**Germany to Supply Ukraine with 20 More Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles**
Ukraine’s military capabilities are set to receive a boost with Germany agreeing to supply the country with 20 more Marder infantry fighting vehicles. This development comes after previous deliveries of 140 such vehicles, which have become an integral part of Ukraine’s mechanized forces.
**Deepening Defense Cooperation**
The order was received by Rheinmetall, a German technology group based in Düsseldorf, and is worth a mid-range double-digit million euro amount. The delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2025 and will be financed by Germany. This move represents a deepening of defense cooperation between Germany and Ukraine at a time when military support remains crucial for Ukraine’s combat effectiveness against Russian forces.
**Additional Features**
The Marder 1A3 vehicles being delivered have an additional laser rangefinder, allowing for efficient and precise target engagement. The first 20 such vehicles were delivered in March 2023, followed by further deliveries of double figures.
**Maintenance Facilities**
Rheinmetall has already set up maintenance facilities in Ukraine to support the Marder fleet, which is in service with various units, including the Marines. The company began overhauling Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles from its company stocks at its own expense in spring 2022.
**Background**
The Marder was developed in the 1960s by Rheinmetall AG on behalf of the German Armed Forces. It is armed with a 20-mm RH 202 automatic cannon and a paired 7.62-mm MG3 machine gun mounted on a carriage on top of the two-seat turret.
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