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2025-04-17

Kodiak: Leopard DNA, Reconfigurable Modules

The Armoured Engineer Vehicle 3 (AEV 3) Kodiak, known in German as the Pionierpanzer 3 Kodiak, represents the third generation of Rheinmetall Landsysteme’s combat engineering platforms. Built on the chassis of the Leopard 2 main battle tank, this vehicle is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern army engineers, offering exceptional manoeuvrability, protection, and versatility.

Designed to support high-mobility combat formations, the Kodiak integrates advanced engineering tools with state-of-the-art defensive systems, making it a cornerstone for nations like Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the German Bundeswehr.

This column delves into the vehicle’s key features, focusing on its chassis, engineering equipment, protection systems, and modular capabilities.

Chassis and Mobility

Powered by a 1,100-kW engine, the vehicle’s well-balanced chassis assures outstanding mobility commensurate with the Leopard 2 A7V. Thanks to its excellent off-road capability, the Kodiak is fully capable of keeping up with today’s high-mobility combat formations. A newly developed force protection package makes it one of the best-protected systems of its kind.

A standout feature is the three-part excavator arm centrally mounted at the front of the vehicle. This central arm concept offers the advantage of giving the crew a better overview during excavation work. It allows the vehicle to operate in narrow confines while enabling maximum reach with minimal dependence on the orientation of the vehicle.

This simplifies and shortens the operation, contributing to the safety and security of the crew. The system’s high-performance articulated excavator arm can pick up and set down heavy loads. A multitude of tools are available that can be switched from the safety of the fighting compartment.

Bulldozer Blade

The Kodiak is equipped with a bulldozer blade featuring adjustable cutting and tilt angles. All exchangeable tools, including optional mine-clearing equipment not ordered by the Bundeswehr, can be loaded onto standard Bundeswehr multi-hook lift changing pallets.

Its front-mounted winch system includes two independently operable capstan winches, ensuring maximum flexibility and reliability. A single soldier can deploy the lightweight winch cables without special tools, reducing exposure outside the protected fighting compartment.

During daylight hours as well as in conditions of limited visibility, six cameras mounted on the excavator system, the bulldozer blade and the front and rear of the vehicle support the three-person crew while on the move or conducting combat engineering operations. Crewmembers can access the camera view that is important to them on their own monitor.

The cameras make it possible to change tools and carry out a full range of combat engineering operations without exiting the vehicle. If necessary, an auxiliary power unit can provide electricity when the main engine is switched off, simultaneously powering the heating and air conditioning unit for the fighting compartment.

Natter Weapon Station

For self-defence, the Kodiak is fortified with a state-of-the-art 76mm smoke/obscurant grenade launcher as well as a remotely controlled Natter weapon station. Developed by Rheinmetall, the weapon station can be armed with either with a machinegun (7.62mm x 51 or 12.7mm x 99 (.50 BMG) or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.

Besides its key function as a mainstay combat engineering system, the Kodiak can be utilised in a disaster relief role. The Dutch armed forces had earlier deployed the Kodiak and the Bergepanzer 3 Büffel/Buffalo to fight forest fires and other wildfires on the German-Dutch border in early summer.

It enables troops to swiftly erect barriers to hinder enemy movements or remove obstacles to enhance friendly mobility. Agile in tight spaces, it features numerous specialised tools, interchangeable under protection, ensuring crew safety.

Paired with the Bundeswehr’s Buffalo (BPz3) armoured recovery vehicle, the Kodiak seamlessly integrates into the support vehicle lineup. Users benefit from interoperability, shared components, and streamlined maintenance and training.

Battlefield Efficiency

The AEV 3 Kodiak’s centrally mounted articulated excavator arm, paired with tools like a hydraulic quick-coupler and adjustable bulldozer blade enhances flexibility. Despite extensive equipment, it remains within the MLC 70 weight class. A mine breakthrough kit — including a clearance plough, signature duplicator, and marking system — enables rapid conversion for minefield breaching.

