</ref> is currently the most common version of this system, and is in service with the German [[Bundeswehr]]. The '''Marder 1A4''' differs from the 1A3 only by the use of a [[cryptography]]-capable radio-set. The newest version of the Marder is the '''Marder 1A5''' with advanced mine protection. Only a small number of this variant is in service.

=== Main-IFV models ===
* '''Marder 1''' (1971–)
** '''Marder 1 with MILAN''': A MILAN launcher was fitted to all Marders between 1977 and 1979.
** '''Marder 1 A1(+)''' (1979–1982): Dual feed for 20&nbsp;mm cannon enabling choice of ammunition, night vision equipment including image intensifiers and a thermal imager. Infantry capacity reduced to five. Applied to 674 vehicles between 1979 and 1982.
** '''Marder 1 A1(−)''' (1979–1982): As A1(+) but without thermal imager. 350 vehicles upgraded to this standard.
*** '''Marder 1 A1A3''': A Marder A1 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
** '''Marder 1 A1A''': As 1 A1 but without any passive night vision equipment. 1,112 vehicles upgraded to this standard.
*** '''Marder 1 A1A4''': A Marder A1A with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
** '''Marder 1 A1A2''': A converted Marder 1 with A1 turret and A2 chassis
*** '''Marder 1 A1A5''': A Marder A1A2 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
** '''Marder 1 A2''' (1984–1991): Between 1984 and 1991, all West German Marder 1s were upgraded to A2 standard. This included substantial modification of the suspension, fuel tanks, cooling system and water-jet cleaning system. A new sighting system was installed. The infrared search light equipment was removed. All vehicles were fitted with thermal imagers except for the 674 A1(+) vehicles, which already had them.
*** '''Marder 1 A2A1''': A Marder 1 A2 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
** '''Marder 1 A3''' (1988–1998): A Marder with upgraded armor (involved extra frontal armor), suspension changes and other modifications.
** '''Marder 1 A4''': A Marder 1 A3 with SEM 93 cryptographic radio.
** '''Marder 1 A5''' (2003–2004): Additional anti-mine armor and a completely remodeled interior in order to avoid blast and shock injuries to the crew when hit by a mine. Applied to 74 Marder 1 A3s only.
*** '''Marder 1 A5A1''' (2010–2011): Equipped with an air conditioning system, a jammer for IED-protection and multi-spectral camouflage.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.bwb.org/portal/a/bwb/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLNzKM9_R0BslB2B4B-pFw0aCUVH1vfV-P_NxU_QD9gtyIckdHRUUAEMQGTQ!!/delta/base64xml/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS80SVVFLzZfMjFfSU9L?yw_contentURL=%2F01DB022000000001%2FW28CKGVQ779INFODE%2Fcontent.jsp |title=''Verbesserter Schützenpanzer MARDER ausgeliefert'' |publisher=BWB.org |access-date=29 December 2010}}</ref> In December 2010 ten vehicles were brought to this standard, with a further 25 to be upgraded by August 2011.

<gallery widths="200px" heights="160px">
File:Marder1A3.5.jpg|A Marder 1A3 fires a MILAN missile during an exercise.
File:BundeswehrMarderA5.jpg|A Marder 1A5
File:Marder1A3.6.jpg|A Marder 1A3 of Panzergrenadier Battalion 391 in 2006.
</gallery>

=== Derivative models ===
[[File:Marder Roland.jpg|thumb|right|A Brazilian Marder-Roland.]]
[[File:Hemer-Löschpanzer1-Bubo.JPG|thumb|A Marder infantry fighting vehicle converted for use as a firefighting vehicle with the [[German Fire Services]].]]

The Marder served as the basis for [[Thyssen-Henschel]]'s medium tank design which became the '''[[TAM (tank)|TAM]]''' for [[Argentina]]. A simplified version of the Marder is also employed as an infantry fighting vehicle, mortar carrier and command vehicle by the [[Argentine Army]], realising most of the versions originally planned for the Bundeswehr and later abandoned due to costs and/or the availability of cheap alternatives like the [[M106 mortar carrier]].

The Marder is used as a carrier for the [[Roland (air defence)|Roland]] air defence system. The [[Kanonenjagdpanzer]] and [[Raketenjagdpanzer 2]] started development as part of the Marder family but were realised based on the second batch of prototypes using different engines etc. The Kanonenjagdpanzer built for Belgium are a hybrid between the original Bundeswehr version and Marder parts. Some 4–6 test models of a 120&nbsp;mm mortar on a Marder chassis were built, and at least one is in use as a firefighting vehicle at the WTS Meppen. Tests with an AAA tank were performed but the high weight of the system resulted in a switch to the heavier Standardpanzer chassis, resulting in the Gepard AAA system. At least one first or second generation prototype was equipped with the 110&nbsp;mm artillery rocket system that later became the truck-mounted LARS system.

During the [[Eurosatory|Eurosatory Show 2012]], [[Rheinmetall]] Landsysteme GmbH offered two further upgrades as part of the '''Marder Evolution family'''. The first upgrade was the '''Marder APC''' which features a new [[Protector (RWS)|M151 Protector]] remotely controlled weapon, replacing the original [[Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh 202]] automatic cannon, ballistic protection comparable to STANAG Level 4+, and mine protection comparable to Level 3a/3b+. The top deck has been lifted to enable improved ergonomics and uses a {{convert|600|PS|kW|abbr=on|disp=flip}} MTU MB883 diesel. The other upgrade was the '''Marder Medium Tank''' which features a rifled, stabilized 105&nbsp;mm OTO-Melara gun in a new turret.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Eshel|first=Tamir|date=2012-06-11|title=Rheinmetall Defence Displays Two Marder Upgrades|url=https://defense-update.com/20120611_marder-upgrades.html|access-date=2021-04-15|website=Defense Update|language=en-US}}</ref>

