Germany’s Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) is set to debut a new armored vehicle concept at the DSEI defense exhibition in London.
The new combat vehicle, named Condor, combines the role of a fire support tank with that of an anti-aircraft gun tank, offering a dual-purpose platform built on the proven Leopard 1 chassis.
According to hartpunkt.de, the Condor was designed to respond to evolving threats on the battlefield by merging modern weapons technology with combat-tested components.
The vehicle is fitted with a newly developed unmanned turret, the Turra 30 – SA, produced by Slovakia’s EVPÚ. Armed with a 30 mm automatic cannon capable of programmable air-burst ammunition, the turret allows Condor to engage both ground and aerial targets.
“With the Condor we have developed a powerful and efficient air defense system based on the proven Leopard-1 platform. Our goal was to create a quickly available system to rapidly expand air defense capabilities. The use of the EVPU turret system also allows for additional means of effect, enabling the Condor to provide fire support for infantry troops,” said FFG Managing Director Jörg Kamper in a statement to hartpunkt.
The vehicle can switch roles in seconds, shifting from air defense to direct fire support. With dual-feed ammunition, crews can select between two types of rounds depending on the mission. Enhanced situational awareness and target acquisition systems further improve its survivability against modern threats.
FFG said the vehicle incorporates new digital networking, improved seating layouts, and upgraded side and roof armor to meet today’s battlefield requirements. Measuring 7.18 meters in length and weighing under 40 tons, the Condor maintains high mobility while offering increased protection.
The Turra 30 – SA turret can host different 30 mm cannons, including the Bushmaster Mk44, and carries secondary armament such as a coaxial machine gun and Spike or Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles. It is also equipped with advanced electro-optics, a multi-mission radar, and sensors designed to detect small arms and sniper fire. The weapons can elevate from minus 10 to plus 70 degrees, allowing engagement of a wide range of targets.
Central to the concept is a new powerpack. FFG integrated a modern Rolls-Royce Power Systems 8V199TE23 V8 diesel engine producing up to 1,080 horsepower. Paired with a modified ZF automatic transmission and FFG’s two-cycle cooling system, the power unit is about 300 kilograms lighter than the original Leopard 1 engine. The new design improves fuel efficiency, extends service life, and offers plug-and-play compatibility with other Leopard 1 family vehicles.
FFG stated that mobility was considered critical for enhancing system protection. The new drivetrain provides more torque and better power-to-weight ratios than older models, while also making the vehicle road-legal under modern safety regulations through the inclusion of a dual-circuit braking system.
The company emphasized that the Leopard 1 foundation gives Condor global logistical advantages, since spare parts are widely available. This ensures both cost-effective sustainment and future upgrade potential.
By combining air defense and fire support into one system, FFG positions Condor as a rapid-response solution for militaries seeking to reinforce short-range air defense while retaining ground combat utility.
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