Germany’s FFG Unveils Dual-Role ‘Condor’ Armored Vehicle on Leopard 1 Platform
London, September 2025 – Germany’s Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) has unveiled its latest innovation at the DSEI defense exhibition in London: the Condor, a new armored vehicle concept that merges the capabilities of a fire support tank with that of a short-range air defense system. Built on the proven Leopard 1 chassis, the Condor is designed as a rapidly deployable solution for modern battlefields where versatility, mobility, and protection are critical.
A New Breed of Dual-Purpose Vehicle
The Condor is fitted with the Turra 30 – SA unmanned turret, developed by Slovakia’s EVPÚ. The turret houses a 30 mm automatic cannon capable of firing programmable airburst ammunition, allowing it to effectively counter aerial threats such as drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft, as well as provide direct fire support against armored vehicles and infantry positions.
“With the Condor we have developed a powerful and efficient air defense system based on the proven Leopard-1 platform. Our goal was to create a quickly available system to rapidly expand air defense capabilities,” said FFG Managing Director Jörg Kamper. He emphasized that the turret system allows additional firepower options, making the Condor equally effective in supporting ground troops.
Weapons and Mission Systems
The Turra 30 – SA turret can accommodate different 30 mm guns, including the Bushmaster Mk44, and features dual-feed ammunition, enabling crews to switch between munition types instantly. Secondary armament includes:
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A coaxial machine gun.
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Spike or Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles for engaging armored threats.
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Advanced electro-optics for day and night operations.
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A multi-mission radar capable of tracking air targets.
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Acoustic sensors designed to detect small arms and sniper fire.
The weapons can be elevated from -10° to +70°, giving the Condor the ability to engage enemies at multiple angles and across varied environments.
Engine and Mobility Enhancements
FFG has integrated a new Rolls-Royce Power Systems 8V199TE23 V8 diesel engine, generating up to 1,080 horsepower. The powerpack, combined with a modified ZF automatic transmission and FFG’s two-cycle cooling system, is 300 kilograms lighter than the Leopard 1’s original engine. This results in:
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Better torque and acceleration.
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Improved fuel efficiency.
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Extended service life.
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Plug-and-play compatibility with other Leopard 1 family vehicles.
A dual-circuit braking system has been added, making the Condor road-legal under modern safety standards. Despite its advanced armor and systems, the vehicle maintains a weight of under 40 tons, ensuring high mobility.
Protection and Survivability
The Condor features upgraded side and roof armor, enhanced crew seating layouts, and digital networking capabilities to improve both survivability and situational awareness. The vehicle measures 7.18 meters in length and emphasizes modularity, making future upgrades easier to integrate.
By combining high mobility with improved protection and multi-mission sensors, the Condor is optimized for contested environments where rapid response and adaptability are essential.
Global Logistical Advantage
One of the key strengths of the Condor is its Leopard 1 chassis foundation. With thousands of Leopard 1 vehicles produced globally and spare parts still widely available, the Condor offers a cost-effective sustainment pathway for countries operating legacy fleets. This logistical commonality reduces lifecycle costs and ensures long-term supportability.
Strategic Role and Market Position
By uniting air defense and direct fire support into a single platform, the Condor addresses two pressing battlefield requirements:
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Countering the growing threat of drones and precision-guided munitions.
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Delivering mobile fire support to mechanized infantry units.
Its dual-role capability positions the Condor as a rapid-response solution for militaries needing to bolster short-range air defense (SHORAD) without sacrificing ground combat effectiveness.
The unveiling of the FFG Condor marks an important development in the evolution of armored vehicles. With its combination of proven Leopard 1 mobility, a modern unmanned turret, and a powerful new powerpack, the Condor represents a cost-effective yet highly capable system tailored to modern threats.
As militaries worldwide race to adapt to drone warfare, stealth technologies, and hybrid conflicts, platforms like the Condor demonstrate how legacy armored vehicles can be reimagined for 21st-century combat—offering flexibility, affordability, and battlefield dominance in a single package.