At [[Indo Defence Expo & Forum|Indo Defence 2016]], Rheinmetall exhibited the '''Marder Medium Tank RI''' ("RI" stands for "Republic of Indonesia"), which was offered to the Indonesian Army, at the time already operating the Marder 1A3. The tank used the Marder 1A3 hull, with the three-crew [[Leonardo S.p.A.|Leonardo]] HITFACT turret armed with an OTO-Melara 105&nbsp;mm gun and two 7.62&nbsp;mm machine guns used in coaxial and roof-mounted positions. The HITFACT turret was equipped with an advanced fire control system, linked with the commander and gunner sights, a laser rangefinder, and day/thermal sights for both the commander and gunner. Improvements included upgraded suspension, a new MTU diesel engine with {{convert|690|hp|kW|abbr=on}}, and the availability to mount a modular armour package.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Foss|first=Christopher F|date=4 November 2016|title=Marder Medium Tank RI is cost-effective solution [INDODEF16-D3]|url=http://www.janes.com/article/65259/marder-medium-tank-ri-is-cost-effective-solution-indodef16-d3|access-date=1 June 2022|website=Jane's|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730064926/http://www.janes.com/article/65259/marder-medium-tank-ri-is-cost-effective-solution-indodef16-d3|archive-date=30 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Marder 2 ===
[[File:Marder 2 (Frontansicht).jpg|thumb|A Marder 2 prototype at the [[Bundeswehr Museum of German Defense Technology]].]]
'''Schützenpanzer Marder 2''' was a 1991 prototype German [[infantry fighting vehicle]] intended as a replacement design to the Schützenpanzer Marder 1. The project started in 1984 and was cancelled in 1992.

A prototype is preserved at the [[Bundeswehr Museum of German Defense Technology]].

== Operators ==
=== Current operators ===
[[File:Marder operators.png|thumb|350px|left|A map of Marder operators in blue]]
{| class="wikitable" Width="100%"
|-
!width="15%" |Country
!width="15%" |Type
!width="15%" |Quantity (Estimated)
!width="15%" |Origin
!Notes
|-
| rowspan="1" valign="top"| {{flag|Chile}}
| 1A3|| 280 || {{GER}} || 180 Marder 1A3 originally ordered from Germany in 2007 since the Dutch YPR-765 AIFVs and M113 APCs could not keep pace with their main battle tanks. Additional orders brought the total number to 280.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news |last=Higuera |first=José |title=Chile reaps benefits of modernisation |work=[[Jane's Defence Weekly]] |url=https://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/Dragonfly633/SolidGold0001-1.jpg |url-status=live |access-date=2023-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929030323/http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/Dragonfly633/SolidGold0001-1.jpg |archive-date=2013-09-29 |quote=As a result, initial batch of 120 Marder A3 TFVs was ordered in 2007. This was followed by additional orders, bringing numbers to 280 vehicles.}}</ref> The first batch of 200 Marder 1A3s ordered included 7 driver-training vehicles and 30 broken down for spare parts. All sourced from Bundeswehr stocks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marder infantry fighting vehicle - The Marder Turned 50 in 2021 |url=https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/stories/2022/50-years-marder |date=20 July 2021 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Rheinmetall}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" valign="top"| {{flag|Germany}}
| 1A2/1A3/<br />FlaRakPz 1 Roland<br />''(in storage with private industry)'' || ~1067<br /> || {{FRG}}<br />{{GER}} || 2,137 Marders built in total. 2,097 vehicles were upgraded to the Marder 1A3 standard between 1989-1998. 140 Marders were converted to [[Roland (missile)|Roland 2]] tracked surface-to-air systems from 1978-1983, though the Roland systems were retired from service in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marder Roland |url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/755-Marder+Roland |accessdate=4 January 2024 |website=WeaponSystems.net}}</ref> By 2009, Germany had approximately 1,911 operational Marder IFVs of the 1A2 and 1A3 variant. Many were sold off to other countries or to private companies like Rheinmetall. Following sales and exports to various countries, an estimated '''1067''' remain in storage in various states of combat-capability as of 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=40 Marder Vehicles by March: Germany Reveals to the Pace of Long-Awaited Deliveries, How Many More to Expect Afterward |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/news/40_marder_vehicles_by_march_germany_reveals_to_the_pace_of_long_awaited_deliveries_how_many_more_to_expect_afterward-5358.html |date=6 January 2023 |website=Defense Express}}</ref> Hundreds are in outdoor storage with [[Krauss-Maffei Wegmann|KMW]]'s subsidiary Battle Tank Dismantling GmbH Koch in [[Ebeleben|Rockensußra]], [[Thuringia]] where they are broken down and recycled.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/wirtschaft-verantwortung/lagern-hier-gepard-panzer-fuer-die-ukraine-juergen-todenhoefer-kuendigt-proteste-an-li.230166 |title=Lagern hier Gepard-Panzer für die Ukraine? Jürgen Todenhöfer kündigt Proteste an|language=de|date=27 May 2022 |publisher = Berliner Zeitung|access-date=16 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.gettyimages.ca/photos/battle-tank-dismantling-gmbh-koch |title=75 Battle Tank Dismantling Gmbh Koch Stock Photos & High-Res Pictures |publisher = GettyImages|access-date=23 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/armoured-vehicle-graveyard-germanys-koch-battle-tank-dismantling-firm-1450171 |title=Armoured Vehicle Graveyard at Germany's Koch Battle Tank Dismantling Firm |first=David |last=Sim |work = International Business Times |date=27 May 2014 |access-date=23 December 2023}}</ref>
|-
| 1A3 [upgraded] || 262 || {{GER}} || By 2017 the Bundeswehr owned '''382''' Marder of the 1A3/1A4/1A5 variants, with only 212 in operational service as the others were undergoing refits contracted in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Schützpanzerwagen Marder |url=https://tank-afv.com/coldwar/West_Germany/Marder.php |date=1 January 2024 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=Tank Encyclopedia's Archives}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=T.Wiegold |date=13 October 2016 |title=Noch viel Nachbesserungsbedarf beim "modernsten Schützenpanzer der westlichen Welt" |trans-title=There is still a lot of room for improvement with the “most modern infantry fighting vehicle in the western world" |url=http://augengeradeaus.net/2016/10/noch-viel-nachbesserungsbedarf-beim-modernsten-schuetzenpanzer-der-westlichen-welt/ |access-date=11 December 2016 |work=Augen geradeaus! |language=de}}</ref><ref name="welt">{{cite news |last=Hegmann |first=Gerhard |date=29 October 2019 |title=Bundeswehr bekommt, "was sie verdient" – 104 Second-Hand-Panzer |language=de |trans-title=Bundeswehr gets "what it deserves" – 104 second-hand tanks |work=Die Welt |url=https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus202672942/Leopard-2-A7V-Bundeswehr-bekommt-104-Second-Hand-Panzer.html?wtrid=kooperation.reco.taboola.free.welt.desktop/ |access-date=30 October 2019 |issn=0173-8437}}</ref> In 2020, Rheinmetall was contracted to further upgrade 260 Marder to have modern thermal imaging systems for gunner and commander.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 November 2020 |title=Rheinmetall Saphir 2.6 MK For Bundeswehr Marder – Joint Forces News |url=https://www.joint-forces.com/defence-equipment-news/37441-rheinmetall-saphir-2-6-mk-for-bundeswehr-marder |access-date=2020-11-29 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Over 170 to be equipped with new drivers night vision sights.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 October 2020 |title=Rheinmetall to Modernize Bundeswehr's Marder IFVs |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28133/Rheinmetall_to_Modernize_Bundeswehr_s_Marder_IFVs |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118161626/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28133/Rheinmetall_to_Modernize_Bundeswehr_s_Marder_IFVs#.Y5TdHIWTdZI |archive-date=2020-11-18 |access-date=2020-11-29 |website=defenseworld.net}}</ref>

