German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has delivered over 20 additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, enhancing the eastern European nation’s defense capabilities amid a conflict with Russia. The latest turnover brings the total number of Kyiv’s systems to about 200.
The delivery, coursed through the so-called ring exchanges, includes Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles fitted with solutions meeting the requirements set by the Ukrainian armed forces, as well as laser rangefinders that would enable precise target engagement.
The Marder, originally developed for the German armed forces, is among the most proven weapon systems worldwide. Since its inception, the system has seen several updates through the years, all aimed at improving its combat performance.
Aside from the fighting vehicles, Rheinmetall also supplies Ukraine with Leopard main battle tanks through a ring exchange process.
The arms maker has been closely working with Kyiv since the Russian invasion, setting up an ammunition facility with the Ukrainian government and partnering with a Ukrainian firm to form a joint venture that would produce and supply ammunition to the Ukrainian government.