View source for Engineering:Fennek

The '''Fennek''', named after the [[Biology:Fennec fox|fennec]] (a species of small desert [[Biology:Fox|fox]]), or '''LGS Fennek''', with LGS being short for {{lang|de|Leichter Gepanzerter Spähwagen}} in [[German language|German]] (Light Armoured [[Engineering:Reconnaissance vehicle|Reconnaissance Vehicle]]), is a four-wheeled armed reconnaissance vehicle produced by the German company [[Company:KNDS Deutschland|KNDS Deutschland]] (formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann) and Dutch Defence Vehicle Systems.<ref name="DDVS">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ddvs.eu/ |title=Home {{pipe}} DDVS |access-date=23 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202001350/http://www.ddvs.eu/ |archive-date=2 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Place:Turkey|Turkish]] company [[Company:FNSS Defence Systems|FNSS Defence Systems]] acquired the right for licence production in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cooperation between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Germany and FNSS,Turkey for the licensed production of the FENNEK vehicle in Turkey|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/40631/fnss,-kmw-team-for-turkish-market-%28june-16%29.html|website=defense-aerospace.com|access-date=25 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926172924/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/40631/fnss,-kmw-team-for-turkish-market-%28june-16%29.html|archive-date=26 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Vehicles/Fennek_a000313001.aspx |title=Fennek |access-date=4 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504224137/http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Vehicles/Fennek_a000313001.aspx |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ssm.gov.tr/katalog2007/tr/urunler.html |title=Türk Savunma Sanayi̇i̇ Ürünler Kataloğu 2007-2008 |access-date=4 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214175337/http://www.ssm.gov.tr/katalog2007/tr/urunler.html |archive-date=14 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was developed for both the German Army and Royal Netherlands Army to replace their current vehicles.

==History==
In April 2000, the prototype vehicle finished field trials and in December 2001 a combined order was placed. The Royal Netherlands Army ordered 410 (202 reconnaissance, 130 MRAT (medium range antitank) and 78 general purpose versions) and the German Bundeswehr ordered 222 (178 reconnaissance, 24 combat engineer and 20 joint fire support teams (JFST)). More Fenneks for the German Army will be procured from 2015 on. Germany plans an overall purchase of approximately 300 Fenneks. The first vehicle was delivered to the Netherlands in July 2003<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Armour-and-Artillery-Upgrades/Renk-RECO-606-automatic-transmission-Germany.html|title=Fennek Delivery Details|accessdate=11 August 2023}}</ref> and the first to Germany in December of the same year. Deliveries will continue until 2011 (additional orders for the German Army are planned from 2015 on).

The Dutch SP Aerospace company, which produced the Fennek for the Dutch military, was declared bankrupt in August 2004. A new company called Dutch Defence Vehicle Systems (DDVS)<ref name="DDVS"/> was created to continue the production of the vehicles for the Royal Netherlands Army.

==Specifications==
The Fennek has four wheels with selectable two or four wheel drive. It has a [[Company:Deutz AG|Deutz]] diesel engine producing 179&nbsp;kW, giving it a top speed of 115&nbsp;km/h (when the speedlimiter is turned off). Tire pressure can be regulated by the driver from inside the vehicle to suit terrain conditions.

The primary mission equipment is an observation package mounted on an extendable mast. Sensors include a thermal imager, daylight camera and a [[Physics:Laser rangefinder|laser rangefinder]]. Combined with the vehicle's [[Engineering:GPS|GPS]] and [[Earth:Inertial navigation system|inertial navigation system]] the operator can accurately mark targets or points of interest and pass that data to the digital battlefield network. The sensor head of the observation package can also be removed and mounted on a tripod for concealed operation, as can the control unit from the vehicle should the crew want to use the entire system dismounted.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/fennek/ |title=Fennek Observation Details |access-date=9 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311044708/http://www.army-technology.com/projects/fennek/ |archive-date=11 March 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Many Fenneks of the German Army are also equipped with Aladin miniature UAVs.

