Wiesel: Meet Germany's small but lethal tank

[@michdo23]

I remember being on Maneuver in the German Bundeswehr as a Panzer Loader. On guard duty at night, chilling and talking shit - as one does. When suddently and Officer comes up to us and says "Allright, you guys are out." - "Wait, what? How, sir?" - "You got smoked. Wiesel. You fuckin Idiots." He walked away. About an hour later, Two Weasels came out of the treeline onto the road. One Guy on top looked at us, gave us the middle finger, and the disapeared into the night. We didn't hear a thing. We always kinda made fun of them and refered to them as "RC-Cars" or Toy-Tanks. But damn, you don't want those behind your lines, they will fuck your shit up. It was 20 Years ago, but that shit still bothers me man. 😂

[@christophmartin5381]

Had the same experience with some Leopards 2. They tricked us at night. Made up a huge spectaculum with shooting there grenades and made a lot maneuver. We didn't realize that this was a trap, right out of the dark and foggy forest a Leopard lurked out and the commander told us that we are now dead. It was shocking 🤣 They really tricked us with suck heavy and loud machines that we couldn't even hear the Leopard behind us.

[@TremereTT]

@@christophmartin5381 Was it about 24 to 25 years ago? Because "we" allways did play with the sound of the Leopard 2s . like having 2 or three of them reving high to fake a big concentration of force just to bait the enemy team into a prepared ambush by the Minelaying vehicles of the pioneers and the rest of the tanks...

[@christophmartin5381]

@@TremereTT Yes, roughly 28 years ago with pioneer units. 😁

[@TremereTT]

@@christophmartin5381 Did the referees ordered the trap to be opened again, so the maneuver wouldn't end right there?

[@christophmartin5381]

@@TremereTT Good question, I think they practiced further more. We were really shocked and that impression is quite present today. What happend afterwards is a bit in fog because we had a 36hour training session and we were quite exhausted.

[@D.R658]

I can still remember how we sat in the forest and had lunch. We did not have alert posts or similar but waited for participants, and suddenly 3 Wiesel stood in the middle of the forest behind us. No one heard them and no one saw them. Damn fast and that through the forest

[@ulliulli]

Buddy of my commanded a group of Wiesel. During a maneuver, he was to join an Abrams platoon with his vehicles. The Abrams tanks were waiting next to a field and wondered where the Weasels were. They had been there for a long time and wanted to annoy the Americans a bit. Flap open, soldier stands up and grabs the leg of a US soldier who was just lying on the Abrams. He almost fell off the tank out of fright.

[@bollewillem1]

We had a similar experience in the Netherlands, in 1940. Everybody was minding his own business and suddenly there they were, the Germans. They left 5 years later.

[@naftyloescher]

@@bollewillem1 lel

[@ehmjay97]

@@bollewillem1 Yes, and now it's 2023. The two countries are working closely together.

[@bollewillem1]

@@ehmjay97 I know, I like Germans, great country to go to for a holiday. And when it comes to building a strong army I will put my money on Germany.

[@lobster8009]

The Wiesel is such a quirky little thing and its quite combat effective too. Gotta love it. Takes good tactics for it to be effective but its a serious asset on the battlefield.

[@Snarcksa]

Literally built for shoot-and-scoot tactics against soviet tanks, and good at it because it's a nimble little bugger.

[@christianweibrecht6555]

@@Snarcksa these would have been extremely useful in 2022

[@Fistmybeer]

Indeed!!! ^^

[@johndor7793]

Not being able to withstand .50 cal sounds like a terrible idea. Heavy weapons arent uncommon.

[@HedgehogZone]

Its armored against 14.5 mm thats a .70 cal antitankrifle!

[@svenhohmann3116]

I was on the Leopard 2 as Comander in the Bundeswehr. The Wiesel is so hart to hit, well it's so small, fast ‼️The Wiesel can hide behind a small Bush, or behind a Car garage. You can't see it. It's a perfect for hit and run operation. When we have hear " Wiesel in the near" we know we have big small problems in our Leopard. ‼️ Let me tell you, don't mess with the Wiesel if you are on a Battletank, better you retreat. ‼️😊

[@shell.rider_0452]

How could the tank commander not eliminate the combat vehicle? Are you laughing? Or do leopards have too much armor, active defense and combat doctrines that they are not able to eliminate combat vehicles and open up like cans of fish? Engineers did not sleep for days and nights to design and install stabilization, rangefinders and other novelties in your tanks. Are you afraid of this little thing?

[@christianjunghanel6724]

@@shell.rider_0452 You underestimate that thing !

