Berlin, 2nd Feb. 2014 (WAM) -- A successful two month collaboration found its end in the United Arab Emirates after testing the new German Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV) "PUMA". Built by the German Armed Forces, together with the German vendor PSM, a Joint Venture Company of the German Amour Group Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maiffei-Wegmann (KMW), both of whom are well known for their High-Tech Armour products like the famous battle tank "Leopard".

Present high ranking German officers and industrial representatives agreed that the hot climate testing period of the new AIV PUMA was only possible with the generous supply of installations, equipment and the excellent logistical support and highly qualified advice provided by the UAE Armed Forces.

With the new "PUMA" the German Army will have one of the most modern AIFV of its kind that, besides precision weaponry, offers a high protection system for its crew in cases of attacks by Mines and Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers (RPG).

Before the roll out to the German Armed Forces will take place, the AIFV "PUMA" has to show and prove its reliability and capabilities in terms of mobility, weapon system, optical instruments and protection ? like all other military equipment ? through testing under extreme conditions.

For this purpose the first prototypes have been extensively tested over the last 2 years by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support together with the armed forces and supplied by the industry.

The first testing phase started in Germany followed by Norway due to its continuously prevailing temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius. The last testing phase took place in the United Arab Emirates with the required minimum temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius.

"We are very satisfied with the results of the AIFV "PUMA". The PUMA performed a 98% hit record while driving at full speed, it coped well in extremely difficult terrain sections on gravel or sand." said the deputy program manager Dr. Mader during the final military line up.

All 130 Germans who participated in the testing were impressed by the perfect environment they encountered here in the UAE.

"We had ideal conditions for our testing: The difficult but versatile terrain here in the UAE, military installations that are very modern and well equipped and the excellent professional advice given by the General Maintenance Corps (GMC), led us to the success of the mission." said Lieutenant Colonel M?ller the acting military project leader.

His special thanks went to his counterpart, Lieutenant Colonel Essa and his soldiers from the General Maintenance Corps. "LTC Essa and his soldiers have shown unique professionalism in addition to hospitality and helpfulness. We felt welcome and among friends from the first day ".

After evaluation of all test protocols last technical amendments of the AIFV PUMA will be made in Germany before finally the first of a total number of 350 vehicles will be delivered to the German Armed Forces.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2014.