Various weapons can be fitted, such as a 12.7&nbsp;mm [[Engineering:Machine gun|machine gun]] for the Dutch reconnaissance version, a Rafael Spike anti-tank missile on the Dutch MRAT version or a 40&nbsp;mm automatic grenade launcher ([[Engineering:Heckler & Koch GMG|HK GMG]]) or Rheinmetall MG3 for the German vehicles. The Royal Netherlands Army also placed an order at the [[Place:Turkey|Turkish]] company ASELSAN for 18 Raytheon Stinger surface-to-air missile launchers to be fitted on the Fennek. The launcher in this case is the Stinger Weapon Platform (SWP), with four Stinger missiles intended for mid-range air defence. The launcher can be controlled from on board the vehicle, or else remotely as part of a distributed air defense system. On the Dutch Fennek the primary weapon is the 12.7&nbsp;mm machine gun.

The vehicle is protected all-round against 7.62&nbsp;mm rounds and additional armour can be added if the mission requires. The [[Physics:Air conditioning|air conditioning]] system provides protection against nuclear, biological and chemical warfare and the crew compartment is protected against anti-personnel mines.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/fennek/ |title=Fennek Self Protection Details |access-date=9 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311044708/http://www.army-technology.com/projects/fennek/ |archive-date=11 March 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Variants ==

=== German Army ===

==== Variants ====
* '''LVB''' (light reconnaissance and exploration, same as the one used by the Netherlands)<ref name=":0" />  <br />This variant has a The BAA surveillance module which is installed on a mast raising up to 1.5 m high. The BAA module has a laser range finder, a digital camera and a thermal imager. The mast can also be mounted on a tripod, and operated from a distance (40 m).  The LVB is the main variant in service, it entered in service with the A1 standard, and evolved to the A2. 
** LVB variant in standard ''"Fennek 1A1"'' equipped with RCWS [https://www.knds.de/systeme-produkte/bewaffnungssysteme/mechanische-waffenstationen/ KMW 1530]
** LVB variant in standard ''"Fennek 1A2"'' equipped with RCWS FLW 200, ied jamming equipment CG-20, front protection and IR headlights
* '''JFST''' (Joint Fire Support Team, some with and without IED added protection)<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2016-03-30 |title=Spähwagen Fennek |url=https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/landsysteme-bundeswehr/spaehwagen-fennek |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=bundeswehr.de |language=de}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=FENNEK JFST – KNDS |url=https://www.knds.de/en/systems-products/wheeled-vehicles/fennek/fennek-jfst/ |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=knds.de}}</ref><br />Sub variants: 
** '''TACP''' (Tactical Air Control Party)<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=FENNEK TACP – KNDS |url=https://www.knds.de/en/systems-products/wheeled-vehicles/fennek/fennek-tacp/ |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=knds.de}}</ref><br />Standard ''"Fennek 1A3"''<ref>{{Cite web |title=BW – JFST Fennek 1A3 Luft/Boden {{!}} TANK-MASTERS – Photos & Journalism {{!}} Military Photos & Journalism |url=http://tank-masters.de/?page_id=8064 |access-date=2023-07-14 |language=de-DE}}</ref>''<br />''This variant is equipped with advanced communication equipment for air support to ground forces. It also has an information system with special software for requesting fire support. It is equipped with the BAA II surveillance module.
** '''Forward observer'''<ref name="FENNEK Artillery Observer – KNDS">{{Cite web |title=FENNEK Artillery Observer – KNDS |url=https://www.knds.de/en/systems-products/wheeled-vehicles/fennek/fennek-artillery-observer/ |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=knds.de}}</ref>'''<br />'''Standard ''"Fennek 1A4"''<ref name=":1"/>''<br />''It is equipped with the improved observation and reconnaissance equipment (<abbr>BAA II), the army command and information system ''"FüInfoSysH"'', the artillery command system ADLER III, and extensive radio equipment</abbr>
* '''Fü-/ErkdFzg Pi''' (Command and reconnaissance vehicle Pioneer)<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=FENNEK Pioneer – KNDS |url=https://www.knds.de/en/systems-products/wheeled-vehicles/fennek/fennek-pioneer/ |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=knds.de}}</ref>
** Pioneer variant in standard ''"Fennek 1A1"'' not equipped with BAA module
** Pioneer variant in standard ''"Fennek 1A2"'' equipped with BAA module, RCWS FLW 200, ied jamming equipment CG-20, front protection and IR headlights

