Captured German-made IFV field tested by Russian troops

Russia has field tested a German-made Marder infantry fighting vehicle that was captured nearly intact in Ukraine, and the verdict is a resounding ‘nah, we’re good, thanks.’ The IFV was captured near Avdeevka in almost pristine condition after it became stuck in the mud, with only minor shrapnel damage to the fuel and coolant line. After repairing it and sending it back out for testing, Russian engineers have concluded that, yes, it gets stuck in the mud. A lot. ‘Our tests have shown poor maneuverability across mud,’ said one of the engineers who repaired the vehicle. The 30-ton IFV was fitted with rubber track pads, ideal for cruising the autobahn but less than ideal for attempting to cross the open Donbass countryside in bad weather. The video, released by the Russian Defense Ministry, did however show at least one modification the Marder had received – some of the labels had been translated into Ukrainian.