The Bundeswehr has approximately '''262''' active service Marder 1A3 following the transfer of 20 to Ukraine from its stocks in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bilanz der deutschen, militärischen Unterstützungsleistungen für die Ukraine |url=https://www.bmvg.de/de/presse/bilanz-der-deutschen-militaerischen-unterstuetzungsleistungen-fuer-die-ukraine-5722620 |date=12 December 2023 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (German Ministry of Defence) |language=de}}</ref> Officially replaced with the [[Puma (German infantry fighting vehicle)|Puma]], the Marder will remain in service until at least 2025.
|-
| 1A4 || 26 || {{GER}} || 26 Marder 1A3s converted into command vehicles with SEM 93 long range radios. To be upgraded and continue to operate beyond 2025.
|-
| 1A5 || 74 || {{GER}} || 74 Marder 1A3s were upgraded by Rheinmetall to 1A5 variant between 2003-2004. In 2020, 71 of these were contracted to have their drivetrain upgraded with new power packs to enhance the vehicle's responsiveness and boost the engine output from 600hp to >750hp.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), Germany |url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/marder-infantry-fighting-vehicles-ifvs-germany/?cf-view |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Army Technology}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Venna |first1=Srivani |date=21 January 2020 |title=Rheinmetall wins German armed forces contract for Marder vehicle |website=Army Technology |url=https://www.army-technology.com/news/rheinmetall-german-armed-forces/ |access-date=2020-11-29}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" valign="top"| {{flag|Greece}}
| 1A3 || 40 || {{GER}} || 40 Marder 1A3 were pledged to Greece by Germany as part of the latter's "Ringtausch" exchange program in exchange for Greece deliverying 40 BMP-1 vehicles to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newsroom |date=2022-10-18 |title=First 6 German Marder tanks arrive in Greece in swap deal {{!}} eKathimerini.com |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1195910/first-six-german-marder-tanks-arrive-in-greece-in-swap-deal/ |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=www.ekathimerini.com |language=English}}</ref> It received its first 6 in November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ES&T editorial team |date=2022-11-24 |title=Greece has received the first six AFV Marder 1 A3 in a ring exchange |url=https://esut.de/en/2022/11/meldungen/38178/griechenland-hat-die-ersten-sechs-spz-marder-1-a3-im-ringtausch-erhalten/ |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=esut.de |language=en}}</ref> 14 were delivered as of January 2023. Further deliveries to Greece were reportedly halted by Rheinmetall due to the company's commitments to deliver more Marder IFVs to Ukraine and a lack of supply.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gencturk |first=Ahmet |title=Greece suspends arms swap deal with Germany, says local media |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/greece-suspends-arms-swap-deal-with-germany-says-local-media/2785053 |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=AA}}</ref> However, all 40 were delivered by the July 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ελληνικός Στρατός: 40 γίνονται τα εν υπηρεσία Marder 1/A3 |url=https://www.defence-point.gr/news/ellinikos-stratos-40-ginontai-ta-en-ypiresia-marder-1-a3 |website=Defence point |language=el}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" valign="top"| {{flag|Indonesia}}
| 1A2 || 26 || {{GER}} || Germany initially approved the export of 50 Marder 1A2 to Indonesia in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Berlin Approves Huge Tank Deal with Indonesia |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-government-approves-export-of-tanks-to-indonesia-a-898698.html |date=8 May 2013 |access-date=2023-12-23|website=Der Spiegel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=German tanks to Indonesia |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-clears-tank-sales-to-indonesia/a-16797615 |date=8 May 2013 |access-date=2023-12-23|website=Deutsche Welle}}</ref> Indonesia ordered 26 Marder 1A2, with deliveries scheduled between 2014-2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indonesia takes first delivery of 26 German-made Leopard 2A6 tanks and 26 Marder 1A2 AIFV |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/indonesia_takes_first_delivery_of_26_german-made_leopard_2a6_tanks_and_26_marder_1a2_aifv_2706142.html |date=27 June 2014 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Army Recognition}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=26 Leopard 2A6 & 26 Marder 1A2 AIFV Arriving Soon |url=https://www.jejaktapak.com/2014/06/29/26-leopard-2a6-26-marder-1a2-aifv-segera-tiba/ |date=29 June 2014 |access-date=2023-12-23|website=Jejaktapak}}</ref> The first batch of Marder 1A2 reportedly arrived on August 8, 2014.<ref>{{Cite tweet|author=DefenceAustral |author-link= |user=DefenceAustral|number=497829850527571968 |date=8 August 2014 |title=Indonesia takes first delivery of 26 Marder 1A2 |script-title= |trans-title= |language=en |retweet= |location= |access-date=23 December 2023 |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |quote='#Indonesia takes first delivery 26 #Leopard 2A6 #tanks 26 #Marder 1A2 #AIFV #rheinmetall #rdm'}}</ref>
|-
| 1A3 || 42 || {{GER}} || 42 Marder 1A3s ordered from Rheinmetall, which began deliveries in 2015 from its own stockpiles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rheinmetall to supply 103 Leopard 2A4 tanks and 43 Marder 1A3 infantry armoured to Indonesia |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2013_defense_industry_military_news_uk/rheinmetall_to_supply_103_leopard_2a4_tanks_and_43_marder_1a3_infantry_armoured_to_indonesia_1311131.html |date=13 November 2013 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=Army Recognition}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Marder infantry fighting vehicle - The Marder Turned 50 in 2021 |url=https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/stories/2022/50-years-marder |date=20 July 2021 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Rheinmetall}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" valign="top"| {{flag|Jordan}}
| 1A3 || 75 || {{GER}}|| Jordan initially ordered 50 Marder 1A3 on 11 December 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Binnie|first1=Jeremy|title=Jordan to get more Marder IFVs|url=http://www.janes.com/article/76364|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=18 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171218150633/http://www.janes.com/article/76364/jordan-to-get-more-marder-ifvs|archive-date=18 December 2017|date=13 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rheinmetall was contracted to upgrade these from Bundeswehr stocks and deliver them by 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rheinmetall Defence - Tactics training|url=https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/public_relations/themen_im_fokus/soldatenausbildung/index.php |access-date=2021-04-15 |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127052654/https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/public_relations/themen_im_fokus/soldatenausbildung/index.php |archive-date=2020-11-27 |website=Rheinmtall}}</ref> In 2017, Rheinmetall was contracted to upgrade an additional 25 Marder 1A3 for Jordan.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rheinmetall modernizing 25 more Marder IFVs for Jordan |date=13 December 2017 |url=https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/public_relations/news/archiv/2017/aktuellesdetailansicht_7_15616.php |url-access=limited |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220711113034/https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/public_relations/news/archiv/2017/aktuellesdetailansicht_7_15616.php |archive-date=2022-07-11 |access-date=2023-12-23|website=Rheinmetall}}</ref> All 75 delivered by the summer of 2020, including two driver training vehicles and spare parts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marder infantry fighting vehicle - The Marder Turned 50 in 2021 |url=https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/stories/2022/50-years-marder |date=20 July 2021 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Rheinmetall}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" valign="top"| {{flag|Ukraine}}
| 1A3 || 140 || {{GER}} || The first Marder 1A3 were delivered in March 2023. 20 Marder 1A3 delivered from Bundeswehr stocks, 60 delivered from Rheinmetall stocks as of 23 December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bilanz der deutschen, militärischen Unterstützungsleistungen für die Ukraine |url=https://www.bmvg.de/de/presse/bilanz-der-deutschen-militaerischen-unterstuetzungsleistungen-fuer-die-ukraine-5722620 |date=12 December 2023 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (German Ministry of Defence) |language=de}}</ref> An additional 20 will be prepared by Rheinmetall once contracts are signed,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rheinmetall to supply Ukraine with over 30 Leopard 1 systems on behalf of German government |url=https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/news-watch/news/2023/11/2023-11-14-rheinmetall-to-supply-ukraine-with-leopard-systems-on-behalf-of-german-government |date=13 November 2023 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Rheinmetall}}</ref> with a potential for up to 120 to be delivered in total by 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukraine to receive 20 more Marder IFVs from Germany|url=https://www.army-technology.com/news/ukraine-receive-20-more-marder-ifv-from-germany/?cf-view |date=23 June 2023 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Army Technology}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Germany provides Ukraine with 120 Marder infantry fighting vehicles |url=https://rubryka.com/en/2023/12/21/nimechchyna-nadala-ukrayini-120-bmp-marder-bilshe-nizh-planuvaly/ |date=21 December 2023 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Rubryka}}</ref> Rheinmetall claimed it will have delivered "more than 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles" before the end of 2023, with additional deliveries to be made by May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rheinmetall: A powerful partner at Ukraine's side |url=https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/stories/2023/2023-09-21-rheinmetall-a-powerful-partner-at-ukraine-side |date=19 December 2023 |website=Rheinmetall}}</ref> An additional 20 were added to Germany's list of military aid on March 28, bringing the total up to 140.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military support for Ukraine {{!}} Federal Government |url=https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/military-support-ukraine-2054992 |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Website of the Federal Government {{!}} Bundesregierung |language=en}}</ref>
|}

