The WiSENT 1 is a German FFG upgrade family based on the Leopard 1/Bergepanzer 2 line, offered in recovery, engineer, and mine-clearing configurations. Germany's archived Ukraine support list records 65 WISENT 1 mine-clearing tanks with spare parts delivered to Ukraine, where the type fills a protected route-clearance and combat-engineering role.
Germany's archived military-support list identifies 65 delivered WISENT 1 mine-clearing tanks with spare parts for Ukraine; specialist reporting describes the Ukrainian MCT configuration as a FFG/Pearson mine-clearing adaptation.
Role detailsFFG presents WiSENT 1 as a modular ARV 2 upgrade family with recovery, engineer, and mine-clearing configurations.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| WiSENT 1 ARV | Armoured recovery vehicle | FFG describes the ARV configuration with a 30-ton crane, 35-ton main winch, auxiliary winch, dozer blade, and Combat Recovery System for protected recovery work. Sources: FFG WiSENT 1 Product Page |
| WiSENT 1 AEV | Armoured engineer vehicle | FFG describes the engineer configuration with an articulated excavator arm, dozer blade, hydraulic tools, welding and cutting equipment, and the upgraded WiSENT 1 protection and power package. Sources: FFG WiSENT 1 Product Page |
| WiSENT 1 MC / MCT | Mine-clearing tank | FFG lists the MC with a full-width mine plough, lane-marking system, magnetic signature duplicator, high-lift adapter, and 30-ton crane; Janes describes the Ukrainian MCT as a 42.6-tonne former Bergepanzer 2 adapted for mine clearance with a Pearson full-width mine plough interface. Sources: FFG WiSENT 1 Product Page, Janes Ukrainian-Spec Wisent 1 MCT |
 | Conversion base and related recovery vehicle | The WiSENT 1 is presented by FFG as an upgrade for the ARV 2 standard, while Janes identifies the Ukrainian MCT as based on a former German Bergepanzer 2 ARV. Sources: FFG WiSENT 1 Product Page, Janes Ukrainian-Spec Wisent 1 MCT |
WiSENT 1 is best read as an FFG rebuild path inside the Leopard 1 support-vehicle family rather than a clean-sheet combat vehicle.
| Compatible item | Item type | Compatibility evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Base tank family | FFG presents WiSENT 1 as an ARV 2 Standard upgrade and EDR describes it as a Leopard 1-family support vehicle, tying the upgrade family to the same chassis lineage as the Leopard 1 tank. Sources: FFG WiSENT 1 Product Page, EDR Wisent 1 Repowering Concept |
| Conversion base and recovery predecessor | The cataloged Bergepanzer 2 is the ARV 2 lineage that FFG upgrades into WiSENT 1 configurations, and Janes identifies the Ukrainian MCT as a former German Bergepanzer 2 adapted for mine clearance. Sources: FFG WiSENT 1 Product Page, Janes Ukrainian-Spec Wisent 1 MCT |
The Ukrainian MCT evidence points to a route-clearance configuration rather than a general recovery vehicle: the former Bergepanzer 2 hull is modified to carry mine-clearing equipment, stronger protection, and a Pearson plough interface.
Janes identifies the primary change as a front adaptor for a Pearson Engineering Full Width Mine Plough, with the plough able to lift for obstacles and detach for transport.
FFG's MC configuration includes a lane-marking system so following vehicles can stay inside a cleared path after the mine plough has passed.
Janes describes add-on protection concentrated around the crew area, including roof protection against bomblets and blast-attenuating seats.
Sources: Janes Ukrainian-Spec Wisent 1 MCT; FFG WiSENT 1 Product Page.
European Security & Defence reported that Pearson Engineering mine-clearing systems would be delivered to FFG for adaptation to suitable tracked vehicles such as Bergepanzer 2 and Wisent 1 before delivery to Ukraine.
Sources: European Security & Defence Ukraine Mine Clearing Equipment
Janes and ESUT reported that FFG displayed a Ukrainian-spec WiSENT 1 Mine Clearing Tank at DSEI 2023, identifying it as a former Bergepanzer 2 adapted for mine clearance after deliveries to Ukraine began earlier in 2023.
Sources: Janes Ukrainian-Spec Wisent 1 MCT, ESUT WiSENT 1 Mine-Clearing Tank for Ukraine
Rolls-Royce and FFG announced a concept to repower WiSENT 1 and other Leopard 1-family vehicles with a newer mtu 8V199 engine in place of the older MB838 engine.
Sources: EDR Wisent 1 Repowering Concept
Germany's final archived military-support list recorded 65 WISENT 1 mine-clearing tanks with spare parts among delivered military engineering capabilities for Ukraine.
Sources: German Federal Government Ukraine Military Support
