Ukraine's smallest tank for transporting deadly weapons
The ongoing war has seen Ukraine display innovative strategies to combat the Russians. They are exploiting every possible resource, with one of the most notable examples being the demilitarized Wiesel 1 tankette from a private collection. We take a closer look at its use.
7:59 PM EST, December 11, 2023
Ukrainians from the 3rd Independent Assault Brigade are employing a fascinating miniature tank from Germany. The exposed Wiesel 1, as seen in the picture below, did not originate from German military aid. It comes from a private collection and arrived as a demobilized vehicle, decommissioned from the Bundeswehr and devoid of weapons.
Due to the war, the vehicle has been recommissioned as a carrier for anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) FGM-148 Javelin. This adaptation proves extremely handy under Ukraine's harsh winter conditions, where navigating muddy roads or ground trails pose an immense challenge. In many cases, delivering supplies can only be achieved through the commited efforts of soldiers.
In such circumstances, the Wiesel is one of the few vehicles worldwide that performs admirably, aiding soldiers equipped with it to deliver supplies more efficiently while also protecting against gunfire and artillery shrapnel.
Wiesel 1 - A compact tank with remarkable mobility
The Wiesel 1(German for weasel) was introduced in the Bundeswehr, but its development dates back to the 1970s. This unique project stands out globally as it's a tracked armored vehicle weighing less than approximately 3.3 tons, classified as a tankette in interwar terminology.
The Wiesel 1, measuring 11.5 feet long and 5.9 feet high, is easy to conceal and transport. It can accommodate two soldiers and can attain speeds of approximately 43 mph in challenging terrain, thanks to a turbocharged five-cylinder diesel engine from Volkswagen producing 87 horsepower.
The Bundeswehr's Wiesel 1 TOW
Germany initially rolled out a version fitted with an automatic gun MK 20 Rh 202 and a launcher for the BGM-71 TOW ATGM, with recent modernization for MELLS ATGMs use (a licensed Spike-LR version).
Ukrainians now use this latter variant, formerly part of a private collection, as an armored quad capable of transporting several FGM-148 Javelin missiles. In the case of the TOW ATGM, the Wiesel 1 can carry six units within its hull.