[@ger_airfighter]

@@shell.rider_0452 oh, Mr keyboard warrior is typing. If you cant spot it u cant kill it, its that simple

[@shell.rider_0452]

@@ger_airfighter I'm a driver mechanic. I recently completed my military service, at the end of which I went into the “reserve”. I didn’t want to connect my life with a military career. Yes, she was cheerful and filled with emotions. But I wanted to do IT. I knew my combat vehicle very well, the tactics of working with it and its combat role. We also studied the cars of our western neighbors and the very car mentioned in the video was our favorite. Because it could very easily be turned into a colander (a saucer with holes). In the literal sense of the word. The technology that I was trained on was created in order to destroy such equipment. Which transports or supports infantry. (or, like, hit and run) Unfortunately, my past work interferes. And especially for you, I will open the eyes of you and all the same sick people who do not understand the topic they are talking about. In our terrible times, many means and systems for detecting equipment have long been invented. And my fate and the fate of the driver of this car are the same. Burn out before leaving even for the enemy’s expected location (line of contact). Understand?

[@shell.rider_0452]

@@ger_airfighter I'm a foreigner. I am not bound by Europe. I think you understood this by the way sentences are constructed with the help of a translator.

[@asmodon]

I remember that these were very useful during the KFOR mission in Kosovo because it protected the soldiers on patrol and it was small enough to drive through narrow alleys.

[@0Turbox]

The 120 mm mortar version is impressive, basically a baby PZH2000. It can shoot 3 rounds and move quickly away, before the first round hits the target. And that's in a 4.5 ton package.

Don't forget that some 120mm mortars can have laser guided versions (i.e. STRIX mortar, terminal guided). Imagine being quick deployable, fast, and even with precision capability?

[@0Turbox]

@ I think, they have GPS guided ammo for it.

[@FunkyBuddha81]

yeah same goes for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 that thing stops fires 3 shots packs up and is on the move before the first shell hits. it´s insane.

[@dash_lp]

@@FunkyBuddha81wasn’t it 5?

[@JPK1337]

​@@dash_lpit was 5, and they can actually coordinate multiple pzh2000 to do that

[@gerryleb8575]

This is a huge force multiplier and very cost effective. Probably the best light tank ever made.

[@sergeig685]

How so? How is it better than any other APC? Even the old BMPs are amphibious, pack a much harder punch, carry more troops, can be airdropped, etc

[@robbyducey]

because the bmp is russian for боевой магистральный полимерный бак which is the russian approximate for main battle tank. because of this; the BMP is considered an MBT and not at all an APC. @@sergeig685

[@mikeblatzheim2797]

​@@sergeig685 This is lighter and much more mobile than all of those, extremely quiet and easy to maintain due to using a literal car engine and transmission, extremely compact and you can put two of them in a single helicopter. Sure, it's got similar capabilities to APCs, but due to not needing to carry soldiers it is cheaper, lighter, smaller and more mobile.

[@daquemasquieren]

@@mikeblatzheim2797 i just check the price of a Wiesel vs a BMP-2 and just that the bmp2 is half of the price of a wiesel, where you even think to get those facks? just pouring stuff from your mouth to try to win an argument on internet?

[@mikeblatzheim2797]

@@daquemasquieren An obsolete, 60+ year old design is cheaper than a modern armoured vehicle. Go figure. How about you compare the price to that of vehicles such as the Bradley, or Marder? You know, vehicles that aren't early cold war designs, and have at least somewhat similar capabilities?

[@maestrovso]

As cute as my Kei cars. I want a Wiesel, to defend my ranch in the country against criminals.

[@rxonmymind8362]

Needs a backhoe option too. For after the fight.

[@00-Dima]

I want a kei pickup

[@airfight10]

stop first weapon sale to every idiots in you country like hamburger or hot dog!

[@maestrovso]

@@airfight10 You can always tell an idiot of how he can't write.

[@BrokenCurtain]

You mean cattle rustlers?

[@mickmcloughlin1646]

You've just got to love the the Germans, and the brilliant ideas that they come up with. I'm very glad we're allies. This looks to be one hell of a sneaky, fast little ass kicker. Missouri, USA.

[@christoph3187]

We love you too 😘

[@minimax9452]

have you blown up nordstream ?

[@christoph3187]

@@minimax9452 No, have you?

[@DerekVanUffelen]

@@minimax9452 Actually yes, The US did blow up Nordstream. Hope that didn't affect you at all. 🤦‍♂

[@minimax9452]

@@DerekVanUffelen we are fine the winter was mild and government is helping - but on the long run we have a disadvantage - some of our "friends" unfortunately like this.

