Marder drivers to gain night vision upgrade
Rheinmetall is continuing to support German MoD efforts to extend the service life of the workhorse Marder IFV, with a new €24 million ($28.4 million) contract to supply more than 170 Spectus II driver night observation devices.
The deal also includes logistical support, training and other services. Deliveries are due to begin in late 2021 with completion by the end of 2022, Rheinmetall announced on 20 October.
Spectus II includes a residual light amplifier camera, thermal imaging device and rear-view camera.
In response to an urgent operational requirement for the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, Rheinmetall previously integrated the Spectus I system into the Marder 1 A5A1 fleet; and Rheinmetall was selected in December 2019 to extend the service life of 71 vehicles in a contract worth approximately €110 million.
Even more work for Rheinmetall may follow, after the budget committee of the German parliament on 7 October 2020 approved procurement of a thermal imaging aiming device for the Marder gunner and commander.
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