Bundesheer: News on "Pandur Evolution" Tanks

This was announced on Thursday during a company tour of the wheel and tracked vehicle manufacturer General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr (GDELS) in Vienna-Simmering in the presence of Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and Economic Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (both ÖVP). There is also progress in the "Ulan" modernization.

A Dozen Variants

The new order, valued at 1.8 billion euros, was commissioned by the Ministry of Defense at the beginning of 2024, and the delivery of all wheeled tanks is to be completed by 2032. The production follows in twelve variants, some of which will be equipped with mast systems for reconnaissance. 36 tanks are to be able to repel drones with the "Skyranger" air defense system. Like the predecessor model "Pandur," the "Pandur Evolution" tanks are to be used nationwide in infantry units and in foreign missions of the Austrian Armed Forces in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"Ulan" Modernization

In addition to the "Pandur" tanks, GDELS will also deliver the first modernized "Ulan" tanks to the Austrian Armed Forces in 2026. Of the 112 infantry fighting vehicles that have been in use by the Armed Forces since 2003, 18 tanks are currently being modernized simultaneously over a period of six months in Vienna-Simmering. The modernization of the entire stock is to be completed by 2030 and costs 370 million euros according to the Ministry of Defense.

Numerous Companies

The new order and modernization of the tank stock is part of the military "Development Plan 2032+". Tanner and Hattmannsdorfer also emphasized during the tour that the procurements of the Armed Forces made significant contributions to value creation and that an active industrial policy in the security and defense sector is important for Austria's economic location, as the new order and modernization of the tank fleet were carried out with the involvement of over 200 Austrian companies. GDELS plans to increase its workforce from 270 employees to 300 by 2026 to meet the orders.

Announcement by Hattmannsdorfer

Hattmannsdorfer also announced during the tour that a revision of the Foreign Trade Act would be presented at the beginning of 2026, as reported by the Ö1-Morning Journal on Friday: "If we want to compete in the world market, approval processes must be made faster and more effective." With the revision, the Economic Minister wants to facilitate the export of so-called "Dual Use" goods, which can be used both militarily and civilly. The Foreign Trade Act was last reformed in 2020.

(APA/Red)

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