=== Royal Netherlands Army===
Variants of the Fennek in the Royal Netherlands Army:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Defensie |first=Ministerie van |date=2023-04-24 |title=Fennek-verkenningsvoertuig – Materieel – Defensie.nl |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/fennek-bewakings--en-verkenningsvoertuig |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=defensie.nl |language=nl-NL}}</ref>

* '''AD''' (base variant)<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=FENNEK AD – KNDS |url=https://www.knds.de/en/systems-products/wheeled-vehicles/fennek/fennek-ad/ |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=knds.de}}</ref><br />Some are, other aren't equipped with some IED added protection. The sub-variants are:
** '''General Service'''<br />This variant can receive High Frequency radio equipment as it often transports command personnel. 
** '''81&nbsp;mm Mortar transporter''' (L16A2 to be replaced with the Hirtenberger M8 mortars) <br />The mortar is transported on the roof, and needs to be assembled to fire. 
** '''VCP''' (Forward Command Post)
* '''MRAT / LRAT''' (Medium / Long Range Anti-Tank)<ref name=":0" /> <br />At the moment, it is a Medium range variant. It carries a tripod for anti-tank missiles. The variant of the missile use is the Spike MR. The Army intends to purchase long range variants of the missile, thus becoming a LRAT.
* '''LVB''' (light reconnaissance and exploration)<ref name=":0" />  <br />This variant has a The BAA surveillance module which is installed on a mast raising up to 1.5 m high. The BAA module has a laser range finder, a digital camera and a thermal imager. The mast can also be mounted on a tripod, and operated from a distance (40 m).   The LVB is the main variant in service
* '''JFST''' (Joint Fire Support Team, some with and without IED added protection)<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />
** '''Forward observer'''<ref name="FENNEK Artillery Observer – KNDS"/><br />It is equipped with the BAA surveillance module. 
** '''TACP''' (Tactical Air Control Party)<ref name=":3" /><br />This variant is equipped with advanced communication equipment for air support to ground forces. It also has an information system with special software for requesting fire support. It is equipped with the BAA surveillance module.
* '''SWP''' (Stinger Weapon Platform)<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=FENNEK SWP – KNDS |url=https://www.knds.de/en/systems-products/wheeled-vehicles/fennek/fennek-swp/ |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=knds.de}}</ref>
* '''Training variants'''<ref name=":0" />
** '''DTV''' (Driver Training Vehicle)
** '''OLM''' (used for education of technical support teams)

=== Qatar ===
'''JFST''' (Joint Fire Support Team, some with and without IED added protection)<ref name=":0" />
* '''FAO''' (Forward artillery observer)<ref>{{Cite web |title=FENNEK FAO – KNDS |url=https://www.knds.de/en/systems-products/wheeled-vehicles/fennek/fennek-fao/ |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=knds.de}}</ref>

