Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) has suspended the purchase of further Puma infantry fighting vehicles for the Bundeswehr for the time being. “Until the vehicle proves to be stable, there will be no second lot. The criticism from Parliament is completely justified,” said Lambrecht on Monday in Berlin. “Our troops have to be able to rely on the fact that weapon systems are robust and stable in combat. And NATO can continue to rely on our fulfillment of our duties with the VJTF. We already planned the Marder infantry fighting vehicle during the preparations and that has proven to be wise .”
According to information from the German Press Agency, a planned signing of an agreement for the purchase of further armored personnel carriers was put on hold. Lambrecht: “The recent failures of the Puma infantry fighting vehicle are a major setback.”
Because of the series of breakdowns with the new Puma infantry fighting vehicle, the Bundeswehr will participate in the NATO intervention force VJTF with the Marder combat vehicle, which was introduced decades ago, as a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said on Monday in Berlin. “We were still quite confident after the previous exercises because the Puma had done well. And now we have this unusually high failure,” he said.
In the morning, Lambrecht was informed by Inspector General Eberhard Zorn, State Secretary for Armaments Benedikt Zimmer and other officers, the spokesman said. There will be further talks with the industry on Monday. “With a view to the VJTF obligations, we will fulfill them as planned from January 1, but then with the Marder infantry fighting vehicle,” he said.
According to information from the German Press Agency, an inconsistent pattern of damage was found on the failed armored personnel carriers, ranging from worn sprockets to problems with the electronics. Official information was not given.
