Germany has offered Brazil a batch of 65 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks and 78 Marder 1A5 infantry fighting vehicles as part of the South American country’s efforts to modernize its armored forces.
The offer comes from Germany’s strategic stockpiles, with the vehicles to be reconditioned by defense firm KNDS before delivery, according to a report by Tecnologia & Defesa.
They are intended for Brazil’s “New Family of Tracked Armored Vehicles” program.
The Leopard 2 is Germany’s main battle tank, developed through a series of upgrades under the combat potential enhancement project. The A6 version, proposed for Brazil, features a 120mm L55 gun, improved armor, and reinforced mine protection compared with earlier versions.
Originally introduced in the 1990s, the 2A6 became part of Germany’s second-generation Leopard 2 tanks, with further modernizations leading to A6M, A6A3, and A7 variants.
Currently, after transfers to Ukraine, Germany holds around 68 original 2A6 tanks in its depots.
The units being offered to Brazil were reportedly rejected by Ukraine.
The Marder 1A5 infantry fighting vehicle, offered alongside the Leopard 2A6, would provide Brazil with a modern, armored troop transport capable of supporting mechanized formations with heavier protection and firepower than current vehicles.
Brazil’s Armored Modernization Efforts
Brazil is actively modernizing its armored forces through the New Family of Tracked Armored Vehicles program, which aims to replace older tanks and infantry fighting vehicles with a more capable and logistically coherent fleet.
The program emphasizes domestic industrial participation, allowing Brazilian companies to supply components and develop expertise in tracked vehicle systems.
Its initial plan calls for 65 main battle tanks and 78 infantry fighting vehicles, prioritizing interoperability and shared logistics across platforms.
Recent steps include the acquisition of Leopard 1A5BR tanks upgraded locally, the development of the 8×8 Centauro II cavalry fighting vehicle, and ongoing investments in maintenance and training infrastructure for these systems.
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