The Puma is a modern German tracked infantry fighting vehicle. The first prototypes were built in the mid-1990s, and serial production began in 2009 and continues to this day. It is estimated that around 100 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Bundeswehr by the end of 2016. The vehicle is powered by an MTU V-10 diesel engine producing 1,073 hp. It is armed with a single 30mm MK-30-2 automatic cannon, a 5.56mm MG4 machine gun, and a Spike anti-tank missile launcher.
The Puma was developed as the successor to the Marder infantry fighting vehicle. During its design, emphasis was placed on armor protection—a rarity for this class of vehicle. The Puma is protected against 14.5mm small-caliber kinetic energy rounds, while the front and sides are shielded against cannon fire of up to 30mm. Armor protection can also be enhanced by adding modular components (known as protection levels). The Puma also offers significantly improved survivability against mine blasts and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The vehicle features powerful armament and highly advanced electronic systems, including a fire control system (FCS) typical of third-generation main battle tanks—a feature virtually unheard of in infantry fighting vehicles. The Puma also boasts good maneuverability and off-road mobility. Additionally, it can be air-transported via the Airbus A400M aircraft. It accommodates up to six troops. Currently, the Puma belongs exclusively to the Bundeswehr.
