Military Capabilities
Chile expects to begin major Leopard 2 upgrades next year
Jose Higuera, Santiago, Chile - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
10 November 2016
Chile plans to take its Leopard 2 A4 main battle tank (MBT) fleet through a midlife upgrade programme (MLU) next year, including replacing turrets with new electrical and digitalised versions, military sources in Santiago told IHS Jane's .
These tanks equip the Chilean Army's armoured brigades deployed in the country's northern regions.
The MLU would include improved modular armoured protection; a remote-controlled weapon station; and new electronics for sighting, targeting, and communications. Chile is also considering replacing the Rheinmetall L44 120 mm gun with the larger-calibre L55 version.
While defining the requirements for the MLU, the Chilean Army since 2013 has been requesting and studying information on potential solutions from firms including French-German KANT, Germany's Rheinmetall, and Switzerland's RUAG Defence.