With the challenges increasing and the lessons learned from the war conflicts of recent years being important, increasing the requirements especially for the protection of human material, the Ministry of National Defense held an interesting meeting.
Specifically, as stated in the relevant announcement of the Ministry of the Interior: "On Thursday, May 25, 2023, the cooperating companies EAS ABEE and FFG, demonstrated to GES staff, the operational capabilities of the upgraded Armored Personnel Carrier (APV) M113 (manufactured by FFG)".
In the Greek Army there are at least 1400 M-113s, also known as "ducks", of various versions and they are the main armored personnel carrier in the front line of fire. This contact, as military sources pointed out, does not mean that there is a program in the works, but simply that the Ministry of National Defense is being informed about the possibilities that exist.
FFG, which everything indicates that if a modernization program goes ahead it will be done in collaboration with EAS ABEE, says about the modernization kit it can provide for the M-113: "In response to the changing threat scenarios, FFG offers tested and certified systems protection against the threat of mines, IEDs and RPG attacks using active and passive protection systems.
In addition, FFG provides enhanced mine and explosive device protection, heating and air conditioning systems, NBC and fire protection, and smoke grenade launchers for self-defense.
FFG offers a range of weapon stations.
For more than 25 years, FFG has been developing and integrating a modernization program for the M113 to meet current and future requirements.
Depending on each individual's specific requirements existing project completion kits can be used or alternatively FFG can develop and manufacture bespoke systems to meet customer requirements (eg the crane and winch system for the Light Armored Recovery Vehicle LARV M113).
To date, FFG has modernized more than 1,500 vehicles that are used extensively in, for example, Germany, Denmark, Australia, Lithuania and Norway.
A key element of any modernization project is the improvement of mobility. FFG has developed various solutions for all kinds of requirements.
- Additional payload
- Possibility of various configurations
- Life extension up to 30 years
- Increased crew protection
MOTILITY
- new power packs
- improved suspension
- Incorporating a compound elastic track
- Significantly increased payload
- The new dual-circuit braking system meets safety requirements
PROTECTION
- Ballistic protection, expandable on demand through additional armor
- Protection from RPGs
- Active protection systems
- mine protection
ERGONOMICS
- Interior concept with emphasis on the requirements of today's soldiers (size, weight)
- Raising the roof and extending the hull provide additional sheltered space
- Air conditioning creates a tolerable working environment."