==Operational history==
Both Germany and the Netherlands have deployed Fennek reconnaissance vehicles to Afghanistan in support of ISAF.<ref>''[http://www.kmweg.com/gb/spezial.php?id=23 FENNEK Highly protected vehicle family] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028202327/http://www.kmweg.com/gb/spezial.php?id=23 |date=28 October 2007 }}'' Krauss-Maffei Wegmann & Co. KG</ref> On 3 November 2007, a Dutch Fennek was hit by an improvised explosive device killing one and wounding two other occupants. The vehicle and its crew were taking part in an offensive operation targeting the Taliban in the province of Uruzgan, Afghanistan.<ref>''[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a9c2a6b1f-089c-4001-8db2-b39386c15dd9 First Fennek Lost in IED Attack] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521053328/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:9c2a6b1f-089c-4001-8db2-b39386c15dd9 |date=21 May 2011 }}'' AVIATION WEEK, 11/5/2007</ref>
In another incident a German Fennek was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/southasia/news/article_1211420.php/German_Army_vehicles_in_Afghanistan_attacked|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120903211424/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/southasia/news/article_1211420.php/German_Army_vehicles_in_Afghanistan_attacked|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 September 2012|title=Rocket Propelled Grenade Attack Details|accessdate=11 August 2023}}</ref> Its hollow charge jet penetrated the vehicle through the right front wheel rim, passed through the vehicle and blew the left door off the hinge. Thanks to the spall liner the crew sustained only negligible injuries.

Ukraine received an unknown number of Fenneks as part of Aid during the Russo-Ukrainian war. It lost its first Fennek in January 2025 at the Kursk campaign, as a Russian FPV suicide drone destroyed an abandoned Fennek.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brahy |first=Jérôme |title=Ukraine loses first Dutch-supplied Fennek armored reconnaissance vehicle due to Russian FPV drones |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/conflicts-in-the-world/russia-ukraine-war-2022/ukraine-loses-first-dutch-supplied-fennek-armored-reconnaissance-vehicle-due-to-russian-fpv-drones |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=www.armyrecognition.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

