German army Bundeswehr receives Australian GaardTech mockup Russian tanks for training

Australian military training vehicle manufacturer GaardTech has delivered robotic enemy vehicles that imitate Russian tanks to the German Armed Forces for testing and live fire employment. The robotic models more or less mimic the T-72, the T-90A and the T-14 Armata MBTs among other Russian vehicles.

GaardTech’s full-sized military vehicles – tanks, AFVs like BMP-3, air defense (ZSU-23-4) Shilka and technical vehicles – can be statically employed or fitted with an internal robotic capability that enables the enemy to advance and attack formations or positions. This system enables the complexity and stress of real enemy action to be experienced by the joint force whilst being visually exposed to real-world threats.

GaardTech’s MBT/AFV 2D Lift System allows GaardTech’s 2D, thermally active steel targets to conduct cresting drills and fight back actions with battle-sim and battlefield effects. The target array can be easily controlled on GaardTech’s networked range software from a tablet or field computer and can be installed at fixed infrastructure ranges or made deployable for operational requirements.

All GaardTech Targets are equipped with the company’s patented Active Thermal Cells which radiate for up to 8 hours. Additionally, they can be fitted with the company’s Electronic Warfare emitters (4G, 3G, GSM, WIFI, Bluetooth, VHF, UHF) and passive radar signatures. These bespoke signatures enable advanced ISR target identification and ensure that friendly deception vehicles are indistinguishable.