As reported by Face of War on March 14, 2024, Russian troops successfully captured for the first time a German-supplied Marder 1A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) used by the Ukrainian army. After capturing the American Bradley M2A2 IFV and the Swedish CV9040, currently in service with the Ukrainian army, a few days ago, Russia now has the opportunity to study European and American infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) technologies with the Marder 1A3. This allows for the development of new anti-tank systems and the improvement of future Russian-made IFVs, such as the Kurganets-25.
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The captured Marder 1A3 is reportedly the same one that was declared abandoned west of Avdiivka on March 1, 2024. (Picture source: Face of War)
The captured Marder 1A3 is reportedly the same one that was declared abandoned west of Avdiivka on March 1, 2024, by Deaidua. This event brings the count to four Marder 1A3 IFVs visually confirmed as destroyed and another four as damaged and left behind, out of the 90 units Germany delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Focusing on military aspects, the capture of such equipment has implications beyond the immediate benefit in terms of propaganda.
By examining NATO-designed vehicles like the Marder 1A3, along with the captured Bradley M2A2 and CV9040, Russian engineers gain the opportunity to study advanced Western military technologies, engineering practices, and design principles firsthand, potentially influencing Russian military strategy and development. If this analysis reveals vulnerabilities in the vehicles' armor, sensors, and electronic systems, this could potentially guide the development of countermeasures and enhance Russian armored vehicle survivability against similar platforms. There is also the possibility of developing new weapons systems specifically designed to target these Western vehicles.
Moreover, the capture offers a chance to integrate advanced features and design concepts found in these Western IFVs into future Russian armored vehicle programs, such as the Kurganets-25 and T-15 Armata IFVs, potentially leading to improvements in crew protection, mobility, firepower, and situational awareness in future Russian designs.
In particular, the Russian military might closely examine the design and protective capabilities of the Swedish CV9040 IFV, known for its incorporation of recent defense innovations, and the BRAT protection kit used by the US military for Bradley M2A2s, which provides protection against a range of threats. This captured equipment could provide insights into Western defense technologies and strategies.
The capture of the Marder 1A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) by Russian forces could provide several analytical benefits in comparison to previously captured models such as the M2A2 Bradley and the CV9040. The Russian analysis of the Marder's specific technologies, including its propulsion systems, armor composition, and internal configurations, could provide a broader understanding of Western armored vehicle design principles, vehicle armament, fire control systems, and strategies for protecting against ballistic and explosive threats.
As a reminder, the Marder 1A3 is equipped with a 20 mm MK 20 Rh202 automatic cannon and a 7.62 mm MG3 coaxial machine gun, along with a MILAN anti-tank missile launcher, allowing it to engage armored targets at a distance. Its armor provides standard protection against 7.62 mm caliber small arms fire and shell splinters, with an enhanced armor package in the 1A3 version designed to resist 30 mm cannon ammunition. The vehicle weighs 33,500 kg and can reach a maximum speed of 65 km/h, with a range of about 500 km. It is outfitted with passive night vision devices, thermal sights, an air conditioning system, and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection capabilities.
The Marder 1A3 is equipped with a 20 mm MK 20 Rh202 automatic cannon and a 7.62 mm MG3 coaxial machine gun, along with a MILAN anti-tank missile launcher. (Picture source: German MoD)
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