German Special Forces push their future AGF 2 reconnaissance vehicle to the limit in US operational trials.

On April 24, 2025, the German Army conducted joint testing of the AGF 2 reconnaissance and combat vehicle in cooperation with the Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) in El Paso, Texas. The evaluation was part of an ongoing assessment by both the Bundeswehr’s procurement authority and the KSK, aimed at validating the vehicle’s performance under realistic, hot, and dry operational conditions. This collaborative testing effort was undertaken to verify whether the AGF 2 platform meets the requirements of the troops and performs as advertised by the manufacturer.
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The standard AGF 2 is a reconnaissance and combat vehicle, while the AGF 2/UFK (Unterstützungsfahrzeug Kommando Spezialkräfte) variant is intended for tactical support, capable of transporting materials, personnel, and ammunition. (Picture source: Ausrüstung Bundeswehr)

Before any material is delivered to operational units, the Bundeswehr mandates thorough testing to ensure not only technical compliance but also operational reliability in varied environments. According to Alex Luck, the video also shows what appears to be a Sur-Ron L1E electric motorcycle mounted at the rear of the AGF 2 vehicle. This latest test phase follows the initial delivery of four AGF 2 vehicles from Dutch manufacturer Defenture to the German Armed Forces. These vehicles arrived in early April 2024 and were sent to the Bundeswehr's Military Technical Department for land-based vehicle systems (WTD 41) in Trier.

The AGF 2 vehicles, built on Defenture’s Mammoth platform, were received as proof samples for comprehensive trials in coordination with the German Special Forces. These trials aim to validate all technical claims, especially those related to mobility, integration of weapon systems, IT infrastructure compatibility, and logistical support capabilities. Each vehicle in this initial batch has been assigned a specific testing focus to facilitate parallel evaluation across relevant domains, while involving direct feedback from special forces users.

The Mammoth platform itself, on which the AGF 2 and its variants are based, is an 8.8-ton class vehicle developed by Defenture and derived from the Groundforce (GRF) chassis. Designed for all-terrain operations, it incorporates a central spine chassis that supports the axles and superstructure, while housing and protecting all critical drivetrain components. The vehicle offers high off-road capabilities with a 366 mm ground clearance, 1,000 mm fording capability, and a 425 mm vertical step climb. Its 6-cylinder multifuel diesel engine delivers 268 horsepower and 610 Nm of torque, coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission with selectable four-wheel drive and differential locks on both front and rear axles. The vehicle supports four-wheel steering and has a compact turning circle of 1.5 meters, combined with approach and departure angles of 40.5°, a breakover angle of 31°, and a maximum speed of 110 km/h with an operational range of up to 800 km. It is certified for air transport via C-130, A400M, C-17, and CH-47 platforms.

The AGF 2 is set to replace the AGF Serval, which has been in service with the KSK since 2003. The AGF 2 introduces improved protection, payload capacity, and modularity for special operations missions. It offers approximately 3.5 tons of payload and is part of a 9-ton vehicle class. The platform is designed with modular protection systems to counter both ballistic threats and mines. Two key variants are under development for the German Special Forces Command. The standard AGF 2 is a reconnaissance and combat vehicle, while the AGF 2/UFK (Unterstützungsfahrzeug Kommando Spezialkräfte) variant is intended for tactical support, capable of transporting materials, personnel, and ammunition. The AGF 2/UFK variant includes design changes such as the removal of rear roll bars and modular seating to maximize cargo space and allow for a broader range of support missions.

The Mammoth platform itself, on which the AGF 2 and its variants are based, is a Dutch vehicle developed by Defenture and derived from the Groundforce (GRF) chassis. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Weapon integration on the AGF 2/UFK includes a standard electrically rotating weapons mount that can support up to four major weapons systems. These may include a .50 caliber machine gun, the MG-6, and the Heckler & Koch GMG automatic grenade launcher. Additional secondary weapon mounts are available depending on mission requirements. The AGF 2/UFK is also equipped with advanced communication and reconnaissance systems, ensuring effective command and control capabilities in operational environments.

Further field trials for both variants are scheduled in environments such as Panama and Alaska, as part of a broader effort to assess climate-dependent vehicle performance. These trials are conducted in close coordination with the KSK, whose operational experience will directly inform final procurement decisions. The KSK itself was formed in 1996 in response to the operational lessons learned following the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, which highlighted the need for Germany to establish its own elite special operations force capable of autonomous crisis response.

The Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) serves as Germany’s premier special forces unit, tasked with missions ranging from reconnaissance and counterterrorism to combat search and rescue and military advisory operations. The unit has drawn structural and tactical inspiration from the British SAS, U.S. Special Operations Command, and Germany’s GSG 9. It has participated in numerous deployments including the Yugoslav and Kosovo Wars, the War in Afghanistan, and the 2021 Kabul airlift. The unit has also received official recognition from NATO and the U.S. for its operational contributions.

The Mammoth platform at the heart of the AGF 2 vehicle family was originally presented by Defenture in June 2022. While still in the concept phase at that time, the Mammoth was envisioned as a more robust, heavier evolution of the ATTV VECTOR platform introduced in 2017 for Dutch special forces. The Mammoth preserves the modular and mission-specific adaptability of the VECTOR, thanks to its central frame design. This design enables the vehicle cabin to be customized independently of the chassis, allowing operators to tailor the configuration to specific tasks. The Mammoth, which uses 20-inch 335/80 R20 tires, has significantly more power than the ATTV and includes differentials on the front, center, and rear axles, as well as four-wheel steering. Despite weighing nearly twice as much as the ATTV, the Mammoth retains high maneuverability with a turning circle of just 12.5 meters over a vehicle length of approximately 5.6 meters.