Chilean and Turkish officials have begun discussions on a modernisation package proposal for German-made Marder 1A3 IFVs in the Chilean Army service.
Following the Leopard 2A4 MBT modernisation package to be delivered by ASELSAN, another package is on the horizon. Chile-based defence news platform La Trinchera reported that Chilean officials have begun discussing a modernisation package for German-made Marder 1A3 IFVs with their Turkish counterparts.
Approval of the modernisation package will elevate ASELSAN to a more critical role in the revamp of the Chilean Army’s mechanised units, as Marder 1A3s hold an important role in troop transport and fire support. Additionally, the Chilean Army has the second largest fleet of Marder 1A3 units after Germany.
What might the Modernisation Look Like?
ASELSAN already has the means to modernise the German-made IFVs with its portfolio of sensors and weapon stations used in Turkiye’s ACV-15 modernisation. ROKETSAN might also take a role in armour modernisation as it has developed various types of reactive and non-reactive add-on armour for several types of vehicles.
Baseline Marder 1A3, weighing 33+ tonnes, is armed with a Rh202 20x139 mm autocannon and offers protection against small arms fire from all sides going up to 30 mm armour-piercing rounds from the front.
A Turkish modernisation package might include a sensor package similar to that of ACV-15T1 armoured vehicles and a replacement for the outdated turret with a modern one like NEFER, which is also used on the IFV configuration of ACV-15 modernisation and can be armed with either 25 mm or 30 mm autocannons (SARP 200/30 includes provision for ATGMs as well).
Modernising Chilean Marder 1A3 IFVs can also pave the way for other customers, as Chile is not the only export operator. These potential modernisation customers include Indonesia (42 units) and Jordan (75 units).
Progress Update on Leopard 2A4 Modernisation
La Trinchera also reported that FAMAE accepted the final design of ASELSAN’s package, and the integration is expected to begin this year.
The armour upgrade and active protection system integration will be separated from the main modernisation as separate projects, likely to ensure a fast pace in completing the core modernisation.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
