The battlefield has evolved significantly over the years, with the role of infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) becoming increasingly crucial. These heavily armored and well-armed combat platforms have emerged as the backbone of modern ground forces, providing unparalleled firepower, protection, and mobility to infantry troops. As the nature of warfare continues to transform, leading defense manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of IFV technology to deliver vehicles that can excel in a wide range of combat scenarios.
In this comprehensive article, we delve into the world of the 10 Best Infantry Fighting Vehicles in the World 2024, exploring their unique capabilities, cutting-edge features, and the strategic advantages they offer on the battlefield. From the German Puma’s unrivaled protection to the South Korean K21’s indigenous design, each of these IFVs represents the pinnacle of engineering and innovation in the defense industry.
Top 10 Facts about UK Special Forces SAS
1. The Puma IFV
At the forefront of the IFV revolution stands the Puma, a joint development between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall Land Systems. This German-engineered marvel boasts unparalleled protection, with a two-level modular armor system that safeguards the nine-man crew against a wide range of threats, including medium-caliber weapons, anti-tank weapons, and even nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) agents. The Puma’s cutting-edge MUSS soft-kill system further enhances its survivability by defending against guided missiles.
Complementing its formidable defensive capabilities, the Puma is armed with a potent 30mm MK30-2 ABM (Air Burst Munition) cannon, a coaxially mounted MG4 5.56mm light machine gun, and the SPIKE LR (EuroSpike) guided missile system. Powered by a 800kW ten-cylinder engine, the Puma can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h and cover a range of 600 km, making it a highly mobile and versatile platform on the battlefield.
2. The K21 IFV
Developed by Doosan DST for the Republic of Korea Army, the K21 IFV represents the pinnacle of indigenous defense innovation. Designed around the strategic concept of “boarded battle,” the K21 is engineered to seamlessly integrate with main battle tanks, leveraging its 20% lighter structure and advanced capabilities to enhance the overall combat effectiveness of the combined arms force.
The K21’s modular armor and composite or spaced laminated design provide robust protection against a variety of threats, including 30mm APDS munitions, 14.5mm AP rounds, and artillery shell fragments. The vehicle’s two-man turret is armed with a formidable 40mm cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and a third-generation anti-tank missile system, ensuring unparalleled firepower. Powered by a Doosan D2840LXE diesel engine producing 750 hp, the K21 can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h and cover a range of 450 km, making it a highly mobile and capable IFV.
3. The BMP-3M/BMP-3U
The BMP-3M/BMP-3U represents the latest iteration of the iconic BMP-3 IFV, drawing upon the extensive operational experience gained from its deployment in various regions worldwide. Manufactured by Kurganmashzavod with a turret supplied by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau, this upgraded IFV boasts superior firepower, mobility, and protection features.
At the heart of the BMP-3U’s armament is the Bakhcha-U combat module, which includes a 100mm gun 2A70, a 30mm 2A72 automatic gun, and a 7.62mm machine gun. The hull’s capacity to carry ten personnel is further enhanced by auxiliary armor shields, ERA kits, and defensive aid suits, providing comprehensive protection against high-precision weapons. The Shtora-1 protection system and add-on explosive reactive armor kit further safeguard the vehicle from anti-tank guided missiles and hollow-charge projectiles. With a maximum speed of 70 km/h and a cruising range of 600 km, the BMP-3U is a formidable and highly mobile IFV.
4. The CV90 IFV
The Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) IFV, originally developed for the Swedish Army by FMV, Hägglunds, and Bofors, and now produced by BAE Systems, has become a staple in the arsenals of several Scandinavian and European nations. The CV90 integrates a range of potent armament options, including a 40mm Bofors auto-cannon, a 30mm Bushmaster cannon, or a 35mm/50 Bushmaster cannon as the primary weapon.
Complementing its firepower, the CV90 boasts impressive protection features, shielding its ten-man crew against IEDs, anti-tank mines, shaped charge warheads, and rocket-propelled grenades. The vehicle’s Defensive Aid Suite (DAS), combined with radar and infrared (IR) signature reduction, further enhances its survivability on the battlefield. Powered by a Scania V8 diesel engine, the CV90 can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h and cover a range of 900 km, making it a highly mobile and versatile IFV.
5. The Tulpar IFV
Developed by the Turkish company Otokar, the Tulpar IFV made its public debut at the 2013 International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF). Designed to complement Turkey’s new-generation Altay main battle tank, the Tulpar is a formidable addition to the country’s armored forces.
The Tulpar is capable of transporting 11 troops to the frontlines, and its Mizrak-30 medium-caliber remote-controlled turret is armed with a 30mm dual-feed automatic cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The turret can also be equipped with the L-UMTAS long-range anti-tank guided missiles, providing the vehicle with a potent anti-armor capability. The Tulpar offers all-round protection against 14.5mm caliber rounds, and additional armor can be added for protection against higher-caliber threats. With a maximum speed of 70 km/h and a range of 600 km, the Tulpar is a highly capable and versatile IFV.
6. The Bradley A3 IFV
The Bradley A3 infantry fighting vehicle, built by BAE Systems, represents the latest iteration of the iconic Bradley range, which has been a mainstay in the US Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs) for decades. The Bradley A3 incorporates advanced digitized electronics and can transport up to ten personnel, armed with a Bushmaster 25mm cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and TOW missiles.
