Germany Tests Airdropping Wiesel Tankettes for Airborne Forces

The German Army has begun testing the airdropping of Wiesel tankettes, small armored vehicles known for their agility and compact size. These vehicles can now be deployed from A400M transport aircraft, enabling airborne forces to position firepower directly at objectives.

Previously, German airborne operations relied on securing landing strips before delivering vehicles by helicopter or transport.

The Wiesel weighs significantly less than comparable vehicles, such as up-armored Humvees at around six tons. Two standard variants fit inside a CH-53 helicopter, while at least one can be carried in a CH-47. Heavy helicopters can transport additional units slung below their fuselages.

An A400M aircraft typically carries four Wiesel vehicles, though the exact number that can be airdropped in a single operation remains unclear after rigging. The tests use the ATAX parachute system to facilitate these drops. This capability addresses a long-standing gap in the German Army's ability to airdrop vehicles into operational theaters.

Vehicle Capabilities and Variants The standard Wiesel reconnaissance variant features a 20mm automatic cannon and a 7.

62mm machine gun, providing firepower exceeding that of many light armored vehicles used by other nations. Another variant is equipped with an anti-tank missile launcher, which has been updated from earlier systems. This anti-tank version serves light infantry, mountain infantry, and paratrooper units.

A light air defense system incorporates a command post variant and a radar-equipped vehicle with a launcher for four heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles. This setup offers mobile short-range air defense that few countries possess. Soldiers can reload the missiles on these vehicles during operations.

Other configurations include a mobile mortar section with a computerized 120mm mortar, command post versions for headquarters, ambulances, and engineering support types. Past studies have explored uncrewed ground combat variants, though it is uncertain which types are suitable for airdropping due to differences in weight, dimensions, and equipment resilience.

The Wiesel provides protection against shrapnel, rifle fire, and light machine gun fire, though it lacks heavy armor.

Its small size and maneuverability may help counter threats from battlefield drones and loitering munitions, but it remains vulnerable like other armored vehicles.

Broader Military Applications Successful trials could extend airdropping to other equipment, including airmobile utility vehicles used by regular and special operations units, as well as uncrewed ground vehicles.

The ATAX system would also apply to the Wiesel's successor under the Airmobile Weapon Carrier program. These developments enhance rapid deployment options for German forces. The tests occur amid the largest transformation of the German Armed Forces since the Cold War, prompted by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

This includes increased defense spending and a shift from low-readiness expeditionary forces to high-readiness units focused on NATO's eastern flank. Airborne capabilities form a key part of this restructuring. Paratroopers previously operated with limited direct fire support until vehicles arrived via alternative means.

Airdropping the Wiesel allows simultaneous delivery of troops and combat vehicles, improving tactical flexibility in airborne operations.