=== Former operators ===
* {{BRA}} had purchased 4 [[Roland (missile)|Roland 2 systems]] on the German Marder chassis along with 50 missiles in the late 1970s. All 4 were retired from service in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marder Roland |url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/755-Marder+Roland |accessdate=4 January 2024 |website=WeaponSystems.net}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Div col|colwidth=35em}}
* [[List of modern armoured fighting vehicles]]
* [[Mechanized infantry]]
* {{lwc|BMD-4}}
* {{lwc|Bradley Fighting Vehicle}}
* {{lwc|BTR-T}}
* {{lwc|Combat Vehicle 90}}
* {{lwc|Makran IFV}}
* {{lwc|Puma (German IFV)|Puma}}
* {{lwc|Tulpar (IFV)|Tulpar}}
* {{lwc|T-15 Armata}}
* {{lwc|Warrior IFV}}
* {{lwc|ZBD-04}}
* {{lwc|ZBD-05}}
{{Div col end}}

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


=== General and cited references ===
==References==
* ''Jane's Armour and Artillery 2005–2006''
* ''Jane's Armour and Artillery 2005–2006''


==External links==
== External links ==
{{commons|Marder (IFV)}}
{{Commons and category|Marder (IFV)|Marder (IFV)}}
* [http://www.panzerbaer.de/types/bw_spz_marder_1a1-a.htm Data facts about Marder] {{in lang|de}}
* [http://defense-update.com/20120611_marder-upgrades.html Rheinmetall Defence Displays Two Marder Upgrades]
* [http://fighting-vehicles.com/marder-2-infantry-fighting-vehicle/ Marder 2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle] at Fighting-vehicles.com


