Condor: FFG unveils Leopard 1-based air defence vehicle

Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG), a German armoured vehicle manufacturer, is set to unveil its new Condor armoured fighting vehicle concept at the DSEI UK defence and security exhibition in London. The vehicle combines the roles of direct fire support and air defence into a single platform.

Developed from a modernised Leopard 1 chassis, the Condor features the Turra 30-SA, a newly-developed unmanned turret from Slovakian manufacturer EVPÚ. It is armed with a 30 mm cannon and can be used to engage airborne targets. According to FFG, the Condor was developed to meet modern battlefield threats. The aim was to combine modern weapons technology with battle-tested components to create a system that is effective, agile, and reliable. 

“With the Condor, we were able to develop a powerful and efficient anti-aircraft system based on the tried-and-tested and readily available Leopard 1 platform. Our goal was to create a rapidly deployable system to meet the urgent need to expand air defence capabilities,” Jörg Kamper, FFG’s managing director, told Calibre Defence. “The use of the EVPU turret system also allows for the use of other effectors, giving the Condor the ability to provide fire support for infantry troops.”

The vehicle is designed to operate in all visibility conditions and while on the move. The 30mm cannon has a dual-feed system, as is fairly standard for medium calibre weapon systems, and it enables the Condor to carry two types of ammunition. This can include programmable airbursting munitions for use in the air defence role, as well as when suppressing infantry. The Condor is also equipped with a new situational awareness and target acquisition system. 

The 7.18m long, 3.41m wide, and 3.05m high vehicle has a combat weight of less than 40 tonnes. To protect the Leopard 1 hull against modern threats, the vehicle has been fitted with additional side and roof armour. It also features a digital on-board network and a new seating arrangement where the commander and driver are seated side-by-side at the front of the vehicle. 

According to EVPÚ, the Turra 30-SA unmanned turret can accommodate various 30mm auto-cannons, including the Bushmaster Mk44. Secondary armaments include a coaxial machine gun and either Spike or Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles. In addition to electro-optics, the stabilised turret features a multi-mission radar, an anti-tank guided missile detection system, and a sniper and small-arms fire location system. The weapon system has an elevation range of -10 to +70 degrees, which is critical if the turret is to perform in the air defence role, as well as in urban environments.

New Leopard 1 Drivetrain Concept

The new power-pack from FFG developed for Leopard 1-based vehicles like the Condor. Credit: FFG

FFG views mobility as a critical factor for improved system protection. The Condor is therefore equipped with a new powertrain that offers more power and torque than the outdated Leopard 1 unit while being lighter and more fuel-efficient.

FFG has already developed a dual-circuit braking system for the Leopard 1, which is also used in the Condor. This allows the vehicles to be fully road-legal, a significant detail since an exemption only exists for older vehicles. For new vehicles, a separate normal and parking brake system is mandatory. According to FFG, implementing the dual-circuit brake system was challenging due to the limited space within the Leopard 1 hull.

A new power-pack has been integrated into the Condor, replacing the legacy Leopard 1 system, which was powered by an MTU MB 838 Ca-M500 supercharged diesel engine providing approx. 610 kilowatts (820 hp) at 2,200 rpms. The new power-pack was developed under FFG’s leadership and is also suitable for installation in all vehicles of the Leopard 1 family. It consists of a modern Rolls-Royce Power Systems 8V199TE23 eight-cylinder diesel engine with an output of up to 1,080hp, coupled with a modified ZF 4 HP 250 automatic gearbox and a new two-cycle cooling system developed by FFG. The unit is around 300kg lighter than the original.

The new power-pack improves the platform’s performance with a better power-to-weight ratio, lower fuel consumption, and a longer service life, according to FFG. It is also a direct replacement for the original unit. The integration of this new power-pack ensures that the battle-proven Leopard 1 chassis can continue to be used cost-effectively and economically for decades to come. However, the vehicle concept still leverages the existing Leopard 1 supply chain, which means customers can draw on existing stocks of spares to some extent. 

Calibre comment

Combining the ability to provide air defence and direct fire support into a single platform is a well-proven approach. The original CV90s are equipped with a sight that is designed to help with aerial engagements, for example. And there are an increasing number of concepts that focus around the firepower of a medium calibre weapon system. The Russian BMPT Terminator is one example, armed with two 30 mm cannons and four ATGMs. It has been observed providing suppressive fire throughout the war in Ukraine. More recently, FNSS released details of the Kaplan Combat Fire Support and Reconnaissance Vehicle, which is designed to provide reconnaissance as well as fire support, as opposed to performing as an infantry fighting vehicle. 

This article was written in German by Waldemar Geiger and published by hartpunkt on August 25, 2025. It was translated and edited, and republished by Calibre Defence on August 26, 2025. Credit for the lead image is FFG.