Dynamit Nobel Defence Secures Long-Term Agreement for Puma Reactive Armour

Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND) has entered into a significant framework agreement with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to supply explosive reactive armour (ERA) modules for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. Finalized on December 19, 2024, this agreement includes an initial order valued in the mid-double-digit million Euro range, aimed at bolstering operational stockpiles.

Strategic Importance of the Agreement

This framework agreement enables the Bundeswehr to procure ERA modules swiftly and flexibly, ensuring the Puma fleet remains mission-ready during crises or operational deployments. This initiative reflects Germany's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities in response to evolving security challenges.

DND's ERA Technology

DND's ERA technology integrates passive, reactive, and active protection measures for land platforms, offering a comprehensive defense system. The Bundeswehr's confidence in this technology underscores its effectiveness and future-proof nature. The agreement also provides long-term stability for the industry, allowing for effective scaling of production capacities.

Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle and Its Protection Systems

The Puma infantry fighting vehicle is renowned for its advanced protection systems, combining various technologies to safeguard its crew and ensure operational effectiveness.

• Passive Protection: The Puma is equipped with AMAP composite armor, with AMAP-B modules protecting against kinetic energy threats and AMAP-SC modules offering protection against shaped charges. The vehicle's basic armor can withstand direct hits from 14.5mm rounds, with enhanced protection against medium-caliber projectiles and shaped charges in its frontal armor. Additional armor modules can be added to increase protection levels, with the vehicle's weight adjustable to maintain air transportability.

• Reactive Armour: The upper hull sides of the Puma are protected by explosive reactive armour developed by Dynamit Nobel Defence. This armour is designed to counter advanced hollow charge munitions, significantly enhancing the vehicle's defense against anti-tank weapons. The reactive armour modules are modular and can be removed to adjust the vehicle's weight for different operational requirements.

• Active Protection System: The Puma is equipped with the Multifunktionales Selbstschutz-System (MUSS), a soft-kill system capable of detecting and neutralizing incoming anti-tank guided missiles by disrupting their guidance systems. This active protection enhances the vehicle's survivability against modern threats.

• Additional Protection Features: The vehicle includes a fire suppression system in both the engine and crew compartments, a full NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system, and strategically placed fuel tanks outside the hull to enhance crew safety. The design also incorporates decoupled seats and a heightened floor in the dismount compartment to improve resistance against mine blasts and improvised explosive devices.

These integrated protection systems make the Puma one of the most advanced and well-protected infantry fighting vehicles in the world, capable of operating effectively in diverse and challenging combat environments.