The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) introduced its latest development of an 8×8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle, the Badger, during Exercise VUKUHLOME 2023. This event took place on November 22, 2023, at the SA Army Combat Training Centre in Lohatla, Northern Cape. The Badgers are intended to replace the South African Army’s Ratel IFVs. Denel was selected to produce 264 Badgers under Project Hoefyster. Denel was tasked with producing 264 Badgers under Project Hoefyster, a contract signed in June 2007. Despite delays, with no deliveries as of August 2022, the unveiling of the Badger marks a new phase in this project. The first prototype vehicle was delivered to the SANDF in 2010.
The Badger was developed in cooperation with Patria of Finland. The Finnish Patria AMV is one of the most protected APCs that are currently available. Also it offers great protection against landmines. With add-on armor fitted front arc withstands hits from 30 mm armor-piercing rounds. Interior is fitted with spall liners. Two uparmored Polish Army vehicles were hit in Afghanistan by RPG-7 rockets, however armor was not penetrated and vehicles managed to return to base. Vehicle also has a top-class mine protection. It has integral protection in its belly, rather than using a V-hull, as with most mine-protected vehicles. It withstands blasts equivalent to up to 10 kg of TNT under any wheel or anywhere under the hull. Protection of the Badger is likely to be similar.
The Badger 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle has emerged as a formidable force, boasting specifications that redefine mobility and combat efficiency on the battlefield. With a mass of 28 tons and dimensions measuring 8.01 meters in length, 3.44 meters in width, and 2.83 meters in height. The Badger will be delivered to the South African army in six variants, catering to different military needs. These include an IFV and Fire Support variants equipped with one 30mm automatic cannon, a mortar variant with a 60mm mortar, a command post variant, an anti-tank variant armed with Ingwe missiles, and an ambulance variant. Each variant is designed with specific operational roles in mind, enhancing the flexibility and effectiveness of the SANDF. The Ambulance variant is not armed
The Badger is powered by a turbocharged Scania DI 12 540 hp engine and is fitted with a central tire inflation system and run-flat tires and has good mobility on rough terrain. Its fuel capacity of 450 liters empowers the Badger with an operational range of 1000 kilometers on roads and 750 kilometers off-road, showcasing its capability for sustained missions and operations in diverse environments. Speed is not compromised, as the Badger reaches a maximum speed of 104 kilometers per hour (64 mph), ensuring rapid response and adaptability during missions where agility is paramount. This cutting-edge vehicle marks a significant advancement in military technology, combining power, agility, and endurance to meet the evolving challenges of modern warfare.
