Land 400 Phase 3 Trial (Australian MoD)
Frankly, now you might be getting an interesting insight on Russian armoured operations in Ukraine. The unarguably dismissal performance in the ongoing conflict , all those anti-tank weapons used against Russian thrust, the tactics used by the Ukrainian resistance to stop Russian advancement and the questions regarding Russian quality - wouldn’t they make an interesting subject? But the Editor said, “Hold on! The glasses are untidy, let the fog of war be cleared of all falsehood, never ever rush in along with the crowd making mistakes”. So holding that review for the future and instead here’s a piece on the best infantry fighting vehicles around the world you must know about! Honesty, this was a pure joy to work on and hopefully you will feel the same while going through it.
AS21 Redback
It’s a great feeling to start the list of best with an Asian product which is competing against Western counterparts around the world. Redback is a new generation combat platform developed by Hanwha Defence of South Korea. First unveiled at ADEX 2019, since then the advanced features has sent both the experts and enthusiast alike into a tizzy. A high mobile platform provides superior protection against ballistic attack, mines/IED as well as protection against the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. With the help of add-on armour, the protection level can be enhanced to STANAG Lebel 6. In Australia this opportunity is provided by Plasan. Redback can be integrated with Elbit COPAS or EOS ICSS. IronVision provides a 360° situational awareness. Hanwha is now offering a new Redback turret for AS21 demonstrated in Australia. It is equipped with Mk 44S 30/40 mm auto-cannon, (anti-tank guided missile), and 7.62 mm EOS R400SMk2 RCWS (remote controlled weapon system). Iron Fist APS (active protection system) provides protection against HEAT (high explosive anti-tank) rounds as found in RPG (rocket propelled grenade) weapons as well as in ATGM. According to reports, it can be offered with EOS T2000 turret as well. Redback is powered by MTU MT 881 engine with an output of 1090 hp. Doosan Mottrol in-arm equips the hydropneumatic suspension. Soucy Defense provides the composite rubber track which helps in smoother and quieter mobility. In fact most of all the other platforms mentioned in the article will use the same kind of add-ons if not equipped with them already.
AS21 Redback (Image: Hanwha Defense)
KF41 Lynx
It is a German armoured fighting platform developed by Rheinmetall Landsysteme and a further improvement of earlier KF31. The 40T platform offers high degree of customisation for adequate firepower according to the need of the customer - from older LANCE turret to the improved LANCE 2.0. The LANCE 2.0 can be equipped with 30/35 mm auto-cannon as well as a 50 mm gun. For additional performances MSSA or Field Ranger RCWS (remote controlled weapon system) and Spike LR2 ATGM can be added. Recently a new variant Lynx 120 has been developed for fire support. It is equipped with 120 mm smoothbore gun. The gun is shorter for better urban/jungle warfare capability. Lynx now is being offered with three different APS for different customers - Quick Kill 2.0, StrikeShield and Iron Fist. This proves high level of customisation which is the need of hour in the rapidly changing environment. Rheinmetall SEOSS (Stabilised Electro-Optical Sighting System), LWR (laser warning receiver), situational awareness etc provides the ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance) capability enhancing the performance by multifold against the potential adversary. For OMFV programme in the US, next generation electro-optical systems from Raytheon will be added. The excellent mobility is maintained by the Liebherr D976 1072 hp engine (debatable) and Renk transmission.
KF41 Lynx (Image: Wikipedia)
B-11
Kurganets-25 is the latest combat vehicle from Russia which offers extensive protection, high firepower, excellent mobility and situational awareness. As a member of the Armata Universal Combat Platform family it shares some technologies found in the T-14 Main Battle Tank. Depending on the need, this platform can be customised for both infantry fighting as well as an armoured personnel carrier. The IFV variant is known as B-11. It has new generation optics and electro-optical target acquisition system for better combat prowess. The Epoch combat module carries the same 2A42 30 mm auto-cannon but thanks to new fire control system it can achieve an enhanced performance. But it can be replaced with 57 mm LShO-57 cannon if needed. It carries a RCWS and Bulat RU grenade launcher. For anti-tank role it carries four Kornet EM ATGM. The Monolit explosive reactive armour (ERA) is expected to give protection against HEAT. Further enhancing the protection, Afghanit APS has been added. Despite so many advanced features it weighs just 25T and thus it can be deployed for amphibious operations as well. With the help of 800 hp engine it can achieve an excellent mobility. This system is still under trials.
Ajax
Ajax has been developed for the British Army by the General Dynamics UK. The chassis is based on proven ASCOD 2, which has further led to development of Griffin III hull. However, necessary changes have brought in for enhanced protection without compromising mobility. Thales ORION or SAFRAN Paseo sights can be integrated for Commander and Gunner application. In case of the British Army, for better interoperability Thales ORION independent panoramic sight is used in Challenger 3 as well. Thales LSA (local situational awareness) provides a 360° surveillance capability. Thales Acusonic acoustic shot detection system can detect direction of enemy fire. Thus Ajax has a robust capability to dominate the battlefield with enhanced awareness. It carries Nexter-BAE consortium CT40 cased telescoped armament system fitted to a turret developed by Rheinmetall. LWR and 76 mm smoke grenades help in risk mitigation against enemy anti-tank missile attack. It is expected Morpheus C4I system will provide interoperability with Challenger 3 and other platforms. MTU TE21 engine can create more than 800 hp power. But in spite of so many advanced features the Ajax is mired with many problems. The most serious one is the excessive noise and vibration leading the crew towards hearing impairment, tinnitus, nausea and joint swelling. Besides, question arises on its mobility as well, particularly while crossing the obstacles running backwards. The future armoured fighting capability of the British Army relies on three programmes- Challenger 3, Boxer and Ajax. However, without any clear vision to resolve the Ajax issues the capabilities might be compromised seriously.
