Approximately 100 Marder 1A3 ACVs (Armoured Combat Vehicle) are expected to be delivered to the Ukrainian Army by the end of the year.
In a video published on social media on March 29, 2023, it was seen that the first Marder 1A3 ACVs donated by Germany entered the service of the Ukrainian Army. On January 13, 2023, a list was published on the website of the German Ministry of Defense, stating that Germany will give Ukraine a number of military aid, including 40 Marder ACVs and a battery of Patriot air defense systems.
On March 5, 2023, German Rheinmetall announced that more than 40 Marder ACVs were renewed for Ukraine. It is also expected to deliver approximately 100 Marder 1A3 ACVs by the end of the year. Currently, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are actively using the Soviet-made BMP-1 and BMP-2 ACV. Ukraine will have modern ACVs with more advantages with the supply of Marder 1A3 ZMA.
In this context, Marder 1A3 has more advanced armor protection compared to BMP-1 and BMP-2. Its armor consists of steel plates that provide better resistance to penetrating warheads and light arms fire. Marder also has coverings that further increase the vehicle’s protection against fragmentation.
The BMP-1 and BMP-2 are equipped with a 73 mm smoothbore gun and a 30 mm automatic cannon, respectively. The Marder 1A3 is armed with a 20 mm RH-202 automatic cannon. Marder’s automatic cannon has a higher rate of fire and better accuracy than the BMP-1’s cannon, and despite its smaller caliber than the BMP-2’s automatic cannon, it can effectively fire a wide variety of targets, including lightly armoured vehicles. can take.
The Marder 1A3 has a higher power/weight ratio than the BMP-1 and BMP-2, giving it better acceleration and maneuverability. In addition, Marder’s suspension system can move more effectively on rough terrain thanks to its advanced terrain capabilities.
