Yesterday, Defense Minister Mario Kunasek handed over five new Pandur Evolution wheeled tanks from manufacturer General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr to Jäger Battalion 17 in Strass in southern Styria.
“The safety of our soldiers is and remains an essential part of our investments. The Pandur is a tried and tested vehicle that offers our soldiers the necessary protection against small arms fire, fragmentation and mines in difficult situations,” said Defense Minister Kunasek. The Pandur’s modern weapon station also offers high firepower and good observation capabilities by day and night. This makes the vehicle particularly suitable for use in urban areas as well as for protection and security tasks.
The new Pandur EVO (Evolution) is handed over in its entirety to Jäger Battalion 17 in Straß. This fighter battalion has been the competence center for this vehicle since the introduction of the armored personnel carrier in the Austrian Armed Forces. The influx should be completed by mid-2020. In the course of this, the existing vehicles will be divided between Jäger Battalions 19 and 33. Due to the heavy use of the Pandur, it is important to procure a new generation and upgrade the old versions. The new Pandur is not intended to replace the older fleet, but to complement it. The newly developed vehicle has increased mine protection, more space inside, driving safety (anti-lock braking system), an NBC system and more powerful electronics. The new armored personnel carrier will be manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Steyr; production will take place in Vienna-Simmering. A total of 179 Austrian companies from all nine federal states are involved in production.
Here for further news about General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr based in Vienna and here to further news from General Dynamics European Land Systems based in Madrid.
