Thanks to a recent broadcast on TRT News dedicated to Aselsan, images of the modernization of the Leopard 2A4 tank turret proposed by the Turkish company have come to light. The configuration seen in the footage appears to be similar to the proposal for the upgrade of the Leopard 2 tanks of the Chilean Army.
In the brief but comprehensive interview conducted by TRT News, various capabilities of one of Turkey’s leading defense companies are addressed, highlighting the work being done on the turret of a Leopard 2 NG tank. The sequence not only allows us to appreciate some of the characteristic features of this variant (modified mantlet), but also reveals the electro-optical ATS-65D system for the commander, the optics change for the gunner, and a remotely operated weapon station. The turret has been stripped of its armor modules.
It is worth remembering that Aselsan and FAMAE signed an agreement in July 2023, establishing various industrial cooperation requirements for the refurbishment and modernization of the Leopard 2A4 tanks of the Chilean Army. “… This cooperation with the Turkish company has advantages such as technology transfer and know-how, allowing FAMAE to expand its capabilities and continue sustaining this equipment, thus extending its life cycle … With this agreement, the maintenance of the strategically significant armored equipment of the Chilean Army is ensured, achieving greater availability and reliability, both for training and mission tasks within the framework of National Defense Policy …,” FAMAE reported.
Under this framework, it is expected that the Chilean Leopard 2A4s will see the replacement of their hydraulic components with electric ones for turret movement, both in elevation and azimuth (EGTDS), the replacement of the fire control system with VOLKAN-II, the installation of a remotely operated weapon station of the Aselsan SARP type, laser warning systems, a new aiming system for the gunner, and all-weather cameras for the driver.
In the recent edition of FIDAE, Aselsan exhibited a model of the Leopard 2A4 showcasing some of the mentioned improvements. Based on this display, the armor of the Chilean tanks could also receive new protection modules. This addition would maintain a configuration very similar to the current one, unlike other protection upgrades adopted by other Leopard 2 users.
The updating and refurbishment of the Leopard 2A4 will allow the Chilean Army to increase the capabilities of its main armored vehicle, while also ensuring the operational life span of the model. Cooperation with Aselsan could also lead to initiatives involving other combat vehicles of the force, such as the VCTP Marder and the VCA M109.
Cover collage: Chilean Army; TRT News.
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