(Infodefensa.com)
L. Vasquez, Santiago, Chile - The Chilean Army is negotiating the
purchase of one hundred Leopard 2 A5 tanks, surplus stocks from the
German government, said Infodefensa Chile qualified sources close to the
force.
The tanks are necessary to maintain the operational capabilities of the
armored brigades deployed in northern Chile, where vehicles should
undergo more frequent maintenance due to the environmental conditions of
the region.
The negotiation also includes the provision of modernization kits to
raise the same standard A5 to eighty of the nearly one hundred eighty
Leopard 2 A4 acquired between 2005 and 2007, as well as a number of
other engines and replacement components.
According to sources, though the negotiations forward and materialize
the acquisition of the Leopard 2 A5 and upgrade kits, will be dropped
from the eighties Dutch Leopard 1 V ex still in service in southern
Chile, to be replaced by Leopard 2 A4.
The same sources confirmed that the operation of the Leopard A4 in
northern Chile, particularly around the Atacama Desert, the driest in
the world, characterized by a powder called "Chusca" high
capacity-abrasive and corrosive due to its acid-metal composition has
imposed heavy maintenance requirements on the three armored brigades
(BRIACOR) deployed in the region.
According to information, the above conditions have reduced the time
between major maintenance tanks only one-third of schedule by the
manufacturer KMW for Europe. Against this, it was determined that it is
necessary to have a number of additional tanks for replacement units
sent to maintenance, in order to maintain enrollment levels of BRIACOR.
Sumber : Infolensa
No comments:
Post a Comment