[@TotallyNotAFox]

Since 2012 we also have the "Ozelot" - A Wiesel 2 that can fire 4 Stinger missiles per reload

[@CCM1199]

The Wiesel can have different loadout depending on the mission. ATGM, Small Arms, Mortar system, ADA, and recon setup.

[@JazzJaRa]

Wiesel 2 Chassis has Mortar, Stingers and even has a MedEvac Version. Wiesel 1 has a 20mm automatic gun or TOW + MG3. I am curious to see if they will upgrade it with MELLS.

[@randyraudi7725]

@@JazzJaRa they already get upgraded, the first upgraded Wiesel are already in service.

[@peepopalaber]

And only about 12 (or so) active ones sitting on the coast of the baltic sea, completely useless. Every other mobile anti air system we thrown out without replacement. Only now, after the shit in Ukraine happened, our politicians started to finally dump some money into the Bundeswehr.

[@Uwe-ov7gc]

the ozelot is still in use since 2002 or even older. i was a stinger shooter in such a unit in 2003/2004

[@gackhuhn4868]

Fun fact the 109 hp 1.9 tdi diesel engine is one of the best engines ever made and can last above a million kilometers with ease it was used in many cars like the golf and every variant of it

[@davecopp9356]

You are right about that. Also in the Passat. Very reliable engine.

[@evs251]

Incredibly overrated

[@anglachel7407]

@@evs251 Nope. It is just that: sturdy, effective and reliable - if you get it to temperature, change the oil and check/change the belt drive as prescribed. You have to watch out for its successor versions, though, they're more powerful and efficient, but not as reliable and long-lived. That successor also is the engine they manipulated in that great emissions scandal. I think that is the engine you are critical about, and rightly so.

[@KjetilBalstad]

Imagine if they mass produced Wiesel wehicle squads. 1 command vehicle with sensors, sat comms, jammers etc. 6 infantry combat vehicles with 30mm gun. 3 anti tank and bunker vehicles 2 Anti Air vehicles 2 Supply vehicles Then have 100 such squads doing hit'n runs and storm missions...

[@B1GMAC_03]

Be pretty much modern day blitzkrieg 😂

[@teemoto3923]

In 1999, I was assigned to I troop 3/3 ACR. We went to fort Polk fort training g at jrtc and we're attached to the 82nd. The Germans were there with the weissel 1s. Once we got into the field we never saw them, though some said they could hear them. I will tell you low frequency engine sounds bounce all over the place st night, very hard to pinpoint, at least in my experience.

[@threethrushes]

I have never coveted a piece of military hardware as much as I covet this beautiful miniature tank! Ausgezeichnet!

[@HanSolo__]

Not a tank. In Europe, a tank needs to have a gun larger than 75mm and weighs over 16,5 tonnes.

[@patriciodiez5360]

T-90 Commander: oh look how cute that little tank looks. *Wiesel pulls out a 152mm missile* T-90 Commander: cyka blyat

[@TheAzureGhost]

Back in Military training we jokingly called it the shoppingcart as it was small enough to fit into the lokal supermarket.

[@svensvenson8705]

That makes me imagin Urban fighting, Clearing out at supermarket aisle by aisle. ,,Milk, Eggs, Soup, Tank, Flou... Tank?" And this little sheit just standing there like >:3

[@axelhopfinger533]

Bet those little guys would make great mobile drone deployment and control platforms for frontline reconnaisance. Quick, maneuverable, easy to conceal. One driver, one drone controller. Now Germans only need effective drone systems to go along with it.

[@drewschumann1]

The actual German reconnaissance vehicle is a better platform named Fennek

[@mjk9388]

That's exactly what I was thinking. Attach a tethered drone to identify targets up to 6 miles away and then send out loitering munitions from launch tubes on the vehicle.

[@westphalianstallion4293]

@@mjk9388 The Plans are to change the TOW2 to a Spike. Remotecontrolled ATGMs with a reach from 6-20km. But I dont think you wont have enough bandwith for the longer ranged ones.

[@wudruffwildcard252]

The Wiesel was given to the US Army for exactly that. Wiesel Digital Platform as a testbed for ground based drone.

[@GargameI_]

die neuste Wiesel Version ist unbemannt ^^ kein scherz gibt's Werbevideos auf YT

[@ME262MKI]

From building the biggest tanks ever to building the smallest ones

[@johnnunn8688]

Which was the biggest?

[@harrystone8491]

@@johnnunn8688 MAUS I think

[@johnnunn8688]

@@harrystone8491 good job it never saw action!

[@harrystone8491]

@@johnnunn8688 at least they were built.

[@mickmcloughlin1646]

Germans seriously know how to build some shit!!

