During the following three years, the SANDF decided to prioritise the modernisation of its Navy (4 Valour class frigates and 3 x 209 Class diesel submarines) and Air Force (26 Gripen C/D and 24 Hawk 120). The Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd (ARMSCOR) was tasked with translating these requirements into technical engineering terms. This was subsequently approved and followed by the staff target and staff requirement, which consists of a functional user requirement and logistical user requirement. The need for a modern ICV was already laid down in 1995 with the writing up of the required operational capability by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Shortages of dedicated parts make logistics very difficult, resulting in cannibalization of surplus vehicles. Having formed the backbone of South African mechanised battalions for 13 years during the South African Border War (1968-1989) and continuing to serve until the present day, the Ratel is starting to show its age.
With the venerable Ratel ICV passing 46 years of service in 2022, the need for a more modern ICV is seen as paramount. While its neighbours still rely heavily on Soviet-designed equipment, South Africa chose to continue its tradition of self-reliance by making use of more than 70% local content for the Badger. It is designed and produced at a time when South Africa, as a fully-fledged democracy, is undertaking more peacekeeping responsibilities on the African continent. The Badger is therefore well named as its modern armament, enhanced protection, and vastly improved mobility over its predecessor the Ratel make it a formidable opponent. This animal, despite its small size, is a fierce creature that can sustain a large amount of physical damage as well as inflict it with its long claws. The Badger ICV adopts its name from its predecessor, the “Ratel”.
The terrain and climate in the region, as well as the strategic defence needs of South Africa, require a highly mobile Infantry Fighting Vehicle (ICV) able to travel large distances and fulfil a wide variety of roles. South Africa has a long tradition of designing highly mobile wheeled armored vehicles such as the Casspir, Ratel, Rhino and Rooikat. Section variant – With permission Andre Smith Infantry Combat Vehicle – 22 Built “Badger” – The Modern African Bushfighter
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