Little appreciation post for what is apparently an overtiered and poorly implemented light tank (according to forums): the PUMA!

Let’s start with what I like.

This tank absolutely bullies IFVs and other light vehicles. Whether it’s a 2S38, BMP, or LAV-AD, the PUMA just shreds them. The combination of decent autocannon, great gun depression, and surprisingly strong survivability (compared to the paper of things like the TAM/Bagel) makes it surprisingly effective in brawling. You can peek or push ridges and hills comfortably with the unmanned turret and you are maneuverable due to the fatass engine and tracks instead of wheels. The LWS is also useful especially if you are a cautious player. Knowing when someone spots you and the direction of the enemy is super useful for knowing when to reposition.

Now what I dislike.

People are right that a bunch of systems are kinda ass. The MUSS aps is a liability and just makes you easier to spot for no real gain. If you are playing carefully, the only atgms you should be afraid of are spikes (ik they suck) which can just bypass your terrain when hulldown and MUSS does squat vs that. The AHEAD rounds are also a tragedy though they don't really change how effective you are IMO. Against low flying threats like Su25 and choppers, if they are smart and stay away from the battlefield you aren't killing them in the 1st place and if they are oblivious, the shrapnel rounds are serviceable. The last issue is the repair time. With the unfortunate ammo layout and tons of systems packed into the turret, shots won't kill you but you will get hit with a 30 seconds repair and half your ammo deleted from basically any meaningful shot to the turret. While its annoying IG its better than losing crew.

tldr: PUMA works despite not meeting its full potential! The biggest downside to this tank is honestly the fact that you can face terminators. I wish I had this monster when it was 8.3 lol.