In a recent video circulating on the social media platform Telegram, a German-made Marder 1A3 tracked armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) donated by Germany to Ukraine appears to have been hit by a missile or to have run over a mine on the frontline. Remarkably, due to the robust armor of the Marder 1A3, the crew and accompanying infantrymen emerged unscathed.
The Marder 1A3, developed by Rheinmetall and introduced in the 1980s, is renowned for its welded steel armor, designed to provide protection against small arms fire, artillery shell splinters, and shaped charge weapons like rocket-propelled grenades. The vehicle’s interior is also equipped with spall liners, which further safeguard the crew from potential shrapnel in the event of an external hit. This recent incident underscores the vehicle’s reputation for durability and the protection it offers to its occupants.
Since the onset of the conflict, Germany has extended significant military support to Ukraine. This includes the donation of 60 Marder 1A3 tracked armored IFVs, sourced both from the military inventory of the German army and from defense companies. The recent missile strike incident highlights the pivotal role such donations play in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities and safeguarding its troops on the ground.