The vehicle offers robust ballistic and mine protection, an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) ventilation system, and a climate-controlled crew compartment. Customisable features include combat control systems, radio, and intercoms. Operable by a two- or three-person crew under full protection, it supports tool changes and remote operation, ideal for battlefield obstacle management and disaster relief.

It also supplies electrical and hydraulic power for external tools, such as work lights or hydraulic devices. It features air conditioning, night vision, camera surveillance, and an optional protected weapon station.

Excavator Tools

The system has a hydraulically operated rapid coupling with hydraulic connections for several excavator tools such as universal grabs, hydraulic hammers and concrete shears. The vehicle can transport up to two additional excavator tools on the rear carrier.

The excavator tools can be replaced without leaving the protected crew compartment. The articulated arm excavator in the centre of the front of the vehicle allows use in narrow places or in the mountains and guarantees unrestricted use of the excavator arm on both sides.

Visual Concept

The engineering equipment includes an angled mirror and a camera system that allows the crew to perform all tasks under protection, except for attaching the winch ropes. The camera system includes up to six video cameras. With their help, the crew can perform tasks such as excavating earth, replacing tools, levelling and clearing mines to break and erect barriers without having to leave the safety of the crew compartment. The crew members can view the camera images independently of each other on their screens.

It is possible to display camera images on monitors integrated in the periscopes or to operate the entire system remotely, e.g. in very dangerous operations.

Capabilities Demonstrated

On February 26, Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH showcased the Kodiak’s capabilities at the Ostrowo Krzyckie military training area in Poland during a commanders’ conference for the Polish military engineer corps. The demonstration highlighted its technical strengths across varied terrain and engineering functions.

Initially, the Kodiak displayed exceptional mobility, with rapid acceleration and speed over rough ground, owing to its 1,100-kilowatt engine and balanced chassis. It then executed key engineer tasks using its centrally mounted articulated excavator arm and adjustable bulldozer blade.

The centre-arm design enhanced visibility and reach, enabling precise excavation of an anti-tank ditch. Subsequently, it repaired a damaged flood dam, demonstrating versatility. The event culminated with the vehicle traversing the ditch it had dug, underscoring its agility and structural integrity.

Conversion Tech

The high degree of modularity and ultimately the convertibility of the Kodiak into an armoured mine clearance system known as the Keiler Next Generation (NG) was also demonstrated in Poland.

At Eurosatory 2024, Rheinmetall presented the Keiler NG, a new heavily protected and mobile armoured combat support vehicle for quickly opening barriers in combat. This system, known as an Armoured Breaching Vehicle (ABV), meets all current tactical requirements and is highly future-proof.

Rheinmetall offers the customer two procurement options: either the mine clearance add-on kit for the AEV Kodiak is purchased, or a customised Keiler NG system is offered separately. The way in which the Kodiak can quickly accept the following modular add-on kits of the Keiler NG was demonstrated by means of the exhibition of the add-on parts.

These include the mine plough, the rocket-assisted detonation cord system Plofadder, a magnetic field duplicator and a mine lane marking system. This combination enables the Kodiak/Keiler NG to overcome even deeply laid enemy obstacles, even in difficult terrain.

More than four metres wide, the Pearson mine plough can clear mines at a rate of up to 250 metres per minute over loose ground. For firm soils, Rheinmetall Denel Munition offers the rocket-assisted detonating cord system Plofadder. In just a few minutes, it can cut a 160-metre-long and nine-metre-wide path through minefields and obstacles.

When used together, the two Plofadder systems alone can clear a minefield up to 250 metres deep. The integrated lane marking system shows follow-on forces the cleared lanes, even in poor visibility or at night.

Mission Ready

The AEV3 Kodiak represents the pinnacle of modern armoured engineering vehicles. Whether deployed in combat, disaster relief, or peacekeeping missions, it delivers unmatched performance, ensuring mission success in the most demanding scenarios. As a testament to its capabilities, the Kodiak continues to attract interest from military forces worldwide, solidifying its position as one of the most powerful vehicles of its kind.

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