[@ubroberts5541]

Leave it to Germany to come up with this cool stuff.

[@tagedieb2204]

its the trauma form 1945 ostfront :)

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

I love these little things. They are brilliant and can pack a punch with TOW2.

[@Jsmith2024]

Trained with the German Army many times but have never seen or heard of this. I'd love to see one!

[@chrissi.enbyYT]

Apparently on some trainings with the US, a few of these little tanks took out multiple abrahams before they knew what hit them. Wish we had more to send to Ukraine

[@adam-bf8li]

That's the idea. 😉

[@Niphates]

But be sure, they were there ;-).

[@johnnunn8688]

@@chrissi.enbyYT, pretty sure TOW can’t take out Abrams.

[@chrissi.enbyYT]

@@johnnunn8688 Abrams doesnt have god mode, at least the top attack TOW would have a pretty good chance, as well as shots from the side and rear

[@T30-z5w]

I thought it was pretty cool when I first saw one back in the late 90s. I’d love to have one to go play in the woods around my property.

[@kaasmeester5903]

They are cute, aren't they? How much for one?! Minus the weaponry of course.

[@sral8769]

In Germany this is not considered a tank. Its called "waffenträger" wich translates to weapon-carrier

[@henri6595]

Great little quick attack vehicle! Small, fast, and deadly!

[@craig4867]

Perfect for the Chinese Army! 20 of their soldiers can fit in one of these!

[@dieterdodel835]

🤣🤣🤣😅👍

[@axelhopfinger533]

I think you may find soon that the Chinese have probably developed a similar system of their own. Cheap mass produced low-tech equipment and swarm tactics are their speciality after all. And with the recent ban on all advanced semiconductor supplies, Chinese military industry will soon lack the means to produce advanced weapon systems with digital components soon. So the obvious answer will be, to go low tech, low cost, high quantity.

[@CCM1199]

How do you figure? Its 2 or 3 at max depending on the combat loadout. ...Driver/ Commander or Driver/Gunner/Commander. The wiesel is not a clown car...

[@noway2451]

@@CCM1199 hes insinuating that chinese people are very small.

[@greenblacksnake]

Seems like a perfect fit for Finnish terrain.

[@mzimmerman1988]

These are really cool! I think its better to think of them as a armoured heavy weapons team that can run a 80kmph instead of a tank, which is super cool. Carrying around heavy weapons on foot is a lot of slow and hard work.

[@jerichotrompete5313]

Nailed it. Needs a different tactical thinking this thing but if adapted will come in quite handy I guess. Needs some Ford- or B17 style mass production though. Yanks, your call. We`ll provide the drawings, engine and drivetrain. Unbeatable. Some 3000 of 'em and Ivan has to run for it.

[@mzimmerman1988]

@@jerichotrompete5313 The US is already working on a "light tank" exactly for this purpose. It is larger than a truck though, so I think it kind of misses the mark in my opinion.

[@suprlite]

@@mzimmerman1988 It wont be light when 2 average americans sit inside it 😂

[@tavish4699]

the wiesel is also very easily maintened like any german tank its engine can easily be removed in a few minutes time for it to be exchanged with a new one , then you have a combat ready vehicle whilst the maintenace can take care of the single engine and take the time they need

[@НиколайНикакоюс-л2ь]

Germans and simple are incompatible things. I have a shower hose from Germany. It consists of ten parts, for disassembly of which you need a special tool.

[@FactoryofRedstone]

@@НиколайНикакоюс-л2ь The German tanks are all built with easy-to-replace engine blocks, as the engines themselves are of course complicated. The Bundeswehr claims the engine of a Leopard 2 can be swapped within 15 minutes (with the utilization of a Büffel (engineering tank)). Also, the Büffel (based on a Leopard 2 chassis) is one of the few, if not the only vehicle capable of swapping its own engine (at least in maneuver settings).

[@НиколайНикакоюс-л2ь]

@@FactoryofRedstone I would willingly believe it if I did not know the German approach of engineers. Probably in laboratory conditions, if you have a special machine for removing an engine from a tank, and a repair team with 40 years of experience in removing this particular engine exclusively, then probably yes, you can change it in 15 minutes.

[@dhackmann3974]

@@НиколайНикакоюс-л2ь I have done in in under 20 min as a training exercise in the early 2000 so it is totally possible and i was only a "Zeitsoldat" for 2 years

[@maas2198]

@@НиколайНикакоюс-л2ь The engine (including gear aka. "power unit", a quasi cube) can be replaced within 15 minutes. You just need a replacement unit and any kind of crane which can handle the weight. The tank crew knows the 10 screws to loosen and tighten.