{{ModernGermanAFVsNav|style=wide}}
[[Category:Infantry fighting vehicles]]
[[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of Germany]]
[[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of the post-Cold War period]]
[[Category:Modern German weapons]]


[[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of Germany]]
[[cs:Marder]]
[[Category:Infantry fighting vehicles of the Cold War]]
[[de:Marder (Schützenpanzer)]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1970s]]
[[es:Marder (vehículo blindado)]]
[[Category:Tracked infantry fighting vehicles]]
[[fr:Marder]]
[[hr:Marder]]
[[it:Marder]]
[[hu:Marder]]
[[ja:マルダー歩兵戦闘車]]
[[no:Marder]]
[[pl:Marder 1]]
[[pt:Marder (IFV)]]
[[ru:Marder]]
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[[sv:Marder]]

Latest revision as of 08:45, 14 October 2024

This article is about the West German IFV. For the German WWII era tank destroyers of the same name, see Marder I, Marder II, and Marder III.
Schützenpanzer Marder 1
A Marder 1 in 2012.
TypeInfantry fighting vehicle
Place of originWest Germany
Service history
In service1971–present
Used byBundeswehr
WarsKosovo War War in Afghanistan
Russo-Ukrainian war
Production history
DesignerRheinmetall Landsysteme
Designed1959–1969
ManufacturerRheinmetall Landsysteme
Maschinenbau Kiel
Unit cost$390,000 (1975)
Produced1969–1975
No. built2,137 (incl. Marder 2 prototype)
Specifications (Marder 1)
Mass28.5 t (31.4 short tons) Marder 1A1/A2

33.5 t (36.9 short tons) Marder 1A3

37.4 t (41.2 short tons) Marder 1A5
Length6.79 m (22 ft 3 in)
Width3.24 m (10 ft 8 in)
Height2.98 m (9 ft 9 in)
Crew3 crew + 6 passengers (prior to MILAN: 3+7)
ArmorWelded steel, protection up to 20 mm APDS DM43 from 0 m and 25 mm APDS from 200 m (220 yd)
Main
armament
20 mm Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh 202 automatic cannon
1,250 rounds
MILAN ATGM launcher
Secondary
armament
7.62 mm MG3 machine gun
5,000 rounds
EngineMTU MB 833 Ea-500 diesel engine
441 kW (591 hp)
Power/weight15.7 kW/t (21.1 hp/t)
TransmissionRENK HSWL 194
SuspensionTorsion bar
Ground clearance0.45 m (18 in)
Fuel capacity652 L (143 imp gal; 172 US gal)
Operational
range
520 km
Maximum speed 75 km/h (47 mph)Marder 1A2 65 km/h (40 mph) Marder 1A3

The Schützenpanzer Marder 1 (German pronunciation: [ˈʃʏt͜sn̩ˌpant͜sɐ ˈmaʁdɐ ˈaɪ̯ns]; "Schützen" carrying "Armour"-ed fighting vehicle "Marten 1") is a tracked German infantry fighting vehicle designed for use with the West German Panzergrenadiere units, mechanized infantry specialized for IFV combat. It has been operated by the German Army as the main Panzergrenadiere IFV since the 1970s through to the present day. Developed as part of the rebuilding of West Germany's armoured fighting vehicle industry, the Marder has proven to be a successful and solid infantry fighting vehicle design.

While it used to include a few unique features, such as a fully remote machine gun on the rear deck and gun ports on the sides for infantry to fire through, these features have been deleted or streamlined in later upgrade packages to bring it more in line with modern IFV design. The MG has been moved to be a coaxial, the gun ports entirely welded shut and uparmored. It is overall a simple and conventional machine with one large rear exit hatch and three top hatches for mounted infantry to fire from.

Around 2,100 were taken into service by the West German army in the early 1970s, but the vehicle in its German variant was not sold to any foreign militaries. As the West German Army began to retire older vehicles, the Chilean government agreed to acquire 200 Marders; the government of Greece has considered the purchase of 450 retired vehicles in the past. Argentina uses a simplified and locally produced variant, the VCTP, and has a number of vehicles based on that platform constructed by Henschel and built by TAMSE.

The intended successor to the Marder 1 was initially the Marder 2 project in the 1990s, but after its cancellation the successor became the Puma in the 2010s. The Marder is currently being replaced by the Puma.

Development

[edit]
Maschinenbau Kiel AG (MaK) hands over the first Marder to the Bundeswehr in May 1971.

Development of the Marder ran from January 1960, when the first development contracts were issued, to May 1971, when the first production vehicles were given to the West German army.

The vehicle was intended to be an improvement over the Schützenpanzer Lang HS.30. The main requirements were:

  • A capacity of 12 infantrymen.
  • A more reliable 20 mm cannon.
  • The infantry must be able to fight from within the vehicle or dismounted.
  • Protection from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

Initially, development contracts were awarded to two groups of companies: the Rheinstahl group (Rheinstahl-Hanomag, Ruhrstahl, Witten-Annen, Büro Warnecke) and the second group comprising Henschel Werke and the Swiss MOWAG company. This resulted in the production of seven prototype vehicles. A second set of eight prototype vehicles were built between 1961 and 1963. Development priority was then switched for a while to the development of the Jagdpanzer 90 mm Kanone.

In 1967, after military requirements were finalized, a third and final set of ten prototypes were built. Final development work was completed by the Rheinstahl group. 10 pre-production vehicles were built and completed troop trials with the West German army between October 1968 and March 1969. In May 1969, the vehicle was named the "Marder" after the European pine marten, an agile, short-legged, bushy-tailed, medium-sized carnivorous mammal in the weasel family. In October Rheinstahl was chosen as the prime contractor.

Marder climbing a steep grade at the MaK factory.

The first production Marder was handed to the West German army in May 1971. Production of the vehicle continued until 1975, with 2,136 vehicles being completed.

In 1975, the MILAN anti-tank guided missile was adapted to be fired by the commander from his open hatch. Between 1977 and 1979 MILAN missiles were fitted to the Marders.

