Aviation Week report | Santiago Times report. The first statement is not strictly true in a regional context at these prices, however, the second argument probably is true.
According to the Chilean army, its Leopard I tanks were obsolete and it was cheaper to buy the new armory from Germany than to repair the old ones. About 70 were bought second-hand from Germany, and over 200 were bought second-hand from the Netherlands in 1998-99. The Leopard 2s will replace the Chilean army’s Leopard 1 tanks. The remaining 8 tanks will be used as replacements, and/or for simulation and training. Fully 132 of these tanks will also be modernized, and will form 3 groups within Chile’s northern armored brigade. Germany will deliver 140 refurbished tanks over a period of 6 years, with Chile expecting to receive 10-12 tanks every 3 months beginning at the end of 2007. Negotiations then began with Germany, and the number discussed in March 2006 was 118 (93+25 spare), but that was expanded in the July 2006 contract. The Santiago Times values the total contract at $125 million.Ĭhile had originally sought to buy the tanks from Switzerland, but the sale of 93 tanks was canceled in November 2005. The Chilean refurbishment contract is worth EUR 50 million ($74.3 million) for the 140 MBTs, and the order also includes 2 training & simulation vehicles, training from German units, and logistical support.
The Chileans are receiving the slab-sided 2A4 model, and as is customary in these situations, a German firm (in this case, KMW) works to refurbish the bargain basement tanks for their new owners.
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