The FFG Condor is tailored for rapid-response scenarios, providing infantry fire support and short-range air defense against drones and aircraft.
In recent months, Germany has continued to demonstrate its commitment to rearming—even if persistent issues with its defense industrial base make a successful execution of these plans a long shot. In the evolving landscape of modern warfare, Germany’s Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) has emerged as a key innovator in Germany’s defense industrial base.
Specializing in armored vehicle manufacturing, maintenance, and upgrades, FFG has recently introduced the Condor armored vehicle—a groundbreaking hybrid air defense tank designed to address the unique threats on contemporary battlefields.
About the Condor Armored Vehicle
This new Condor, built on a modernized Leopard 1 tank chassis, combines fire support and anti-aircraft capabilities, offering versatility and rapid deployment for armed forces worldwide. As global conflicts highlight the need for adaptable armored solutions, the FFG Condor armored vehicle stands out for its integration of proven components with cutting-edge innovations, set to debut at the DSEI defense exhibition in London.
FFG, based in Flensburg, Germany, has a storied history in military engineering, focusing on wheeled and tracked vehicles for the Bundeswehr and international clients. The new Condor draws inspiration from the original Leopard 1 MBT, a Cold War-era platform known for its reliability and widespread use. FFG acquired expertise in Leopard tank upgrades through projects like the Wisent 1 support vehicle, leading to this advanced iteration.
The Condor’s development aimed to counter modern threats such as drones, low-flying aircraft, and ground infantry while leveraging existing logistics. According to FFG, the project emphasizes quick availability and cost-efficiency by repurposing Leopard-1 hulls with global spare parts accessibility.
This approach not only reduces production time but enhances sustainability in military procurement. The vehicle was conceptualized to switch roles seamlessly—from anti-aircraft defense to direct fire support—reflecting FFG’s commitment to multi-role platforms in an era of hybrid warfare.
The Condor’s Specifications
FFG’s Condor boasts impressive specifications that prioritize mobility, protection, and firepower:
- Year Introduced: Not yet introduced (prototype phase)
- Number Built: Unknown
- Length: 24 ft (7.3 m)
- Total weight, battle ready: 40 tons
- Suspensions: Torsion bar
- Engine: Rolls-Royce Power Systems 8V199TE23 V8 diesel engine (1,080 hp) paired with a modified ZF automatic transmission and FFG’s innovative two-cycle cooling system
- Armament: Unmanned Turra 30-SA Turret; 30mm autocannon (compatible with models like the Bushmaster Mk44); coaxial machine gun; anti-tank guided missiles
- Top speed: 65+ kph (40+ mph)
- Range: 600+ km (370+ mi)
- Crew: 3-4
The FFG Condor is tailored for rapid-response scenarios, providing infantry fire support and short-range air defense against drones and aircraft. Its dynamic engineering makes it ideal for NATO forces and allies seeking to modernize its aging fleets without extensive new infrastructure. While no specific deployments have been announced, the Condor’s debut at SEI signals FFG’s push for international partnerships.
Why the Condor Matters
In comparison to the original Leopard 1, the Condor offers superior protection, firepower, and efficiency, transforming a legacy platform into a twenty-first-century asset. As defense budgets prioritize multi-role vehicles, the Condor positions Germany at the forefront of armored innovation.
FFG’s new Condor armored vehicle exemplifies Germany’s commitment to rearmament as well as the usual German engineering prowess. Yet it remains to be seen if such a vehicle can be produced en masse—or if the Germans can truly achieve their ambitious rearmament goals in a way that avoids economic or societal disruption.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, The Asia Times, and others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / Karolis Kavolelis.
