Image source: topwar.ru
After the transfer of two Bergepanzer 3 Buff evacuation vehicles to Ukraine, 73 BRAM of this type remained at the disposal of the Bundeswehr. They are used in battalions equipped with Leopard 2 tanks and in divisions armed with Panzerhaubitzen 2000 self-propelled howitzers, and are also used in logistics units when handling cargo and carrying out repairs.
At the same time, as indicated in the German edition of ESUT, the new Leopard 2 modifications are becoming too heavy. The 30-ton crane equipped with BPz 3 is no longer suitable for lifting Leopard 2A7 and, in the future, A8 towers. In this regard, work has begun to eliminate this shortcoming, namely, the creation of a new BRAM with a reinforced crane, which will be called Bergepanzer 3A2 Buffel.
According to the sources, the refinement of BPz 3 to the level of BPz 3A2 should be completed soon, as purchases are scheduled to begin at the end of this year. It is expected that the first batch will include 20 new BREMS.
Image source: topwar.ru
BPz 3
As noted, there is also a need to replace the remaining fleet of about 100 Bergepanzer 2. These BREMS have been in service for almost 60 years and are one of the last representatives of the Leopard 1 family [created on the basis of the chassis of these tanks], remaining in the Bundeswehr equipment along with Biber bridge-laying machines and Pioneerpanzer 2 Dachs engineering machines.
It is expected that the service life of all equipment developed on the basis of Leopard 1 will expire by 2030.