A number of upgrade programs were carried out, that included fitting night vision equipment and a thermal imager, as well as an upgraded ammunition feed to the 20 mm cannon.

Around 1985, the designation was changed to Marder 1 (until then it was simply Marder) since a follow-up IFV was under construction. The new vehicle was supposed to be the partner of the Leopard 2, just like Marder was the companion to the Standardpanzer/Leopard 1, it was named Marder 2 and the older vehicles re-designated.

The A3 upgrade program began in 1988. Thyssen-Henschel was awarded a contract to upgrade 2,100 Marder 1 A1/A2 series vehicles to A3 standard, at a rate of 220 a year. The first upgraded vehicles reached the West German army in November 1989. The modification package included:

  • Improved armour, weighing 1,600 kg, intended to protect against the 30 mm 2A42 cannon on the Russian BMP-2. The armour provided additional protection against cluster bomblets.
  • The hatches over the infantry compartment were rearranged.
  • The suspension was reinforced, a new braking system was installed, and the gearbox adjusted. The heating system was replaced with a water based heating system.
  • The turret was reconfigured.
  • The new total weight was 35,000 kg.

Description

[edit]
A Marder on maneuvers in 1986.
A Marder 1A3 from the rear, with the ramp lowered

The hull of the Marder 1 is all welded steel, giving protection from small-arms fire and shell fragments. The front of the hull provided protection from up to 20 mm armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) rounds. Later variants increased protection up to 30mm APDS, in response to the 30 mm autocannon armed BMP-2 and the development of top-attack cluster bomblets.

The Marder is a relatively conventional design, with the driver sitting at the front left side of the hull with the engine to the driver's right. The driver has three day periscopes mounted in a hatch that opens to the right. The center periscope can be replaced by a passive night vision device. Behind the driver is a seat for a single infantryman. In early versions of the Marder, this infantryman had a hatch that opened to the right and a periscope that could be rotated through 360 degrees. This hatch was removed in the 1A3 variant onwards.

In the centre of the hull is the two-man turret, which holds the commander on the right and the gunner on the left. Only the commander is provided with a hatch. The commander has eight day periscopes for all round observation and the gunner has three. The primary sighting system is the PERI-Z11 sight, which has either 2× or 6× optical magnification. From version 1A2 on, there is an additional thermal sight with 2x and 8x magnification. To the rear of the turret is the troop compartment, which can hold six infantry men, sitting back to back facing outwards along the center of the hull.

The Marder is capable of fording in up to 1.5 meters of water unprepared. It can be fitted with a kit allowing it to ford water up to 2.5 meters deep.

The vehicle is powered by an MTU MB 833 Ea-500 six-cylinder liquid-cooled sequentially turbocharged diesel engine which delivers approximately 441 kW (600 PS; 591 hp) at 2,200 rpm. The cooling radiators are mounted at the rear of the hull, either side of the exit ramp. The engine is coupled to a Renk four speed HSWL 194 planetary gear box, with four forward and four reverse gears. The transmission also provides steering and braking via a stepless hydrostatic unit, which transmits power to two drive units mounted at the front of the hull. The vehicle carries 652 liters of fuel, giving it a road range of around 500 kilometres. Early Marders could achieve a road speed of 75 km/h in 4th gear, but the extra armour of later vehicles reduced this to 65 km/h.

The Marder is propelled by a Diehl track, which can be fitted with rubber road pads or metallic grousers for improved mobility in snow. The drive mechanism consists of six rubber tyred road wheels, with a drive sprocket at the front of the hull and an idler at the rear. Three return rollers are fitted. The suspension is a torsion bar system, with hydrostatic shock absorbers fitted to the front two and last two road wheels.

Armament

[edit]
Early Marder with remote-controlled rear-facing machine gun pod

The primary armament is the 20 mm Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh202 autocannon. It is mounted in the small two-man turret and can fire either armour-piercing or HE rounds. Mounted coaxially to the left of the cannon is a 7.62 mm MG 3 machine gun. The turret has 360 degree traverse, and can elevate from −17 degrees to +65 degrees, at a rate of 40 degrees per second while traversing at a rate of 60 degrees a second.

Early production Marders, up to and including version 1A1 had a second, rear-facing MG 3 mounted on the rear deck in a remote controlled pod and operated by one of the mounted infantry using a co-axial PERI-Z12 periscope sight (with a 180° horizontal traverse arc and a vertical arc of -15° to +55°). Typically, 1,250 rounds are carried for the 20 mm cannon, along with a further 5,000 rounds for the MG3.

On models since version 1A1A, a MILAN anti-tank guided missile launcher can be attached to the turret to provide enhanced anti-armour capabilities. Typically, four missiles are carried inside the vehicle.

There are four gun ports, two per side, which can be used by mounted infantry to provide additional fire against attacking infantry targets. Only Marder 1A1 and 1A2 were equipped with this. Marder 1A3 and above do not have gun ports due to the fitting of an extra layer of armour and outside storage boxes.

Six 76-millimeter-diameter smoke grenade dischargers can create a visual and infrared blocking smoke screen.

Combat service

[edit]
See also: Kunduz Province Campaign
A Marder deployed with German peacekeeping troops in Kosovo, 1999.

With the first unit delivered in summer 1971, the Marder IFV remained untested in combat for 38 years until July 2009 when they defended a German combat outpost against the Taliban in Chahar Dara district of Afghanistan's Kunduz Province, killing and wounding scores of enemies. Since then, the Marders have been involved in heavy fighting several times. The vehicles have proved to be extremely useful and have been praised as a great tactical asset by German troops.[1] However, the crews have been subject to great physical stress as none of the vehicles are equipped with air conditioning systems.[2]

Two Marders were damaged by improvised explosive devices in the course of a German-led offensive on Taliban fighters in Quatliam, on 31 October 2010. Later in the battle, code-named by the Coalition "Operation Halmazag", a single Marder beat off a Taliban attempt to outflank positions held by German paratroopers.[3] On 2 June 2011, a German Marder was destroyed near Kunduz by a 200 kg (440.91 lbs.) IED, killing one soldier and injuring five others.[4]

The Marder was deployed during the Kosovo War as part of the German peacekeeping forces sent as part of NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR).