Ajax (Image: Wikipedia)
Puma
Puma is another modern infantry fighting vehicle from Germany incorporated with cutting edge technology and developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall. It was developed to replace ageing Marder platform. The RWM 30 mm MK 30-2/ABM acts as the main armament along with secondary HK 5.57 mm MG4. Puma offers a dynamic protection with the appliqué AMAP (Advanced Modular Armour Protection) against KE strike. For enhanced protection MUSS (Multifunktionales Selbstschutz- System) soft-kill active protection system has been added. MUSS has an infrared jammer, MILDS UV missile warning sensor, laser warning receiver and smoke grenade dispenser. MTU-Renk duo provides an excellent power pack of more than 1000 hp. Recently, a contract has been signed to upgrade and retrofit 154 Puma vehicles already in services with the Bundeswehr. Some of the notable features are new optics for driver, commander and gunner for better situational awareness, a new turret independent system (TSWA) for critical situation, MELLS guided missile system to target the enemy at a distance of 5500 meters with Spike LR ATGM, new digital radios and integration of Future Soldier - Expanded System (IdZ-ES) and BMS.
Puma (Image: Wikipedia)
CV90 Mk. IV
Combat Vehicle 90 is manufactured by BAE Systems AB of Sweden and Mk. IV is the latest development of it. The oldest of all in this list still can showcase its prowess as one of the best platforms around the world. It is also the sole warrior in the list seen combat experience. The gunners fire control system is provided by SAAB UTAAS (Universal Tank and Anti-Aircraft System) while LEMUR SW is the commander’s independent sight. Elbit COAPS provides an independent 360 degree panoramic sight which is placed on a 500 mm extending mast allowing an enhanced observation in concealed position. It is equipped with D series turret which allows integration of 30/35/40/50 mm Bushmaster cannon and Twin Spike LR. It is equipped with Iron Fist active protection system as well. With the help of a low recoil 120 mm Rheinmetall gun it can be used as a 45T medium tank. The change increases weight by almost 10T but Scania V8 1000 hp engine still provides a decent hp/t maintaining excellent mobility.
CV90 Mk. IV (Image BAE Systems)
Bonus - Carmel
Often dubbed as a Gen5 fighting platform with integrated unmanned capability, substantial automation, sensor fusion, interconnected situational awareness and augmented reality, is originally a retrofitted M113! It is developed as a technology demonstrator for test of several cutting edge development. LIDAR radar for better target acquisition and 3-D mapping of battlefield, IronVision see through armour technology, STA Mk. II EO situational awareness and advanced optics for the crew together boosts a robust performance from the crew.
Major acquisition programmes around the world
US - Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) is a highly ambitious programme to replace the Bradley platforms currently in services. Possible OMFV contenders:
1) GDLS offering Griffin IV platform which will be equipped with ARDEC 50 mm gun from Orbital ATK.
2) American Rheinmetall along with Raytheon, Textron and L3Harris pitches KF41 Lynx with LANCE 2.0 turret.
3) Oshkosh and Hanwha to further develop AS21 and Samson turret. CV90 Mk. IV (Image BAE Systems)
4) BAE seems working on further revolution of next gen Bradley platform and will be equipped with Elbit UT 30 Mk. II.
5) Point Blank recently revealed their concept ‘Liberty’. However not much known about this though some ideas can be derived about the turret and the main gun from the graphics published.
UK - The British Army plans to procure around 590 Ajax family vehicles replacing older CVR(T). But multiple issues have derailed the acquisition programme. Study is going on how to fix the problem. India - Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV): India released a RFI for the procurement of 1750 infantry combat vehicles and variants to replace ageing BMP-2. Australia - LAND 400 Phase 3: After the US, UK and India, Australia has the largest acquisition programme. Through LAND 400 Phase 3, the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) envisages procurement of 450 new generation IFV and 17 manoeuvre support vehicles (MSV) at an estimated cost of $27 billion! Rheinmetall and Hanwha Defence have pitched their products. So, it’s an AS21 vs KF41 show and in the trials they have performed toe to toe. When you will go through this article, a decision on this likely will have taken. Czech Republic - requirement for 210 vehicles. CV90 Mk. IV, KF-41 and ASCOD 42 are contesting. Slovakia - requirement for 152 platforms. CV 90 MkIV, Borsuk, ASCOD and KF 41 are participating. All information is based on best credible sources and authenticity has been maintained as much as possible, but with new updates these likely to be changed.
What does this mean for India?
BAE, Hanwha Defence and Rheinmetall already have pitched their platforms and offered customisation according to the needs of the Indian Army. Many other OEM are expected to offer theirs as well. Multiple indigenous alternatives are also being developed in partnership with the international flag bearers in this field. A clearer picture might come out during the forthcoming Defence Expo (which has been postponed and delayed to an undeclared date). Whereas many of these above mentioned platforms are integrated with the best technologies currently available around the world that certainly does not mean it will meet all the requirements of the Indian Army. It will not be easy to provide an enhanced multi-layered protection, state of the art situational awareness, adequate firepower and excellent mobility without compromising amphibious capability. India will closely follow such acquisitions and development programmes around the world and then will decide through thorough calculations.
Article by Sankalan Chattopadhyay (Twitter - @vinoddx9)