Chilean Army conducts maneuvers with upgraded Leopard 2A4 tanks and Marder 1A3 IFVs.

In November 2023, the Chilean army conducted a series of combat shooting exercises involving its Leopard 2A4 tanks and Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles. These maneuvers, carried out by the 3rd Armored Brigade La Concepción, aim to consolidate offensive capabilities and refine the tactical and technical skills of the troops. The exercises featured live field firing, encompassing various calibers and weapon systems, including training with the Rheinmetall MG3 machine gun and precision firing with the IWI Galil ACE 22-NC assault rifle.
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The modernization of the Leopard 2A4 tanks was entrusted to the Turkish company Aselsan as part of the Proaco project, launched in 2018 to counter technological obsolescence. (Picture source: Famae)

The Chilean army's 3rd Armored Brigade La Concepción recently carried out combat shooting exercises with Leopard 2A4 tanks and Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles to bolster offensive capabilities and improve the tactical and technical expertise of its troops.

According to the 2022 Military Assessment, Chile has 173 Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles, and 140 Leopard 2A4 tanks. These figures demonstrate the strategic importance of this equipment in the country's defensive arsenal.

These training sessions are part of a broader context of modernization of the Chilean armed forces. In 2007, Chile acquired 140 used Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany, which were modified and designated Leopard 2A4CHL. These tanks have been adapted to meet the specific requirements of the Chilean army, including advanced communications systems and improvements allowing their operation in extreme conditions, such as at high altitudes.

The modernization of the Leopard 2A4 tanks was entrusted to the Turkish company Aselsan as part of the Proaco project, launched in 2018 to counter technological obsolescence. Aselsan, recognized for its expertise in armored vehicle modernization, has made significant improvements, including electric drive systems for the turret and gun, state-of-the-art periscopes, and a combat management system (BMS).

Aselsan's proposed technologies include electric drive systems for the turret and cannon, periscopes for the gunner and commander, vision systems for the driver, a combat management system (BMS), a laser warning system, an identification friend or foe (IFF) system, active protection technology, remote weapon system to counter asymmetric threats, and advanced armor.

The Leopard 2A4 tanks are distinguished by their 120 mm L55 type smoothbore cannon, which is also mounted on the Leopard 2A6 models. They benefit from spaced composite armor and offer a remarkable autonomy of 500 km without the need for frequent refueling. These specific features, combined with the cutting-edge technologies provided by Aselsan, give the Leopard 2A4 efficiency and modernity adapted to the requirements of current conflicts in theaters of operations.

Chile's commitment to modernizing its armored forces reflects a proactive defense strategy, aimed at maintaining a rapid and effective response capacity to current and future security challenges.