The Dutch Army will continue to operate its Panzerfaust 3 disposable anti-tank rocket launchers as its very short-range anti-tank weapon, but will buy new short-range systems while developing, together with Germany, a new light-weight short-range anti-tank weapon capable of defeating active protection systems. The Panzerfaust 3 is a modern disposable recoilless anti-tank weapon, which was developed between 1978 and 1985 and put into service by the Bundeswehr in 1992. The Panzerfaust 3’s name dates back to the Panzerfaust used by the German army in World War II, which consisted of a small, disposable preloaded launch tube firing a high explosive anti-tank warhead, operated by a single soldier. The Panzerfaust 3 is operated by at least 11 countries and has first seen combat in Afghanistan.
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence will replace and expand its short-range anti-tank capacity. Potential opponents are getting stronger through expansion and modernization. That is why the armed forces need more clout. So more and more powerful anti-tank agents are needed. The ammunition supply also needs to be expanded for more sustainability. It is also necessary that support units can also protect themselves. This requires a light and easy to operate anti-tank weapon. The current light-weight short-range anti-tank rocket launchers is for both short-range up to 600 meters (Short-Range Anti-Tank, SRAT) and very short range up to 300 meters (Very Short-Range Anti-Tank, VSRAT). The current system is no longer suitable for use up to 600 meters, due to an outdated aiming system. The costs are between € 100 million and € 250 million.