[@thebiologist8662]

For comparison, this is slightly less wide and long (but a bit taller) than the Panzer I, while being 2 tons lighter.

[@DrumToTheBassWoop]

I'd pay good money for a disarmed version of this.

[@kapsi]

I want to drive it to work

[@reductio1000]

i need it for home defense and occasional duck hunting.

[@AGenericFool]

Funfacts: Wiesel are mustaelid little predators living in europe. They are knwon for being smart, fast, agile and punching above their weight despite being super light and pretty small. They are in-fact so stealthy that they can often surprise even birds, rabbits and mice. They are also known for, which I think is funny in regards of this vehicle being named the same, for disabling vehicles far bigger than them, especially at night, cause they can chew trough critical cables and disable your vehicle, in an open garage, without leaving a trace.

[@andik859]

Mein Auto lief immer bei Regen schlecht und ich hab mich gewundert. Als ich im Motorraum nachgesehen hatte, war alles am rumfunken. Dieses verdammte Wiesel kletterte immer auf meinen Motor wenn ich Abends heimkam wohl um sich aufzuwärmen und hat aus langeweile die Zündkabel alle angeknabbert und die Isolierung abgefressen. Ein Bekannter hatte ein Wiesel als Haustier, sie haben messerscharfe Zähne. Mit einem Biss hat es eine ganze Ecke aus meiner Turnschuh Sohle rausgebissen. Das sind gefährliche Biester, auch wenn sie putzig aussehen.

[@HanSolo__]

By far, the sexiest thing from the German military industry is the Fennek. Contrary to the smallest fox this recon car weight is 7,5 t+

[@axelboltz3077]

Sicher dass das keine Marder waren die deine Kabel zernagt haben?@@andik859

[@axelboltz3077]

In Europe cars are usually immobilized by marten chewing on hoses and cables. Martens are also mustaekid but bigger than weasel. Funfact: they also gave their name to a german military IFV, the so called Marder.

[@Desire123ification]

Very deadly wiesel indeed!

[@rxonmymind8362]

Cute but lethal. I like it.

[@kaasmeester5903]

Like my cat...

[@arieltraasdahl-xh6ri]

That's remarkable. How clever and efficient. I make fun of the Germans for their engineering, but that's because they are historically brilliant engineers. I've owned a German car and several German firearms. I get it.

[@buddymac3993]

The Wiesel named Weasel. Treads softly but carries a big stick,!!!🇨🇦😄

[@pacificrider08]

These operating with infantry or mechanized will absolutely give you a terrifying day, paratroopers got a winner.

[@petergriffin4629]

To me it's probably the philosophical evolution of the Wehrmacht sidecar. Those came with anything from long distance radio, mg's for AA, Panzerfaust or even a mortar. I do understand that in the modern army where individual safety is rated much higher, these vehicles are going to disappear. But from a tactical perspective i think they are insanely powerful and useful. Similar to how Toyota Hiluxes with guns on top are actual tank killers, these platforms can be used against anything that moves around the battlefield. If you ask me they should probably invest into better suspension and more horsepower. More agitility. I really think we should give some to the Ukrainians

[@nevrynkinori3627]

They may as well get replaced by some kind of futuristic jumping spider tank far into the future. fun thought.

[@sunder739]

​@@nevrynkinori3627 well, they have LuWa for the successor of the Wiesel and Wiesel 2

[@xxklesx1]

This guys would end every jurrasic park movie really fast :D

[@ramtron1775]

Leave it to Germany to over engineer things. That thing is bad ass. I fought on fallujah. This thing would have came in handy for fire support in the city. We usually had Hummers or AAVs for fire support.

[@mrnice81]

Bit sad they didn't show the 120mm mortar version of the Wiesel 2 ... that's kinda my favorite.

[@niko7626]

Mörserkampfsystem was such a nice vehicle, if there would be intelligent/ advanced grenades that thing would've been a wet dream for any military. Saw it during my time in an exercise with the fallschirmjäger (paratroopers). Amazing thing but quite straining on the commander as he has a doublefunction as commander and gunner while also being responsible for any ammunition problems.... But on bad terrain this thing can shine to its fullest

[@axelhopfinger533]

@@niko7626 I bet they would also be quite effective with an automatic grenade launcher system coupled with a LMG for anti-infantry use hit-and-run tactics. A modular Wiesel with quick field-swappable weapon loadout bay depending on the required combat role would be an absolute hit for pretty much any army. Cost effective, versatile, compact, cute. Everything a modern military commander could wish for in a support vehicle!

