[Coming Soon] PUMA VJTF: Modernization for NATO Forces

The Big and Medium trophies contain a German light tank with Spike-LR II ATGMs, MUSS and a powerful 30 mm autocannon.

Historical Note

In the late 2010s, the German Bundeswehr began developing a modernization program for its Puma infantry fighting vehicles. This was driven by the need to enhance their combat capabilities for participation in NATO's high-readiness forces. The main goal was to bring these vehicles up to the standard required for the alliance's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). In 2021, an official decision was made to modernize the first 40 units.

The most significant upgrade was equipping the vehicles with modern Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles, which greatly expanded their ability to engage heavily armored enemy vehicles. Additionally, communication and control systems were modernized to ensure full integration of the vehicles into the digital tactical network of the Bundeswehr and its allies. Work was scheduled to be completed by 2023.

PUMA VJTF (Rank XII)

Brief Overview

Strengths: 30 mm autocannon, Spike-LR II ATGMs, MUSS soft-kill active protection system, excellent mobility.
Weaknesses: Armor primarily designed to protect against fire from light armored vehicles and small arms.
Role in battle: Scout, tank hunter, or fire support for allies – this maneuverable tracked vehicle is equally effective in various roles.

In battle

The German PUMA VJTF IFV is one of the most advanced combat vehicles of its class in the world. It will appear in War Thunder Mobile in the upcoming update! It successfully combines powerful weaponry, advanced electronics, good mobility, and a level of protection that is high for a light vehicle.

The compact PUMA VJTF holds many surprises. A powerful engine and tracked suspension provide excellent dynamics. Its armor utilizes aluminum alloys, composite elements, and explosive reactive armor blocks. The vehicle is unlikely to survive a direct hit from a tank shell, but its protection is impressive compared to other light combat vehicles. Its defensive capabilities are further enhanced by the MUSS (Multifunctional Self-Protection System) optronic countermeasure suite, which disrupts the guidance of semi-automatically commanded enemy missiles.

The PUMA VJTF's combat performance is also top-notch. The turret mounts a 30 mm autocannon with a wide selection of ammunition. Armor-piercing discarding sabot and armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot rounds are effective against armored vehicles, while high-explosive shells (HEI-T) are used against soft targets and aircraft. Particularly noteworthy are the shrapnel rounds with a programmable airburst fuze (AHEAD), designed to engage low-flying aircraft with directional clouds of fragments.

The real highlight of this vehicle is its Israeli Spike-LR II anti-tank guided missiles with automatic guidance. They utilize a "fire-and-forget" principle: the missile independently attacks the target, striking it from the top. This allows the vehicle to quickly take cover after launching. Thanks to this, the PUMA VJTF is equally effective as a scout and point capturer, or as part of a team, where its powerful armament become an unpleasant surprise for the enemy.

The PUMA VJTF has few pronounced drawbacks. It's important to remember the rapid overheating of the 30 mm gun barrel, which limits sustained fire with excessively long bursts. Additionally, there is a minimum engagement distance for the ATGMs, as they can’t lock onto or guide against close-range targets.

Premium version of the PUMA VJTF (Rank XII)

The Premium variant is an extra tank for your hangar! The premium tank maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium tank you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

Premium version of the vehicle:

As a jackpot or as a random reward when attempting to open the Big Trophy.
By reaching the top-10 in the relevant Leaderboard.
From the Collector's Trophy after adding the vehicle to this trophy type;
In Special Offers.

Standard version of the vehicle:

As a jackpot or as a random reward when attempting to open the Medium Trophy.
Order vehicles for Silver Lions after collecting 1,000 blueprints.

Ways to get blueprints:

From the Medium Trophy: 700 pcs in the guaranteed reward, or 10 to 100 pcs per attempt.
From the Big Trophy: 700 pcs in the guaranteed reward, or 80 to 200 pcs per attempt.
In the in-game store: purchase for Silver Lions a Folder with a number of blueprints (even after the season ends).
In special offers.

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

The PUMA VJTF (Rank XII) can be obtained in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) from Medium or Big Trophies in the Tank Campaign with the start of the new Season.