==Operators==
* '''{{flagicon|Germany}}''' German Army
** '''252''' ordered<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fennek – Wheeled Armed Reconnaissance Vehicle |url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/fennek/ |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=Army Technology}}</ref>
*** 202 in December 2001
*** 10 in November 2007
*** 10 in August 2009
*** 30 second hand Dutch Fennek LVB purchased and to be upgraded to JFST by 2022<ref name="bundeswehr.de">[https://www.bundeswehr.de/resource/blob/133846/64b21d55dc16f70c2174abf589356d35/bundeswehr-erhaelt-weitere-fennek-fuer-die-joint-fire-support-teams-data.pdf Support teams data] bundeswehr.de</ref> 
** '''217''' in service in January 2016<ref>{{cite web |date=2015-10-22 |title=Großgerät der Bundeswehr |url=http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP3I5EyrpHK9pPKUVL3ikqLUzJLsosTUtJJUvfLEtLTUvPjSvJT49FSgWIleelF-cTGErV-Q7agIAAl2y4M!/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121104656/http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP3I5EyrpHK9pPKUVL3ikqLUzJLsosTUtJJUvfLEtLTUvPjSvJT49FSgWIleelF-cTGErV-Q7agIAAl2y4M! |archive-date=21 November 2015 |access-date=12 November 2015 |website=Bundeswehr.de |publisher=German Armed Forces |language=de |location=Berlin}}</ref> with the intention to increase to 248 eventually.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-07-03 |title=Bundeswehr erhält 30 Spähwagen Fennek JFST |url=https://www.bundeswehr-journal.de/2017/bundeswehr-erhaelt-30-spaehwagen-fennek-jfst/ |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=bundeswehr-journal}}</ref>
** 247 in service in 2022 
* '''{{flagicon|NED}}''' Royal Netherlands Army
** 410 ordered in December 2001 (€869 million)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-26637-5.pdf |title= Licht verkennings- en bewakingsvoertuig (LVB)|language=nl
|website=zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl|access-date=11 August 2023}}</ref> 30 sold to the German Army in 2017<ref name="bundeswehr.de"/>
** In service
*** '''367''' as of 2020<ref>{{cite web|title=Fennek-verkenningsvoertuig|url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/inhoud/voertuigen/fennek-bewakings--en-verkenningsvoertuig|website=Defensie.nl|publisher=Dutch Ministry of Defence|access-date=12 November 2015|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929110431/https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/inhoud/voertuigen/fennek-bewakings--en-verkenningsvoertuig|archive-date=29 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> 
*** '''345''' planned after MLU (2022–2028)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Defensie |first=Ministerie van |date=2023-04-24 |title=Fennek-verkenningsvoertuig – Koninklijke Landmacht – Defensie.nl |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/fennek-bewakings--en-verkenningsvoertuig |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=defensie.nl |language=nl-NL}}</ref>
* '''{{flagicon|QAT}}''' Qatari Emiri Land Force
** '''32''' ordered in 2014<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nkala |first1=Oscar |date=24 October 2014 |title=Germany approves export of military vehicles, small arms to Algeria |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36729 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220115909/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36729 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |access-date=12 November 2015 |website=Defenceweb}}</ref>
** '''32''' delivered from 2017 to 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=SIPRI Arms Transfers Database {{!}} SIPRI |url=https://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=sipri.org}}</ref>
*'''{{flagicon|UKR}}''' Ukrainian Armed Forces<ref>{{Cite web |title=Україна отримала розвідувальні машини Fennek |url=https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/ukrayina-otrymala-rozviduvalni-mashyny-fennek/ |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=Мілітарний |language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=14 April 2023 |title=Netherlands reveals list of weapons & combat vehicles sent to Ukraine |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2023_global_security_army_industry/netherlands_reveals_list_of_weapons_combat_vehicles_sent_to_ukraine.html |website=Army Recognition }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= 13 April 2023|title=Militaire steun aan Oekraïne |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/oostflank-navo-gebied/militaire-steun-aan-oekraine |website=Ministerie van Defensie |language=Dutch }}</ref>
** Unknown quantity received from the Netherlands<ref>{{Cite web |last=Defensie |first=Ministerie van |date=2023-04-13 |title=Defence to publish more information about deliveries to Ukraine – News item – Defensie.nl |url=https://english.defensie.nl/latest/news/2023/04/13/defence-to-publish-more-information-about-deliveries-to-ukraine |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=english.defensie.nl}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Fennek-vorn (hell).jpg|A Fennek and an [[Engineering:ATF Dingo|ATF Dingo]] of the German Army in Afghanistan
File:Bundeswehr Fennek of the Provincial Reconstruction Team Feyzabad.jpg|German Fenneks in Afghanistan (2009)
File:Fennek 2.jpg|Side-view of a German Fennek
Image:Fennek20070115.jpg|Royal Netherlands Army Fennek
Image:Feuerknopf.jpg|Ignition of the smoke grenade launchers of a German Army Fennek
Image:GMGFennek.jpg|[[Engineering:Heckler & Koch GMG|Heckler & Koch GMG]] on board a German Army Fennek
File:Fennek reconnaissance vehicle of 340th ASELSAN MFR C0415, pic1.JPG|ASELSAN MFR C0415 with 4 FIM-92 Stinger missiles on board a Dutch Army Fennek
</gallery>

==See also==
"Combat Reconnaissance/Patrol Vehicle" with rear engine:
* {{lwc|RBY MK 1}}
* {{lwc|D-442 FÚG}}
* {{lwc|ABC-79M}}
* {{lwc|BRDM-2}}
* {{lwc|Textron Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle}}

Others:
*[[Engineering:Armoured fighting vehicle|Armoured fighting vehicle]]
*List of modern armoured fighting vehicles

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.cavaleriemuseum.nl Dutch Cavalry Museum] has a prototype of the Fennek in its collection

{{ModernGermanAFVsNav}}
{{ModernDutchAFVs}}
{{knds}}
{{Modern Recce}}

[[Category:Scout cars]]

{{Sourceattribution|Fennek}}