As reported by LostArmour on January 16, 2025, Russian forces targeted an abandoned Fennek armored reconnaissance vehicle (ARV) in the Kursk region using FPV drones. The Fennek, jointly developed by Germany and the Netherlands in the early 2000s, is equipped with advanced optical-electronic systems and designed for reconnaissance missions. According to the 2023 United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) report, the Netherlands donated nine Fennek ARVs to Ukraine. This marks the first documented loss of a Fennek ARV in the conflict.
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According to the 2023 United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) report, the Netherlands donated nine Fennek ARVs to Ukraine. (Picture source: Dutch Army and Telegram/LostArmour)
Russian forces have increasingly employed first-person view (FPV) drones in the Kharkiv region, targeting military and civilian assets. These drones have been used against Ukrainian armored vehicles, including the Stryker armored personnel carrier, and have disrupted troop rotations by striking transport vehicles. Civilian areas have also been affected, with a January 13, 2025, incident in the village of Vesele damaging a residential house and injuring a 41-year-old man. The deployment of these drones highlights an evolving tactical threat in the region, requiring effective countermeasures to address risks to both military operations and civilian safety.
The Fennek entered service in 2003 with the German Bundeswehr and Royal Netherlands Army, with initial orders of 222 and 410 units, respectively. The vehicle has also been exported to Qatar and Ukraine, with its deployment documented in conflicts such as Afghanistan and Ukraine. Production was affected by the bankruptcy of Dutch SP Aerospace, with manufacturing responsibilities later assumed by Dutch Defence Vehicle Systems (DDVS). Modernization programs, including a mid-life upgrade in the Netherlands, aim to extend the operational lifespan of the Fennek to 2034. Current variants are tailored for roles such as fire support, air defense, and coordination of artillery and air operations.
The reconnaissance package includes a mast-mounted system with a thermal imager, daylight camera, and laser rangefinder, integrated with GPS and inertial navigation. This system facilitates target identification and data sharing in a digital network and can be dismounted for remote use up to 40 meters away. Certain variants of the Fennek are equipped with Aladin miniature UAVs for additional reconnaissance capabilities. The vehicle’s armament includes either a 12.7mm M2 Browning heavy machine gun or a 40mm HK GMG automatic grenade launcher, along with a remotely operated weapon station and smoke grenade launchers. Variants are available for roles such as reconnaissance, anti-tank missions, and air defense, with some models equipped with Stinger missiles or other weapons systems.
The Fennek is equipped with a mast-mounted system with a thermal imager, daylight camera, and laser rangefinder, integrated with GPS and inertial navigation. This system facilitates target identification and data sharing in a digital network and can be dismounted for remote use up to 40 meters away. (Picture source: Dutch Army)
The Fennek is a 4×4 reconnaissance vehicle designed to replace earlier reconnaissance vehicles such as the German Spähpanzer Luchs and Dutch YPR-765. It has a weight of 9.7 metric tons, a four-wheeled configuration with selectable two- or four-wheel drive, and is powered by a 240-horsepower Deutz diesel engine, enabling a top speed of 115 km/h and an operational range of 1,000 kilometers. Its all-welded aluminum armor offers protection against 7.62mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery fragments, with the option for modular armor to enhance protection. The vehicle includes a spall liner and a nuclear, biological, and chemical protection system.
The Netherlands has provided extensive military aid to Ukraine since the start of the conflict, committing €2.5 billion by 2023. This aid includes 42 pledged F-16 Fighting Falcons with maintenance equipment, €450 million worth of munitions, and advanced air-to-air missiles. Naval support encompasses two Alkmaar-class minehunters, additional vessels, and unmanned underwater vehicles. Air defense contributions include two Patriot launchers with missiles and 120 mobile anti-aircraft systems, including MR-2s and Bofors 40L70s. Heavy weaponry delivered includes eight PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, 15 DITA artillery systems, and various tanks, including 45 T-72 Avengers, 33 Leopard 1A5s, and seven Leopard 2A4s. The Netherlands has also donated over 273 armored vehicles, including YPR-765s, Fenneks, and BvS10s, and invested €400 million in the procurement of Combat Vehicle 90s from Sweden and Denmark.
Additional contributions have included 164 drones, advanced radars, engineering vehicles, bridging equipment, and over €111 million in small arms, RPGs, sniper rifles, and artillery shells, such as M982 Excalibur rounds. Support has also included thousands of helmets, flak jackets, night-vision devices, tents, sleeping bags, and medical supplies, alongside €29 million allocated to NATO projects and Ukrainian air defense initiatives. The Dutch aid demonstrates a broad commitment to providing Ukraine with equipment across land, sea, and air domains.