[@niko7626]

@@axelhopfinger533 to be honest with a fast firing 20mm autocannon like the wiesel, you dont need any greande launcher and coaxial/lmg on it... weight would be a problem and since the 20mm HE of the wiesel can be programmable in some forms you have the best option for it

[@hotdog9262]

the mudskipper 2

[@CCM1199]

Its a nice vehicle but giving up survivability for movement is not what I wouldve wanted. The vehicle is 2.75 TONS total weight. Even our M998 HMMWV is heavier than the Wiesel. You want to compare a vehicle that conducts the same role? Try the M551 Sheridan when it was on active duty back in the day. That vehicle was heavier than the wiesel. The wiesel is designed to be Air Mobile and air droppable much like the sheridan. but it will not go toe to toe with an MBT as the MBT doesnt even need to use its main gun to kill it.....7.62 API or .50 CAL API-T will shred that vehicle in a matter of seconds. I honestly hate people who cant even distinguish what a Tank, Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) which by the way the IS the Wiesel's Vehicle Classification and the IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) are. its like calling the M1128 Stryker a Tank which is not. Its also called an Armored Fighting Vehicle. Just because the M1128 has a 105MM gun does constitute it being a Tank

[@rebeccadubois8270]

Even better than an mbt. About 10 or 11 of these for the cost of a abrams. Tow missiles destroy anything. Could be even smaller without a crew compartment and essentially a drone.

[@CCM1199]

How is it better than an MBT? The survivability sucks on the Wiesel as the armor is light. 7.62mmm and above can easily penetrate that vehicle. If its caught its done for. A tank can shoot further than the max range of a TOW2B which is 4500M. one HEAT round will do the trick.

[@rebeccadubois8270]

@@CCM1199 it's small and you can make a lot, that's the whole point..

[@Narcan885]

@@CCM1199 Why are you lying? 7.62 can't penetrate it.

[@off6848]

@@Narcan885 that depends what 7.62x54r likely would pen it

[@oldls7t_211]

@@off6848 if 7.62x51 wont penetrate it 7.62x54r which is usually firing the same weight bullet at lower velocities wont penetrate it either

[@daz6637]

These little tanks are great, I watched them once on the Sennelager training area scooting about, just wish we had them in the British Army to play with.

[@HungPham-hm9yk]

Very nice actually! I wish our Vietnamese army could have some of these bad bois!

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

Take it China is pulling some BS,

[@HungPham-hm9yk]

@@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723 yeah this little bad bois could give Vietnamese some more defense capabilities against the threat from China. However its very hard to get due to strict export law of Germany

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

@@HungPham-hm9yk Still there could be workarounds with India,

[@patienceobongo]

Just call the Chinese names.

[@gerryleb8575]

Too often, light infantry suffers from mission creep and is misused. This weapon helps alleviate that problem. The main difficulty with light infantry, even in an era of drones satellites and missiles, is lack of heavy weapons. If one considers this tankette as part of the OB of any light infantry operation that is not guaranteed 24/7 satellite or drone coverage, one avoids some of the mission creep problems, which have a tendency to get the best soldiers killed.

[@HansWurst-ot2ef]

The wiesel just gets even better with the new MELLS (also know as "spike") ATGM ! Wiesel´s are perfect support vehicles for airborne operations, the Wiesel MK20 is still my favorite and it was always nice to work with in our military exercises. Glück Ab !

[@tobiwan001]

The successor was shown as the "GSD LuWa". A 4-5 ton 2-person system with better protection, hybrid diesel-electric drive and a 27mm or 30mm cannon.

[@richardreynolds6398]

tank you

[@Flametrooper118]

i never heard of it, had to google it. This thing is just awsome. I want one

[@christopherangeli8847]

You can't beat that German engineering!

[@hokuhikene]

I got a funny story to tell. One of my friends is a big tank nerd (I guess me too now) and we where playing online pictionary with other friends. He is quite good at drawing especially tanks and such. So he just draws a tank every round, every time another one tho. He has his fun with this running gag and we get more and more annoyed each round. So someone asks him if he could draw something other than a tank for once. This dork says "sure" and draws a Wiesel Tankette the next round 🤣 the lead up was just perfect of him

[@kevinward3088]

Well named , after a creature that is also small , very fast & agile , that punches well above it's weight

[@whitebeauty759]

Size matters, but sometimes it does not 🙂

[@FritzKraut]

small size some times matters in a big scale. ;-)

[@drudriver3660]

Small is good if you know how to use it?

[@felixeschbach5012]

So you're telling me the Wiesel 2 is running the legendary 1.9 TDI? So it really is an armored Polo🥰😂

[@godzph6972]

Germabs sure loves track vehicles!

[@Gadlight]

The Metal Slug tank is real? Huh, the more you know.

