In the framework of the implementation of the program of strengthening and modernization of the Greek Armed Forces, the major part of the costs are absorbed by the main weapon systems. On June 22, the members of the Special Standing Committee on Equipment Programs & Contracts of the Parliament approved a particularly important program of the Army, specifically the Engineer Weapon. This is the program to acquire a total of 12 second-hand Armored Combat Engineer Vehicles (AMCVs) from the German stocks, with the main candidate being the Pionierpanzer 2A1 Dachs.
However, as you inform DefenceReview.gr, other programs are being launched, with the supply of new armored combat engineer vehicles, with the main candidate being the AEV-3 Kodiak (Armored Engineering Vehicle) of the German company Rheinmetall.
It is a modern engineering vehicle with many capabilities, absolutely necessary in the modern battlefield, such as breaking up a minefield, creating trenches, destroying obstacles and obstacles, excavations, etc.
Development of the AEV-3 Kodiak began in 2002 following a request from Switzerland for a new engineer vehicle. The prototype vehicle was ready in 2003 and the relevant tests followed.
The most recent order received by this vehicle is that of May 2021 from Germany for 44 vehicles, materials and support and training services, for €295 million (the first vehicle is expected to be delivered in 2023, while the last in 2029). The contract also includes system support, as well as training.
The Kodiak is based on the Leopard-2 main battle tank and can perform tasks such as digging trenches, moving obstacles, etc. In Germany the vehicle is known as the Pionierpanzer-3 Kodiak and will replace the Pionierpanzer 2 Dachs (Leopard-1). The AEV-3 Kodiak can be built as a new vehicle or result from the conversion of Leopard-2 tanks. In this case, the tower is removed and a superstructure is put in its place, onto which all the necessary engineering tools are “clipped”.
In addition to Germany, the vehicle has also been selected by Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Singapore. Switzerland was the first country to acquire the AEV-3 Kodiak. The relevant contract was signed in January 2007 (12 vehicles for $76 million). Deliveries were completed in 2011. Sweden acquired six (6) vehicles in January 2008 at a cost of €40 million. Deliveries were completed in 2011-2012.
In January 2008, the Netherlands proceeded with the supply of 10 vehicles, for €60 million. Deliveries were completed in 2011-2012. Finally, Singapore acquired 14 vehicles, which were delivered in 2014-2015. The length of the vehicle is 10.2 meters, the width is 3.54 meters and its height is about 2.6 meters. It requires a crew of three (3) but remains operational even with a crew of two (2).
For self-defense it incorporates the remote-controlled Natter turret with a machine gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher (it also incorporates a 76mm automatic smoke grenade launcher). It incorporates the 1,479 hp MTU 873 Ka-501 V12 diesel engine and Renk’s HSWL-354 automatic transmission with four (4) forward and two (2) reverse gears. It reaches a maximum speed of 68 kilometers per hour (forward) or 31 kilometers per hour (reverse).
Its typical range is 500 kilometers. The AEV-3 Kodiak incorporates an excavator, which is installed centrally in the front part of the vehicle, so that its operator has a better field of vision during digging. The specific ergonomics allow the vehicle to operate in a limited space and at the maximum possible distance regardless of the position of the vehicle.
Thus, operations are simplified and speeded up, so the vehicle and crew are less exposed to enemy fire. In addition to digging, the excavator can also handle large loads of up to 3.5 tons. The staff is inside the vehicle in two (2) different compartments, in the front section. In the right compartment are the driver and the operator, while in the left is the vehicle leader. The excavator has a capacity of one (1) cubic meter and can handle up to 200 cubic meters of soil per hour.
The maximum development of the excavator is nine (9) meters in length or 8.2 meters in height. In addition to the excavator, the vehicle also incorporates a blade fully controlled, like the excavator, from inside the vehicle. The length of the blade is 3.42 meters, but can be increased to 4.02 meters with additions. It is used for earthworks or to stabilize the vehicle when the excavator is lifting weight.
As an additional option, the vehicle can also be equipped with mine clearance equipment (the vehicle has the relevant infrastructure by construction), in place of the blade. Mine clearance equipment includes a plow, a safe corridor marking system and a demining system with advanced detonators. The AEV-3 Kodiak also incorporates two (2) towing points, 200 meters long and with a maximum towing capacity of nine (9) tons each, which can be controlled independently. For more precise movements, but also for seamless operation at night, the vehicle incorporates six (6) cameras, in the excavator, the blade, in the front and rear of the vehicle. Crew members have access to all cameras. The vehicle also incorporates a backup power supply unit, as well as a cooling/heating air conditioner.
The AEV-3 Kodiaks may not be as “flashy” as the Rafale or the Belh@rra, but they have enormous operational value, touching on the critical role of the Engineer. The Engineer’s primary role in war is to support friendly forces by performing tasks within his purview that facilitate enemy movements, facilitate the movement of friendly forces, and increase their combat capability. Engineers are tasked with constructing works and performing tasks that facilitate the conduct of battle for friendly forces and reduce the combat capability of the enemy. An advantage of the Engineer is that he can perform a volume of work, in a short period of time, such as organization of terrain, construction of fighting positions and firing group weapons, trenches, clearing and arrangement of firing ranges, construction of obstacles, etc.
