With over 1,600 exhibiting companies, DSEI 2025 in London promises to be one of the European highlights of the year for the currently extremely busy defense industry. This is no longer just about presenting existing portfolios, but also, to a large extent, about exploring what is technically feasible and showcasing the innovative strength of one’s own company.
When it comes to expensive large-scale equipment, technically suitable solutions that are also reasonable from the customer's point of view often involve rethinking established structures so that proven technology can continue to be used in the future, especially in times of scarce resources. For example, tank specialist FFG is presenting its vision of a forward-looking upgrade of the Leopard 1, which is still used by several armed forces worldwide in various versions and variants, for the first time at ExCeL.
The tank manufacturer has given the combat vehicle, which is valued for its reliability, a facelift with a more powerful, lighter and more efficient drive system and equipped it with a remote-controlled turret including a 30 mm main weapon for air defense, which can also fire programmable airburst ammunition and, at customer’s request, can be supplemented with various anti-tank missile systems. In addition, the new defense system of the vehicle, called ‘Condor’, is equipped with modern drone defense and shot detection capabilities, as well as a 360° radar for comprehensive situational awareness.
The Condor is aimed at countries that use the Leopard 1 (photo) and represents a well-thought-out solution for continuing to use older armoured vehicles effectively for a long time to come. During development, FFG ensured that the new drive system in particular could be easily integrated into all versions of the Leo 1 chassis. The conversion to the modern power unit is said to be possible at very attractive conditions, which should not exceed the price of a general overhaul of the old engine if possible. The company hopes that this will make it easier for the Leo 1 user community to decide to switch. Apart from the Condor, which will be presented for the first time at DSEI, many other modernised variants are conceivable on this basis.
The ACSV G5, one of the German company’s in-house developments, will be shown in London for the first time in its ‘armoured mortar’ version. This new variant of the multi-role armoured support vehicle integrates a 120 mm autoloading mortar system including fire control system and subsystems that can be used effectively for infantry fire support. The mortar module is the latest of several mission modules that make the ACSV G5 one of the most versatile vehicles of its class on the global market.
As its third major exhibit at DSEI, FFG is presenting the WiSENT 2 armoured multifunctional vehicle - also an in-house development that is already being used successfully by several armed forces internationally. This is the world’s most advanced Leopard 2-based support platform, which can be configured as a combat engineer, recovery or mine clearance vehicle and can be converted to take on any of these roles in less than 5 hours. The system offers fully integrated equipment with an articulated arm excavator or crane system, a customised dozer blade or mine plough, and a 40-tons main winch in each case. At present, this innovative, commercially available vehicle system is not being considered in upcoming procurement projects by public contractors in Germany for reasons that are not clear. However, according to FFG, there is still hope that this view will change.
With a mix of innovative new and further developments as well as commercially available systems, FFG is once again presenting itself at this year's DSEI as a medium-sized, customer-oriented system provider for armoured vehicles. Its service commitment does not end with the delivery of new systems; its visions and concepts extend far into the future, in an environment that is characterised today more than ever by innovation, creativity and effectiveness.
FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH (FFG) is a leading, internationally active systems provider in the defence industry and has been a reliable partner to the German Armed Forces since 1963 in all matters relating to the repair of vehicles and assemblies of all kinds. Today, the company’s core competencies also include the development, manufacture, optimisation and conversion of tracked, wheeled and commercial vehicles, as well as special vehicle solutions that meet the highest requirements for protection, safety, mobility and versatility.
The owner-managed, medium-sized company based in Flensburg focuses on technical excellence, sustainability and long-term partnerships. With over 1,300 employees worldwide, FFG can draw on more than half a century of expertise and provides its customers with services and systems such as the WiSENT 2, the ACSV G5 and the recovery module for the Boxer.
