The Marder A1- was produced from 1979 to 1982. A total of 350 Marder 1s were upgraded to this standard. This version of the Marder was a downgrade of the Marder A1+; while it retained the MILAN anti tank guided missiles, it lost access to its thermal imaging system, though other upgrades like the dual fed 20 mm autocannon, allowing for ammo selection, and the night vision equipment with image intensifiers were fitted to the vehicle.

It was introduced in Update "Red Skies". Being the first true German IFV in the tech tree, the Marder A1- offers some unique options to its operator with regards to dispatching its opponents, no matter if they come on the ground or in the air. The Marder A1- offers a good balance of mobility, protection, and damage output. Your main weapon to fight heavier foes will be the Milan ATGMs, while this missile is good enough to penetrate most vehicles, it is quite slow, and must be used in situations in which you are not in immediate danger. For that, is better using the 20 mm autocannon to destroy components like the gun barrel, tracks, and engine, and then use the Milan ATGM to destroy them. Against lighter opponents however, like the BTR-80A, BMP-1, or M41 Walker Bulldog, the 20 mm autocannon should be sufficient as long as you aim for weakpoints.