On 29 March 2023, Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov announced that Marders donated from Germany during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine had arrived in the country.[5] They were first used by the 82nd Air Assault Brigade in August as part of the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive; 100 vehicles had been delivered by that time.

According to the Oryx blog as of 3 September 2024, at least 26 Ukrainian Marders had been confirmed to have been lost by photos or videos; 13 destroyed, 3 damaged, 8 abandoned and 2 captured.[6][7]

Variants

[edit]

The Marder 1A3[8] is currently the most common version of this system, and is in service with the German Bundeswehr. The Marder 1A4 differs from the 1A3 only by the use of a cryptography-capable radio-set. The newest version of the Marder is the Marder 1A5 with advanced mine protection. Only a small number of this variant is in service.

Main-IFV models

[edit]
  • Marder 1 (1971–)
    • Marder 1 with MILAN: A MILAN launcher was fitted to all Marders between 1977 and 1979.
    • Marder 1 A1(+) (1979–1982): Dual feed for 20 mm cannon enabling choice of ammunition, night vision equipment including image intensifiers and a thermal imager. Infantry capacity reduced to five. Applied to 674 vehicles between 1979 and 1982.
    • Marder 1 A1(−) (1979–1982): As A1(+) but without thermal imager. 350 vehicles upgraded to this standard.
      • Marder 1 A1A3: A Marder A1 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
    • Marder 1 A1A: As 1 A1 but without any passive night vision equipment. 1,112 vehicles upgraded to this standard.
      • Marder 1 A1A4: A Marder A1A with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
    • Marder 1 A1A2: A converted Marder 1 with A1 turret and A2 chassis
      • Marder 1 A1A5: A Marder A1A2 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
    • Marder 1 A2 (1984–1991): Between 1984 and 1991, all West German Marder 1s were upgraded to A2 standard. This included substantial modification of the suspension, fuel tanks, cooling system and water-jet cleaning system. A new sighting system was installed. The infrared search light equipment was removed. All vehicles were fitted with thermal imagers except for the 674 A1(+) vehicles, which already had them.
      • Marder 1 A2A1: A Marder 1 A2 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
    • Marder 1 A3 (1988–1998): A Marder with upgraded armor (involved extra frontal armor), suspension changes and other modifications.
    • Marder 1 A4: A Marder 1 A3 with SEM 93 cryptographic radio.
    • Marder 1 A5 (2003–2004): Additional anti-mine armor and a completely remodeled interior in order to avoid blast and shock injuries to the crew when hit by a mine. Applied to 74 Marder 1 A3s only.
      • Marder 1 A5A1 (2010–2011): Equipped with an air conditioning system, a jammer for IED-protection and multi-spectral camouflage.[9] In December 2010 ten vehicles were brought to this standard, with a further 25 to be upgraded by August 2011.
  • A Marder 1A3 fires a MILAN missile during an exercise.
    A Marder 1A3 fires a MILAN missile during an exercise.
  • A Marder 1A5
    A Marder 1A5
  • A Marder 1A3 of Panzergrenadier Battalion 391 in 2006.
    A Marder 1A3 of Panzergrenadier Battalion 391 in 2006.

Derivative models

[edit]
A Brazilian Marder-Roland.
A Marder infantry fighting vehicle converted for use as a firefighting vehicle with the German Fire Services.

The Marder served as the basis for Thyssen-Henschel's medium tank design which became the TAM for Argentina. A simplified version of the Marder is also employed as an infantry fighting vehicle, mortar carrier and command vehicle by the Argentine Army, realising most of the versions originally planned for the Bundeswehr and later abandoned due to costs and/or the availability of cheap alternatives like the M106 mortar carrier.

The Marder is used as a carrier for the Roland air defence system. The Kanonenjagdpanzer and Raketenjagdpanzer 2 started development as part of the Marder family but were realised based on the second batch of prototypes using different engines etc. The Kanonenjagdpanzer built for Belgium are a hybrid between the original Bundeswehr version and Marder parts. Some 4–6 test models of a 120 mm mortar on a Marder chassis were built, and at least one is in use as a firefighting vehicle at the WTS Meppen. Tests with an AAA tank were performed but the high weight of the system resulted in a switch to the heavier Standardpanzer chassis, resulting in the Gepard AAA system. At least one first or second generation prototype was equipped with the 110 mm artillery rocket system that later became the truck-mounted LARS system.

During the Eurosatory Show 2012, Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH offered two further upgrades as part of the Marder Evolution family. The first upgrade was the Marder APC which features a new M151 Protector remotely controlled weapon, replacing the original Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh 202 automatic cannon, ballistic protection comparable to STANAG Level 4+, and mine protection comparable to Level 3a/3b+. The top deck has been lifted to enable improved ergonomics and uses a 440 kW (600 PS) MTU MB883 diesel. The other upgrade was the Marder Medium Tank which features a rifled, stabilized 105 mm OTO-Melara gun in a new turret.[10]

At Indo Defence 2016, Rheinmetall exhibited the Marder Medium Tank RI ("RI" stands for "Republic of Indonesia"), which was offered to the Indonesian Army, at the time already operating the Marder 1A3. The tank used the Marder 1A3 hull, with the three-crew Leonardo HITFACT turret armed with an OTO-Melara 105 mm gun and two 7.62 mm machine guns used in coaxial and roof-mounted positions. The HITFACT turret was equipped with an advanced fire control system, linked with the commander and gunner sights, a laser rangefinder, and day/thermal sights for both the commander and gunner. Improvements included upgraded suspension, a new MTU diesel engine with 690 hp (510 kW), and the availability to mount a modular armour package.[11]

Marder 2

[edit]
A Marder 2 prototype at the Bundeswehr Museum of German Defense Technology.

Schützenpanzer Marder 2 was a 1991 prototype German infantry fighting vehicle intended as a replacement design to the Schützenpanzer Marder 1. The project started in 1984 and was cancelled in 1992.

A prototype is preserved at the Bundeswehr Museum of German Defense Technology.

