The Marder light tank was developed by Rheinmetall of Germany specially for export customers. It was first revealed in 2012. This new light tank is based on refurbished and upgraded Marder infantry fighting vehicle. This ageing IFV is being replaced in the German Army service with the new Puma. Rheinmetall proposes overhauled and upgraded Marders for new customers.

   The idea of mounting a turret on the Marder chassis is not new. In the late 1970s a fire support vehicle, based on Marder IFV has been developed. It had a low-profile turret and was fitted with a 57 mm gun. It was proposed as a lighter alternative to Leopard main battle tanks. This vehicle never reached production. However in 1978 production of TAM light tank for Argentinean army commenced. The Argentinean tank is base on Marder IFV and is armed with a 105 mm gun. Around 200 of these tanks were produced for Argentina and are still operational.

   The new Marder light tank is fitted with a fully-stabilized 105 mm high-velocity rifled gun, developed by OTO Melara of Italy. Turret resembles that of the Italian Centauro tank destroyer. The gun is loaded manually. It has an effective range of 3 000 m and is compatible with standard NATO 105 mm ammunition. The new light tank can be used to engage main battle tanks from the ambush as well as other armored vehicles.

   Vehicle is fitted with new add-on side armor for improved protection. All-round protection is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. This new light tank withstands an 8 kg anti-tank mine blast. It is also fitted with NBC protection system.

   This light tank is operated by a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

   The Marder light tank is powered by an MTU MB 883 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 600 or 680 hp, depending on the version. Engine is mated to an automatic gearbox. Suspension has also been improved.