Portugal's Defense Dilemma: Upgrade or Replace Pandur II Armored Vehicles?

Portugal's Armored Vehicle Considerations

Portugal is currently deliberating whether to upgrade its Pandur II armored fighting vehicles or to replace them entirely with infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). This discussion was highlighted by Lieutenant Colonel Marco Cordeiro, commander of the reconnaissance squadron of the Portuguese Army's 6th Cavalry Regiment, during the recent FAVS 2024 conference in London.

The Portuguese Army operates two versions of the Pandur II: an infantry carrier vehicle (ICV) and an IFV. Additionally, the army maintains an armored brigade equipped with Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks and M113 armored personnel carriers (APCs), alongside a rapid reaction brigade with 4x4 light armored vehicles.

Proposed Upgrades

The first proposed option involves transitioning the ICVs into IFVs, with a potential life-cycle extension planned for the 2030s. The mid-life upgrade suggested by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) includes:

• Replacing the ICV's 12.7 mm machine gun with an IFV's 30 mm medium-caliber weapon station (MCWS). This change aims to enhance firepower and provide better protection for the gunner and commander, who are currently exposed in the ICV.
• The Mk44 30 mm gun has the capability to fire programmable airburst ammunition, effective against unmanned aerial vehicles and concealed infantry.
• Installation of an anti-tank missile launcher with a range of up to 4,000 m, with options to integrate Javelin, Spike, or Missile Moyenne Portée (MMP) systems.

Furthermore, upgrades to the radio, intercom, and battle management systems are also on the table, along with the potential for new technologies such as a panoramic day/night sight and a hunter-killer function.