Operators

[edit]

Current operators

[edit]
A map of Marder operators in blue
Country Type Quantity (Estimated) Origin Notes
 Chile 1A3 280  Germany 180 Marder 1A3 originally ordered from Germany in 2007 since the Dutch YPR-765 AIFVs and M113 APCs could not keep pace with their main battle tanks. Additional orders brought the total number to 280.[12] The first batch of 200 Marder 1A3s ordered included 7 driver-training vehicles and 30 broken down for spare parts. All sourced from Bundeswehr stocks.[13]
 Germany 1A2/1A3/
FlaRakPz 1 Roland
(in storage with private industry)		 ~1067
  West Germany
 Germany		 2,137 Marders built in total. 2,097 vehicles were upgraded to the Marder 1A3 standard between 1989-1998. 140 Marders were converted to Roland 2 tracked surface-to-air systems from 1978-1983, though the Roland systems were retired from service in 2005.[14] By 2009, Germany had approximately 1,911 operational Marder IFVs of the 1A2 and 1A3 variant. Many were sold off to other countries or to private companies like Rheinmetall. Following sales and exports to various countries, an estimated 1067 remain in storage in various states of combat-capability as of 2023.[15] Hundreds are in outdoor storage with KMW's subsidiary Battle Tank Dismantling GmbH Koch in Rockensußra, Thuringia where they are broken down and recycled.[16][17][18]
1A3 [upgraded] 262  Germany By 2017 the Bundeswehr owned 382 Marder of the 1A3/1A4/1A5 variants, with only 212 in operational service as the others were undergoing refits contracted in 2016.[19][20][21] In 2020, Rheinmetall was contracted to further upgrade 260 Marder to have modern thermal imaging systems for gunner and commander.[22] Over 170 to be equipped with new drivers night vision sights.[23]

The Bundeswehr has approximately 262 active service Marder 1A3 following the transfer of 20 to Ukraine from its stocks in 2023.[24] Officially replaced with the Puma, the Marder will remain in service until at least 2025.

1A4 26  Germany 26 Marder 1A3s converted into command vehicles with SEM 93 long range radios. To be upgraded and continue to operate beyond 2025.
1A5 74  Germany 74 Marder 1A3s were upgraded by Rheinmetall to 1A5 variant between 2003-2004. In 2020, 71 of these were contracted to have their drivetrain upgraded with new power packs to enhance the vehicle's responsiveness and boost the engine output from 600hp to >750hp.[25][26]
 Greece 1A3 40  Germany 40 Marder 1A3 were pledged to Greece by Germany as part of the latter's "Ringtausch" exchange program in exchange for Greece deliverying 40 BMP-1 vehicles to Ukraine.[27] It received its first 6 in November 2022.[28] 14 were delivered as of January 2023. Further deliveries to Greece were reportedly halted by Rheinmetall due to the company's commitments to deliver more Marder IFVs to Ukraine and a lack of supply.[29] However, all 40 were delivered by the July 2023.[30]
 Indonesia 1A2 26  Germany Germany initially approved the export of 50 Marder 1A2 to Indonesia in 2012.[31][32] Indonesia ordered 26 Marder 1A2, with deliveries scheduled between 2014-2016.[33][34] The first batch of Marder 1A2 reportedly arrived on August 8, 2014.[35]
1A3 42  Germany 42 Marder 1A3s ordered from Rheinmetall, which began deliveries in 2015 from its own stockpiles.[36][37]
 Jordan 1A3 75  Germany Jordan initially ordered 50 Marder 1A3 on 11 December 2016.[38] Rheinmetall was contracted to upgrade these from Bundeswehr stocks and deliver them by 2017.[39] In 2017, Rheinmetall was contracted to upgrade an additional 25 Marder 1A3 for Jordan.[40] All 75 delivered by the summer of 2020, including two driver training vehicles and spare parts.[41]
 Ukraine 1A3 140  Germany The first Marder 1A3 were delivered in March 2023. 20 Marder 1A3 delivered from Bundeswehr stocks, 60 delivered from Rheinmetall stocks as of 23 December 2023.[42] An additional 20 will be prepared by Rheinmetall once contracts are signed,[43] with a potential for up to 120 to be delivered in total by 2024.[44][45] Rheinmetall claimed it will have delivered "more than 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles" before the end of 2023, with additional deliveries to be made by May 2024.[46] An additional 20 were added to Germany's list of military aid on March 28, bringing the total up to 140.[47]

Former operators

[edit]
  •  Brazil had purchased 4 Roland 2 systems on the German Marder chassis along with 50 missiles in the late 1970s. All 4 were retired from service in 2001.[48]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Freundeskreis der Panzergrenadiertruppe e.V. und Lachen Helfen bauen Wasserspeicher in Afghanistan Freundeskreis der Panzergrenadiertruppe e.V (in German)
  2. ^ Von Fleischer, Jörg (July 6, 2009). "Neuer Panzer für die Truppe". www.wp.de.
  3. ^ Scraven, David (November 2012). "Der Kampf um Quatliam" (in German). Retrieved 29 November 2015.
  4. ^ Gebauer, Matthias (2011-06-02). "Afghanistan: Deutscher Soldat bei Taliban-Angriff getötet". Der Spiegel (in German). ISSN 2195-1349. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  5. ^ Ukrainian Defence Minister tweets video of Marder vehicles in Ukraine and drives one of them himself. Ukrainska Pravda. 29 March 2023.
  6. ^ "Attack on Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During the Russian Invasion of Ukraine".
  7. ^ Marder 1A3 IFV makes first combat mission in Ukraine with elite unit. Army Recognition. 21 August 2023.
  8. ^ Eshel, Tamir (June 11, 2012). "Rheinmetall Defence Displays Two Marder Upgrades".
  9. ^ "Verbesserter Schützenpanzer MARDER ausgeliefert". BWB.org. Retrieved 29 December 2010.
  10. ^ Eshel, Tamir (2012-06-11). "Rheinmetall Defence Displays Two Marder Upgrades". Defense Update. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
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General and cited references

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  • Jane's Armour and Artillery 2005–2006
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