[@rdalybread]

Looks like something SF guys would or could definitely use in certain parameters, conditions or missions.

[@Robin6512]

The mortar version is a very interesting version. Fast fire and fast mover. Uses gps for target acquisition.

[@erikmattsson3437]

I want one! Its like the go-cart version of a tank! 🥰

[@otze1434]

As you see in the Ukraine, small squads are very effective. This small Tanklette makes little squads much more faster. Imo the Wiesel is a great and probably very effective weaponsystem in some combat situations...so why not.

[@5nowChain5]

That would be ideal for competing with Chelsea Tractors for parking spaces in Major UK cities (unarmed obviously)

[@schuggideschug3871]

Great vehicle, i had so much fun during my training on this tank. Actually it is not a tank. They funniest thing was to drive trough McDonalds an order the lunch for myself and the driver:-)

[@mickmcloughlin1646]

What a hoot! Bet they didn't expect that one.

[@Klausi-uq4xq]

loved to drive the 20mm Wiesel Version as a Sniper... we changed our weapons..... everybody was happy...

[@Itachi21x]

It's a great piece of equipment for the special niche it was made for

[@suprlite]

Nothing "niche" about it. Its a highly multi-role vehicle.

[@drbarnack1885]

It's like a Golf and a Leopard had a baby

[@Rumbazumba90]

A weasel is a little bastard. They always drive in pairs. That means if you spotted one, there's a second somewhere who's already targeted you. Small and dangerous.

[@RalfJosefFries]

It´s with the wiesel like with knifes: The little one in your pocket is in an emergency often more usefull then the mighty big one that you have at home in your weapons collection. 🤓

[@Davidt1066]

ok, im convinced, ill buy one

[@artanddraw341]

As always, the Germans know how to make weapons the best

[@jnievele]

There are no TOW Wiesel's anymore, the last one was converted to use MELLS (SPIKE-LR) end of last year

[@Scarletraven87]

"Hey I know that guy!" -random warthunderer

[@ME2K23]

Perfect for your daily commute to work! Gets rid of annoying traffic in no time! 😉

[@MikevomMars]

...and still fits into your garage 👍

[@luckynedpepper9030]

I love the Germans.

[@tryptophan5313]

❤ Greetings from Germany 🤝

[@mre7862]

Such cool vehicles. Would love to buy one when they’re retired.

[@schnitzel_enjoyer]

Drones about to get a K/D boost 🗿

[@mkvenner2]

Tankette is one those things you are surprised to see are still around.

[@canisxv9869]

The Wiesel 1 had a Audi engine, the Wiesel 2 had a Volkswagen engine. Makes me as an Audi employee very proud

[@supersonic4901]

Both engines were produced by the same company called Volkswagen Audi Group.

[@richarddietzen3137]

The first Porsche diesel was a tractor.

[@andik859]

Need a speed up version with 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel. 😂

[@0Turbox]

@@richarddietzen3137 A buddy of mine had one in mint condition. In Porsche red.

[@jeepdude7359]

Turning these into unmanned vehicles is the future of warfare.

[@kleinerfarmer1]

there is already one in testing...

[@JohnSmith-lf4be]

Perfect home defense vehicle

[@juliantheapostate8295]

Isn't that just a Universal Carrier with extra steps? Damn Jerry, always nicking our ideas

[@slaughterhouse5585]

Kind of reminds me of the U.S.Ontos from the Vietnam era. Had six external recoilless rifles.

[@burdidoyburdigoy8134]

I like this for the Philippine Army! A hundred of these tankettes would be enough.

[@tonykiang9052]

Excellent for fighting on built up areas..easy to maintain n turn around time

[@LeftToWrite006]

The missiles pierce armor of X thickness, not " pierces armor by X thickness".

[@Tscharlieh]

Too bad, that Germany cannot deliver some few hundreds of these to Ukraine. Since they are agile and difficult to spot, they could serve as a quick response weapon for air-defense (Stingers), scouting (20-mm gun) and closing gaps in the front (20 mm-gun, TOW- and mortar-version) or even for transporting troops or conducting first-aid missions.

[@axelhopfinger533]

Yes, they would certainly be ideal for quick reaction maneuver warfare in the muddy conditions of Ukraine, as they can stealthily traverse most terrain types there and also all bridges fit for cars or trains, including improvised pontoon bridges. Ideal as mobile drone carrier or light mortar platforms, tank hunters and scouts. Easily concealable, fuel efficient and with only 2 man crews, low personell requirements. Quite important for Ukraine's depleted manpower. Not that even all Wiesels the Bundeswehr still has could change much about the outcome of this conflict anymore at this point.