Compared to previous Bradley models, the A3 variant boasts enhanced survivability features, including improved roof protection against fragments, a ventilated face piece system (VFPS), and armour tiles to withstand shaped charge munitions. The Bradley Urban Survivability Kit (BUSK) further enhances the vehicle’s capabilities in urban environments. With a top speed of 61 km/h and a cruising range of 402 km, the Bradley A3 remains a formidable and versatile IFV in the US Army’s arsenal.
7. The ASCOD IFV
The ASCOD IFV, developed by Steyr and Santa Bárbara Sistemas (now part of General Dynamics), is currently operated by the Spanish Army and the Austrian Army. The first ASCOD prototype was unveiled in 1992, and since then, 356 vehicles have been delivered to the Spanish Army (known as the Pizarro) and 112 to the Austrian Army (known as the Ulan).
The ASCOD IFV features a monocoque hull fitted with armour steel plates, offering STANAG 4569 level 4/5 ballistic, mine, and NBC protection for the 11-man crew. The level of protection can be further enhanced with optional passive or reactive add-on armour kits. The vehicle is armed with a dual-feed RWM MK30-2 30mm automatic cannon, an MG-3 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and a 76mm smoke grenade launcher. Powered by an MTU 8V power pack, the ASCOD IFV can reach a maximum speed of 70 km/h and cover a range of 500 km.
4 Elite Police Forces in the World 2024
8. The Piranha V IFV
The Piranha V IFV, part of the Piranha family of armored multi-role wheeled vehicles developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems-Mowag, is widely regarded as one of the best IFVs available on the market today. The Piranha V was unveiled for the first time at the Eurosatory expo in 2010 and can be fitted with a remotely controlled light weapon station or a heavy turret mounting weapons ranging from 12.7mm to low-recoil 105mm guns.
The baseline Piranha V model offers the highest level of protection for a 13-man crew against mines and IEDs, and it can be integrated with additional survivability kits for protection against explosively forged projectiles (EFPs) and various levels of add-on armor. The vehicle’s Fuel Efficient Drivetrain System (FEDS) and MTU diesel engine provide a maximum speed of 100 km/h and a range of 550 km, making the Piranha V a highly mobile and versatile IFV.
9. The VBCI IFV
The VBCI (Véhicule Blindé de Combat d’Infanterie) IFV, developed by Nexter Group and Renault Trucks for the French Army, represents a well-rounded IFV that combines impressive protection, performance, and payload capabilities. The French Army has ordered 630 VBCIs, with 500 vehicles delivered by July 2013.
The VBCI IFV is armed with a dual-feed NATO-standard 25mm automatic cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, operated from either the commander’s or gunner’s station. Its aluminum alloy hull, fitted with modular add-on armor, offers protection against rocket-propelled grenades, EFPs, mines, and IEDs. The VBCI also features chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection, as well as hard-kill and soft-kill protection systems. With a top speed of 100 km/h and a range of 750 km, the VBCI is a highly capable and versatile IFV.
10. The VBM Freccia
The VBM Freccia, designed and manufactured by the Iveco Fiat – Oto Melara consortium, is the first digitized vehicle to enter service with the Italian Army. Based on the Centauro family of wheeled armored vehicles, the VBM Freccia is an 8×8 wheeled vehicle capable of carrying 11 fully equipped personnel.
The VBM Freccia’s turret is mounted with an Oerlikon KBA 25mm automatic cannon, a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun, and two optional launchers for Spike ML/LR anti-tank missiles. The all-welded steel armored hull offers protection against small arms, light artillery, shrapnel, anti-tank mines, and IEDs. Powered by an IVECO diesel engine, the VBM Freccia can reach a maximum speed of 105 km/h, making it a highly mobile and capable IFV.
5 Reasons the US Air Force Band Rocks
Conclusion
The evolution of infantry fighting vehicles has been a testament to the defense industry’s relentless pursuit of technological advancements and strategic innovation. From the German Puma’s unparalleled protection to the South Korean K21’s indigenous design, each of the 10 IFVs featured in this article represents the pinnacle of ground combat capabilities.
As the nature of warfare continues to evolve, these formidable IFVs will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of ground forces, providing unmatched firepower, mobility, and protection to infantry troops on the battlefield. The constant refinement of IFV technology ensures that military commanders will have access to the most advanced and versatile combat platforms, ready to meet the challenges of modern and future warfare.
FAQs
1. What is the best infantry vehicle?
The PUMA offers its crew exceptional modular protection against mines, antitank weapon fire, and improvised explosive devices, surpassing any comparable vehicle and ensuring maximum mission survivability.
2. Who is the most powerful infantry?
United States
3. What is the best heavy infantry in history?
The heavy infantry of Goguryeo were renowned for their superior weapons and armor, which were considered the best in quality due to Korea’s advanced technological advancements in steel and iron production.
4. Who are the best trained infantry in the world?
The US, Britain, Australia
5. Who has the largest infantry?
China boasts the largest standing army globally, with over 2 million active personnel. With rising defense spending over recent decades, the country also ranks third in the number of tanks and second in the number of operational aircraft carriers.
