German FFG Condor air defense system project
The experimental Condor air defense system. Photo by FFG
The German company Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH has developed and proposed a promising anti-aircraft missile systemartillery A system called Condor. The main goals of this project were to reduce production costs and achieve maximum effectiveness against current air targets. All this led to the formation of a curious technical design.
Anti-aircraft novelty
Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH (FFG), a company based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, has been servicing and repairing various armored vehicles for decades. It has also developed and proposed numerous modernization projects for existing combat vehicles. They recently decided to apply this experience to a new project of their own.
In late August 2025, FFG first announced its anti-aircraft missile and artillery system project, dubbed Condor. At the time, they revealed the background to the system's development and outlined its main features. They also announced that a prototype would be unveiled to the public soon.
In early September, the DSEI-2025 international defense technology exhibition took place in London, which served as the venue for the Condor air defense system presentation. A fully configured prototype armored vehicle, demonstrating all its combat and operational capabilities, was on display at the pavilion.
The developer explained that the Condor project was a response to the current needs of modern armies. In recent years, the threat from unmanned aerial vehicles and high-precision weapons has increased. weapons, and appropriate means are needed to combat it. In its new project, FFG offers its vision for such a technique.
Given the scale of the threat, the anti-aircraft system must be simple to manufacture, inexpensive, and mass-produced. Therefore, FFG built the Condor SAM system using only readily available components. For example, the chassis for the combat vehicle was borrowed from an older one. tank The Leopard 1 has been modified to improve certain characteristics. The combat module is a finished product from the Czech company EVPÚ Defence. In addition, components from several other countries are also planned.
The prototype Kondor air defense missile and munitions system is currently undergoing preliminary testing. Full-scale testing at the range, including target firing, is expected next year. FFG is unable to provide any timeframe for the potential launch of serial production, even an approximate one.
Condor at the DSEI-2025 exhibition. Photo: European Defence Review
The new development was unveiled just a few weeks ago, and potential customers haven't yet had a chance to evaluate it. Consequently, nothing is yet known about interest from potential buyers, the ZRAK's commercial prospects, etc.
Modified chassis
The Condor is a tracked armored fighting vehicle with a fully traversable turret carrying all weapons. The chassis for this SAM system was based on components from the West German Leopard 1 tank. The original chassis was slightly modified and equipped with new components, improving its key performance characteristics.
The old tank's hull remains largely unchanged. It still features up to 70mm of frontal armor, capable of withstanding small-caliber shells. While this level of protection is insufficient for a modern tank, it was deemed acceptable for a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. Add-on modules are installed on top of the hull armor, improving overall protection and altering the vehicle's appearance.
The powertrain has been completely redesigned. The aft engine compartment now houses a 1080 hp MTU 8V199TE23 diesel engine and a ZF 4HP250 automatic transmission. These units improve the overall power and handling characteristics of the chassis and offset the increased weight. Furthermore, maintenance is simplified and operating costs are reduced.
Unnecessary components were removed from the forward hull section. This allowed for a two-seat control compartment. Access to the driver and commander's positions is provided by two roof hatches. The third crew member, the gunner, is located in the center of the hull under the combat module.
Armament complex
The Condor SAM system is equipped with the Turra 30 V9 combat module from the Czech company EVPÚ Defence. This is an unmanned, compact turret designed to accommodate various cannons and missile systems, as well as optoelectronic devices. The manufacturer offers several module modifications with different weapon configurations.
The Condor module is equipped with a US-made Northrop Grumman Mk 44S Bushmaster II 30mm automatic cannon. The cannon has two 175-round magazines with selective feed. A 7,62mm machine gun with 600 rounds of ammunition is mounted on the same mount. The cannon and machine gun have elevation angles from -10° to +70°.
Armament and other equipment of the experimental SAM system. Photo: European Defence Review
On the left side of the turret is a launcher for two Spike LR2 guided missiles. On the lower part of the turret's frontal hood are two sets of smoke grenade launchers for firing into the forward hemisphere.
The Turra 30 V9 is equipped with two CMS-1 sights from EVPÚ Defence. One is located on the roof of the module and serves as a panoramic commander's sight. The second is mounted next to the gun mount. The sights are equipped with video cameras, thermal imagers, and laser rangefinders. The fire control system is based on a computer with the necessary functions.
To increase the range of anti-aircraft fire, projectiles with programmable fuses can be used. The fire control system has corresponding operating algorithms and a programming device on the gun.
The combat module is also equipped with optical and radar threat detection systems. Laser illumination and incoming munitions are detected. Automatic systems are designed to warn the crew and fire smoke grenades.
General Features
FFG developed its Condor air defense system with current challenges and a specific mission in mind. This system is designed to escort troops or protect fixed installations, as well as detect and engage a wide range of aerial targets. Various UAVs and enemy precision-guided weapons are primarily considered for this role.
The Condor project incorporates several key concepts that positively impact the system's performance and combat capabilities. For example, the use of a redesigned tank chassis is of particular interest. This approach allows for cost savings on armored vehicle construction while still achieving excellent protection.
The old chassis is being upgraded with a modern powertrain. The more powerful engine offsets the increased weight and improves handling and dynamic performance. Furthermore, similar units are used on other modern German-designed armored vehicles, which should provide certain advantages related to commonality.
The Turra 30 V9 turret with its basic gun and missile armament. Photo by EVPÚ Defence
The SAM system is armed with a combined armament of a cannon and missiles. The 30mm Bushmaster cannon is capable of engaging aerial targets at ranges of approximately 3 km. An effective fire control system and programmable projectile detonation should improve the accuracy and effectiveness of fire. Projectile fragments can cause fatal damage to light and small UAVs and seriously injure larger targets.
The barrel armament is proposed to be supplemented with Spike LR2 missiles. These missiles are designed to engage ground targets or low-speed airborne targets. The launch range is up to 5-5,5 km, depending on the target.
In theory, such a weapons system allows for attack and destruction Drones or certain types of precision-guided weapons. The Condor can also engage ground targets, including armored vehicles. In terms of effective range, the system is comparable to other modern anti-UAV systems.
At the same time, the current version of the Condor SAM system has several notable shortcomings. Notably, the limited level of protection achieved by retaining the Leopard 1's armor and incorporating new modules is noteworthy. It is unclear whether this armor is capable of withstanding an anti-tank munition—a typical payload for modern light attack UAVs. Furthermore, additional screens, grilles, and other features, which have proven themselves effective in recent years, are missing.
For unclear reasons, the Condor has only optical systems for target acquisition and fire control, and no radar or electronic reconnaissance system. A combination of optical systems and radar could improve the probability of timely detection and target tracking accuracy under any conditions. Furthermore, redundancy of the systems would enhance the system's combat resilience and allow it to continue operating if one is damaged.
The ZRAK is equipped with a 30mm cannon with a programmable trigger and a 7,62mm machine gun. This armament should demonstrate high effectiveness against UAVs. Spike missiles could enhance the system's overall firepower, but their necessity is questionable. Such weapons are not considered a convenient or effective means of countering drones or guided weapons.
Current direction
Thus, FFG, a company with extensive experience in armored vehicle repair, is once again trying its hand at creating new designs. This time, it has attempted to follow current trends and created a self-propelled anti-aircraft missile and artillery system. It currently exists only as a prototype, with testing planned for next year.
The Condor project features several interesting solutions that could indeed improve the overall performance and capabilities of the combat vehicle. However, this anti-aircraft missile system is not yet without its shortcomings. Whether and how these will be addressed remains unknown. Perhaps FFG's armored vehicle will have undergone some changes by the time testing begins.
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