Germany seeks to block Türkiye’s Leopard 2 tank modernisation offer to Chile

German authorities are reportedly attempting to prevent Chile from signing a tank modernisation deal with Turkish defense company Aselsan.

Sources in Chile have indicated that Germany has conditioned its offer to sell new Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) to Chile on condition that the country refrains from entering a deal with Aselsan for the modernization of its current Leopard 2 fleet.

Germany reportedly demands cancellation of deal with Türkiye

During a live stream by the Chilean YouTube channel La Trinchera, it was said that Germany’s new Leopard 2 offer was tied to avoiding a deal with Aselsan, potentially jeopardizing Chile’s tank modernization program.

This development also follows other German efforts to block Turkish defense-related deals, including the sale of Eurofighter jets and Siemens’ decision to halt deliveries of energy transfer equipment for Türkiye’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant.

NATO alliance tensions over defense industry restrictions

Both Germany and Türkiye are NATO members, raising concerns over these tensions and the impact they may have on alliance unity. Germany has remained largely silent on its reasons for blocking Aselsan and other Turkish defense related products.

Aselsan also established its new office in Santiago, Chile. Aselsan also showcased a model of the Leopard 2A4 in the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE), showcasing some of the improvements and offers for the Chilean Leopard 2 MBT’s.

Aselsan’s Leopard 2 modernisation plan for Chile

Aselsan has already reportedly signed a contract with the Chilean Armed Forces, specifically the state-run FAMAE (Fábricas y Maestranzas del Ejército), to upgrade the Leopard 2A4 MBTs in Chile’s inventory.

The modernization program is divided into four phases. The first phase, now complete, involves the installation of a C4ISR system and new radio systems. Subsequent phases will include an overhaul of the fire control system, the addition of electro-optics, an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, a 360° surveillance suite, and advanced fire suppression and Nuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) protection systems.

In general Chile’s Leopard 2A4CHL upgrade from Aselsan, which plans to add new gunner and commander optics, FCS and BMS, 360 degree situational awareness and driver vision, SARP RWS, electric turret drives, and a defensive suite including IFF, LWS and (in a second phase) a Pulat or Akkor APS. Chile’s current fleet comprises of 140 Leopard 2A4 tanks, originally purchased from Germany in the early 2000s.

This cooperation with the Turkish company has among its advantages the transfer of technology and know-how, allowing FAMAE to expand its capabilities and continue with the maintenance of this material, thus extending its life cycle.

This solution is adapted to the specific needs of the army, providing certainty in the use of the material, defining the specific requirements according to Chile’s geographic scenario and the assigned budget.

With this agreement, the maintenance of the armored material of strategic significance of the Chilean Army is ensured, thus achieving greater availability and reliability, both for instruction and training, as well as for the tasks of the mission area framed in the National Defense Policy.

FAMAE

Future phases are expected to include upgrades to the tank’s armor and the installation of an active protection system, further enhancing the survivability of Chile’s Leopard 2A4 tanks. Aselsan’s modernization solutions have been tailored to Chile’s geographic and operational needs, ensuring their effectiveness in the country’s unique environment.

The modernization of Leopard 2A4 tanks by Aselsan will provide the Chilean Army with state-of-the-art equipment, enhancing their operational capabilities on modern battlefields.

Defense cooperation between Türkiye and Chile

Aselsan has made significant strides in the global defense market, and its success in Chile is seen as a major milestone. In addition to the Leopard 2A4 tanks, Chilean Marder 1A3 Armored Combat Vehicles are also expected to undergo modernization in collaboration with Aselsan and FAMAE.