Modern German Heavy Tanks: A Brief Overview

The modern German heavy tanks have been a vital part of the country's military arsenal for decades. The Bundeswehr has been receiving these weapons since 1996, with an expected lifespan of 20 years. As of 2019, efforts are underway to completely replace the MP2 with new equipment.

The MP7 is used in various capacities, including the infantryman of the future concept and the 'Soldat in action - SiE' project. It's also used by KSK and Feldjäger soldiers, as well as combat swimmers and long-distance scouts within the Bundeswehr. The P11 is exclusively used by combat swimmers for underwater signaling and battlefield illumination.

The P30 has replaced the P7 in personal protection forces within the Feldjäger troop and serves as the standard pistol for special forces command. Meanwhile, the P12 is managed by specialized forces and used primarily by the Navy.

In terms of pistols, the P8 has become the standard issue for German soldiers, replacing earlier models such as the Walther P1, Colt M1911A1, SIG P210-4, and Astra 600/43. The P9M and P9A1 are variants of the Glock 17, with the latter being a fourth-generation model introduced in 2014.

The P8 Combat is another variant that lacks a safety lever, while the upgraded P8A1 features a reinforced breech. The P7 was previously used for military personal protection by Feldjäger personnel but has since been replaced.

Today, the P8 remains the current standard service pistol of the Bundeswehr. This list provides an overview of modern equipment currently in use with the German Army.

Modern german heavy tanks