Brussels – Belgium’s fleet of Piranha armoured vehicles is expected to be fully operational by the summer after undergoing repairs, the Ministry of Defence announced in a press release on Monday. The repairs follow the discovery of cracks in several vehicles’ chassis, which led to temporary restrictions on their deployment.
The issue was first identified in October 2014, prompting the army to ground the entire fleet as a precautionary measure. Since then, technical assessments and safety inspections have been ongoing to ensure the structural integrity of the vehicles.
In December, following extensive evaluations, approximately one-third of the fleet was deemed safe for unrestricted use. The remaining vehicles have continued to serve in training and educational capacities, albeit with operational restrictions in certain terrains.
Despite these limitations, the Ministry of Defence reassured that safety and security for personnel remained a top priority.
The Ministry, in collaboration with the vehicle manufacturer General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), conducted an extensive technical study to determine the root cause of the structural cracks. However, no definitive cause could be identified.
“We performed a thorough technical inspection of the entire fleet, which has been in successful military service for over 15 years,” said Thomas Kauffman of GDELS in the press release. “Some vehicles showed damage that does not compromise safety or performance but does require repairs.”
The repair work is currently underway, with the expectation that all affected vehicles will be fully operational by the summer. The Ministry of Defence has assured that the protective capabilities and personnel safety standards of the Piranha fleet remain uncompromised throughout the process.
To ensure continuous operational effectiveness, the Belgian army will rely on Dingo vehicles for the time being. The Ministry emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken to minimize disruptions to military readiness.
Belgium has used the Piranha vehicles since 2008 across both its ground forces and medical units. The 127-strong fleet consists of seven versions: Ambulance, Command Post, Direct Fire 30, Direct Fire 90, Fusilier, Engineer, and Recovery. Each variation is designed to fulfill specific combat and support roles, making them a crucial asset for military operations.
The Piranha fleet plays an essential role in Belgium’s defense strategy, offering mobility, protection, and firepower to ground forces. The Ministry of Defence has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the vehicles at full operational capacity to meet national and international military obligations.
As repairs near completion, the Defence Ministry remains confident that Belgium’s armed forces will soon regain the full operational capability of the Piranha fleet, ensuring their continued service in critical missions both at home and abroad.
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