The European armaments group GDELS (General Dynamics European Land Systems) has unveiled the first rendering of the new German reconnaissance vehicle Korsak, which is based on the Piranha 6×6 platform. This vehicle will replace the Fennek 4×4 light reconnaissance vehicles in the German Army.
Korsak is intended to integrate cutting-edge reconnaissance and communication systems with exceptional mobility in a single platform. In comparison to the Fennek, it provides more payload capacity and superior off-road performance, albeit at the expense of a higher profile and larger dimensions. It is expected that the Bundestag will ratify it in the coming weeks and allocate the necessary funds. The 25-Millionen-Vorlage, a unique approval procedure in the Budget Committee, is required for all armament or investment projects valued at more than €25 million under the German system. This phase is essential for the continuation of procurement. In other words, the Bundeswehr will receive the official “green light” for the financing and further development of the Korsak project only after debate and approval.
The Bundeswehr intends to obtain up to 252 new reconnaissance vehicles in a gradual manner, with an initial firm order for 92 units. The first two demonstrators will be subjected to troop testing as early as next year. The remaining 162 units are available for optional purchase, while an additional 90 serial-production vehicles will be delivered in 2027–2028.
This will be the second Bundeswehr initiative to be implemented on the Piranha platform. It will also serve as a fundamental element of the TaWAN (Tactical Wide Area Network), which serves as the foundation of the German Army’s digital command and control system. This system is part of the D-LBO (Digitalized Land-Based Operations) umbrella program. TaWAN will establish secure, resilient, and rapid connections between frontline units and rear command, encompassing both shortwave and satellite communications.
TaWAN will be composed of mobile nodes that are mounted on Rheinmetall MAN HX vehicles and GDELS Piranha 5 (8×8) vehicles. These vehicles are outfitted with extendable antenna masts and server containers. The first batch of 58 Piranha 8×8 vehicles is scheduled to arrive in 2026, with a total of 256 vehicles being planned for TaWAN.
In essence, the Bundeswehr is currently placing a bet on three primary categories of 6×6 and 8×8 armored vehicles:
Approximately 508 Piranhas (Korsak and TaWAN variants),
Currently, the Bundeswehr is ordering 551 units of the Boxer heavy combat vehicle, which serves as an armored transporter and medevac vehicle. Future versions will include an IFV, self-propelled AA gun, and 155 mm howitzer.
It is anticipated that the Finnish Patria CAVS 6×6 will replace the antiquated Fuchs APC. A total of 1,000 vehicles are planned, including a Nemo mortar-turret variant.
The Korsak will be amphibious and will be deployed in Bundeswehr reconnaissance units (Heeresaufklärungstruppe). The graphics that have been published depict a wave-breaker and propellers at the rear.
The sensor mast on the right posterior side is a notable feature, as it is equipped with the third-generation BAA (Beobachtungs- und Aufklärungsausstattung, Observation and Reconnaissance Equipment) optronic sensor from the German specialist Hensoldt. Additionally, this sensor head will be retrofitted onto certain enhanced Fenneks that were originally equipped with the first-generation BAA.
The “Red Kite” HD camera of the third-generation BAA operates in both the visible (VIS) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrums, enabling it to capture high-quality imagery in smoke or haze, at twilight, and at night. The cranium is capable of laser-designating a target, measuring its range, and determining its precise location.
The BAA III can transmit the collected coordinates thanks to the new SVFuA digital radios. Subsequently, TaWAN guarantees data transmission across the digital command-and-control backbone. This enables long-range assets, such as rocket launchers or howitzers, to promptly respond to the data.
Another mast with electronic reconnaissance systems is located at the rear, which is likely to be from Hensoldt once more. The RF-3134 Vehicular Loop Antenna from L3Harris is visible on the rear. It is specifically designed for NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) communication, which allows for over-the-horizon communications across hundreds of kilometers by bouncing signals off the ionosphere.
Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with an acoustic detector that is designed to detect gunfire and artillery activity by capturing and analyzing sound vibrations in the environment. The system determines the source’s direction and distance by comparing the arrival times of noises at various microphones. Modern acoustic detectors are capable of distinguishing between different types of weapons (e.g., mortars, machine guns) and can promptly transmit the information to the command network or personnel.
Hensoldt also developed the SETAS (See Through Armor System). This system enables personnel to maintain complete 360° situational awareness without exposing themselves. It integrates infrared sensors and high-resolution cameras to offer a panoramic view that is visible both day and night, regardless of the presence of smoke, twilight, or dust. The personnel can experience the sensation of “seeing through the armor” by displaying the feed on monitors or helmet-mounted systems. SETAS is scalable and modular, featuring replaceable sensor modules that can be serviced in the field.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems is likely to be the most critical. These devices will combine data from all sensors, including thermal imagers, laser rangefinders, acoustic and electronic detectors, and cameras, to produce a comprehensive digital battlefield image. While filtering out false alarms (such as civilian noise or signal reflections), AI can automatically detect and classify targets, determine their positions, and designate priorities. AI will also simplify reporting by autonomously inputting target coordinates into digital maps and preparing reports for transmission via the TaWAN network and SVFuA radios. Consequently, the personnel are able to concentrate on decision-making and confirmation, rather than raw-data analysis, as they receive immediate, processed intelligence. Success on the battlefield will be contingent upon the sophistication of AI technology.
The vehicle will be equipped with a Valhalla Turrets autonomous turret (Slovenian design) that is capable of firing a Rheinmetall KBA 25 mm cannon for self-defense and precision strikes. The 112 kg automatic cannon is capable of simultaneously feeding two ammunition types and has a burst rate of up to 600 projectiles per minute. Additionally, it is capable of firing single shots or semi-automatic projectiles at rates of 100 or 200 rounds per minute. The weapon-equipped emplacement will be approximately 700 kg in weight.