Rheinmetall integrates MELLS into Marder IFV
Rheinmetall has integrated the MELLS anti-tank missile system into the German Army’s Marder 1A5 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), the company announced on 20 March.
Rheinmetall received a contract in 2016 from the BAAINBw to study ways of integrating MELLS into the Bundeswehr’s IFV, which is approaching the end of its service.
Rheinmetall studied the extent to which oscillation due to movement of the vehicle and the resulting vibration behaviour would have to be considered when integrating the missile system. The results formed the basis for a modified storage concept, enabling transport of the launcher and missiles in the IFV.
The project was conducted during the first half of 2017 and concluded with vibration-stressed missiles being successfully fired from the IFV.
Following successful conclusion of the study phase, the Bundeswehr ordered 44 MELLS retrofit kits, which were delivered in December 2017. To date, a total of 35 vehicles have been equipped with the new missile system integration kit.
Rheinmetall is currently looking at ways of integrating the MELLS into the 1A3 and 1A5A1 versions of the Marder as well.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability]()
Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence]()
UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence
Reported to provide a high percentage of precision in its engagements, the South Korean air defence system has been receiving growing international interest since it was deployed by the UAE to defeat Iranian missiles.
-
![Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production]()
Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production
DroneShield has experienced significant growth in a short period of time, more than doubling its personnel to 500 people in the space of 18 months on the back of both military and civil demand.
