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Chilean Leopard 2A4 Duel in Simulated Combat with Saab BT46 Laser System.
On October 8, 2024, in the vastness of the Antofagasta desert, the Chilean Army conducted a technical and tactical evaluation exercise to assess the performance of its Leopard 2A4 tank crews. This intensive activity, organized by the First Army Division and executed by the 3rd Armored Brigade "La Concepción," gathered crews from the entire Land Force, spanning from Arica to Punta Arenas. A key highlight of this exercise was a tank duel, where two crews confronted each other using the Saab BT 46 laser simulation system.
The Chilean Army has operated around 40 of these tanks since the early 2000s, deploying them in the demanding environments of northern Chile (Picture source: Ejercito de Chile )
The main objective of the exercise was to measure the level of training and instruction achieved in 2024 through a series of challenging trials, where the real firepower of the Leopard 2A4 is demonstrated by the skill of its operators.
The Leopard 2A4, a main battle tank developed by Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann as the successor to the Leopard 1, has established itself as a versatile model thanks to its unique combination of firepower, mobility, and protection since its introduction in 1979. It is equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun developed by Rheinmetall, capable of hitting mobile targets up to 5,000 meters away with APFSDS-T and HEAT-MP-T munitions. The tank also features a digital fire control system, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, and smoke grenade launchers to obscure its movements. With its MTU MB 873 diesel engine, the Leopard 2A4 can reach a maximum speed of 72 km/h, navigate complex terrain, and cross significant obstacles.
In terms of protection, the Leopard 2A4 is equipped with multilayer armor and internal lining to reduce fragmentation in the event of a penetration. Its hull is divided into three compartments, ensuring increased crew safety with NBC overpressure protection. The Chilean Army has operated around 40 of these tanks since the early 2000s, deploying them in the demanding environments of northern Chile, as recently demonstrated in exercises in the Antofagasta region.
Recognized as one of the most advanced weapons systems in the Chilean Army, the Leopard 2A4's effectiveness relies heavily on crew expertise. According to Lieutenant Colonel Felipe Azócar, the exercise coordinator, this tactical evaluation primarily aimed to verify the application and mastery of procedures acquired by soldiers within the Land Force. The crews’ skills were tested through various scenarios, including nighttime simulations, tank robustness tests, deployment and track disassembly exercises, precision driving, advanced logistics, tank and light weapon firing, onboard navigation, first aid, and challenging night marches.
As part of the exercise, two tank crews engaged in a duel using the Saab BT 46 laser simulation system, allowing for simulated tank-to-tank combat. (Picture source: Ejercito de Chile)
This exercise required complete commitment and tested the crews physically and mentally. Professional soldier Pablo Rivera described the evaluation as both demanding and fulfilling, highlighting the camaraderie that binds each crew. "This evaluation has been very challenging physically, mentally, and emotionally, but as a crew, we are doing well because, more than a team, we are like a family. We’ve spent many days together in this great piece of equipment," he said.
As part of the exercise, two tank crews engaged in a duel using the Saab BT 46 laser simulation system, allowing for simulated tank-to-tank combat. This technology provides a unique training approach, enabling crews to test their ability to "neutralize" an adversary in a simulated combat setting, according to First Sergeant Johanns Gil, instructor at the Armored Combat Training Center (Cecombac).
The exercise highlighted top-performing crews, including Armored Group No. 9 Vencedores from the 1st Armored Brigade of Cuirassiers, recognized for its excellence and level of preparedness. Sub-Lieutenant Francisco Fernández, commander of the winning crew, noted that this evaluation enhanced his unit's operational expertise.
Beyond its immediate tactical purpose, this training emphasizes the critical importance of rigorous, versatile preparation, combining physical readiness, technical skill, and mental resilience. Through exercises of this scale, the Chilean Army ensures that its Leopard 2A4 crews are equipped to face future military challenges with efficiency and professionalism, consolidating their position among elite defense units.