[@axelhopfinger533]

@@MAKIUSO Leopards aren't obsolete at all, just not the right kind of vehicle for the type, terrain and scenario of combat in Ukraine. Every modern MBT can easily be knocked out or crippled by ATGMs, RPGS, airstrikes or precision guided artillery. And Russians have plenty of all of those. This conflict is a rather static artillery and infantry war on difficult terrain for heavy vehicles with many operational limitations. And Russians have a 10X firepower and manpower advantager over Ukraine currently, where even a few hundred MBTs wouldn't make much difference for Ukraine, as they simply lack the means of combined arms operations to protect and support them adequately.

[@axelhopfinger533]

@@MAKIUSO Who thought electing a green government would be a good idea during any times?

[@williamperry01]

Man, they're too chickenshit to send them ANYTHING, except helmets....Don't think for a second that those cowards are gonna help Ukraine, they're scared to DEATH of Putin!!!...When the FIRST German tank gets there, the LAST german tank will have gotten there, and the Ukrainians will only have Poland and the Baltic states to thank....Germans are bought and paid for by Russia, I'm suprithat Germany didn't HELP RUSSIA any more than it ALREADY DOES by buying gas from them...And they most likely are doing A LOT of under the table stuff with Russia to get around sanctions as there are today!!!!!

[@matteslambertus7684]

@@MAKIUSO Hm. I'm very up to date regarding the developing of renewable energy and these have been intentionally slowed down the last 15 to 20 years, so obviously politics werent at all green ENOUGH, if anything.

[@wyattroncin941]

that is frickin adorable. like a K-car but for tanks

[@jayburn00]

There was some talk about giving some to Ukraine, but I don't think anything came out of it. It would probably be good in urban environments, ambushing enemies, and recon, while also being better able to handle muddy conditions than most other vehicles

[@HerrLBrodersen]

Right. Or you can just advance through those small tree lines in the south of Ukraine, where they base all their defense in. It small enough to get through most forests

[@jayburn00]

@@HerrLBrodersen it could probably even fit into some trenches and drainage ditches

[@Canthus13]

It's absolutely useful and deadly, but it's not 'armored'. It's a gun and missile carrier with tracks. It's fast, it can shoot and scoot, making it potentially deadly against tanks with a good crew. But I wouldn't even call it a 'tankette'. That hull can't even stop a .50, and can't be upgraded with ERA because at only 66hp, it really has no power to spare. Still... It could make a good infantry support vehicle in the right situations.

[@frosty848]

My all time fav tank in Warthunder

[@lnehaj007]

I like how it has same engine as my Touran.

[@Kuhladestkyicky]

Great commute vehicle. Lanes magically open up.

[@choas1060]

Vehicles are really a German thing no matter if for military or not.

[@wolfganghuhn7747]

Well, we invented the car after all

[@Rumms-Bumms69]

@wolfganghuhn7747 That's not ENTIRELY true.

[@mikeg8630]

Variety should sometimes confuse the enemy on how to attack or defend.

[@wheet1813]

I got killed by these in War Thunder more times than I could count

[@scottgalbraith7461]

These were fun in games. Drop it with airborn out in the hills, and as soon as the carrier group shows up off shore, they pop out and sieze the airfield.

[@Harzhopper]

Which game ?

[@petesheppard1709]

I'm really surprised this little zipper isn't very widely used!

[@delos2279]

Just not a lot of cases where an airborne assault is needed. Otherwise traditional IFVs also carry troops and MBTs offer a LOT more protection.

[@jakedasnake138]

This thing would be great at “hit and run” tactics lay down fire and then move to a different position fire again and so on I don’t think it would be smart to stay in one spot for an extended period of time since it doesn’t have the armor of a MBT. Equip one that can deploy smoke canisters to cover its movement. This Mighty Mouse would actually be terrifying

[@giabaonguyen3321]

It can be said that this is one of the cutest and smallest tanks I have ever seen on youtube, cute and small but very dangerous. I find the bodywork very similar to the German SP IC tank project that aims to replace the old American M41 bulldogs (who play wot will know this tank) to me this tank is like a chick So

[@AaronKwekbeloved]

A perfect platform to mount stugna-p

[@h.s.lafever3277]

wish i could buy a surplus weasel 2, id use it with a snow plow here in alaska

[@tobyk.4911]

and if you need something heavier and bigger, you could try to find a "Bergepanzer Büffel" for heavy snow plowing;-)

[@hotdog9262]

with a 20mm hunting rifle on top

[@Davyjones5454]

It’s so cute. They should paint it pink

[@polarstorm5986]

Still wondering why we don't send them. I think they could be very usefull for Ukraine in different roles.