Germany Expands Puma IFV Training Capacity with Advanced Simulation Systems
Germany is moving to significantly enhance the readiness of its armoured infantry forces by investing in next-generation synthetic training infrastructure for the Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). A newly awarded contract will deliver a suite of highly immersive firing and combat simulators designed to accelerate force generation while reducing pressure on operational fleets.
Contract Award and Industrial Roles
In December 2025, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) finalized a procurement agreement with Projekt System & Management GmbH (PSM), the joint venture responsible for the Puma IFV. PSM is jointly owned by KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall, with Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH acting as the principal industrial contributor for the training systems.
Key contractual details include:
- Nine complete firing and combat training systems for Puma-equipped units
- Total contract value: €119.5 million (gross)
- Rheinmetall share: €118.5 million
- Initial deliveries: expected from mid-2027 onward
In parallel, the Bundeswehr will modernize an existing AGSP development prototype to match the new production standard and acquire dedicated transport containers for all delivered systems.
AGSP: A Purpose-Built Simulator for Mechanised Infantry
The AGSP (Ausbildungsgerät Schießen und Gefecht) was engineered specifically for mechanised infantry formations rather than adapted from legacy simulator concepts. German Army development authorities formally accepted the system for service integration in late 2025, clearing the path for serial procurement.
Unlike generic gunnery trainers, the AGSP replicates platoon-level combat dynamics with a high degree of fidelity. The system reproduces:
- Vehicle mission logic and onboard systems behavior
- Weapon effects and ballistic modeling
- Crew ergonomics, including haptic feedback and sight handling
- Realistic command-and-control workflows
This design philosophy directly supports the Bundeswehr’s “train as you fight” doctrine, reducing the cognitive gap between simulated exercises and live operations.
Modular, Deployable Architecture
Each AGSP installation is configured as a self-contained, relocatable training facility. A single system includes:
- A central control, evaluation, and monitoring station (LAKS)
- Four full-scale Puma crew compartments, faithfully reproduced
- Twelve 20-foot containers housing the complete infrastructure
The modular layout allows rapid reconfiguration or component replacement. Critical subsystems—such as server stacks and driver stations—are mounted on rail frameworks, enabling straightforward upgrades and minimizing downtime. External access to key equipment further simplifies sustainment and eliminates the need for factory-level maintenance cycles.
Operational Benefits for the Bundeswehr
By decoupling collective training from the availability of live IFVs, the AGSP substantially improves training throughput. Units can rehearse tactical scenarios without fuel expenditure, vehicle wear, or range scheduling constraints—an increasingly important consideration as Germany expands its armoured infantry force structure.
Additional advantages include:
- Accelerated qualification of new Puma crews
- Reduced logistical burden on operational battalions
- Greater flexibility for repeated mission rehearsal
From a force management perspective, the system mirrors broader NATO trends toward simulation-heavy training pipelines, similar to U.S. and British approaches for armoured and mechanised formations.
Networked Training and Combined-Arms Integration
A notable feature of the AGSP design is its ability to interconnect multiple systems. Two AGSP installations can be linked to support simultaneous training of:
- Two Puma-equipped platoons
- A full mechanised infantry company
Moreover, the architecture allows integration with compatible main battle tank simulators, enabling combined-arms exercises at company level. This capability supports more realistic preparation for high-intensity conflict scenarios, where close coordination between infantry fighting vehicles and tanks is decisive.
Strategic Context
Germany’s investment in advanced Puma simulators reflects a broader shift toward readiness-focused modernization amid heightened security demands in Europe. As the Bundeswehr rebuilds combat mass and adapts to NATO’s collective defense posture, scalable and realistic training systems such as the AGSP will play a central role in sustaining operational competence without overstretching frontline equipment.
By prioritizing modularity, realism, and networked training, the AGSP program positions Germany’s armoured infantry to train faster, more frequently, and more effectively—attributes increasingly critical in today’s contested security environment.
