Germany is set to provide Brazil with 65 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks and 78 Marder 1A5 infantry fighting vehicles, a significant boost to Brazil’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armored forces. This offer forms part of Brazil’s “New Family of Tracked Armored Vehicles” program, which is designed to enhance the nation’s military capabilities and replace aging equipment.
The tanks and vehicles are sourced from Germany’s strategic stockpiles and will undergo refurbishment by the defense firm KNDS prior to their delivery. The Leopard 2A6 variant proposed for Brazil features a state-of-the-art 120mm L55 gun and boasts improved armor and enhanced mine protection, compared to earlier versions. Introduced in the 1990s, the Leopard 2A6 is part of a generation of second-generation Leopard 2 tanks that have seen various upgrades, ultimately leading to advanced versions such as the A6M, A6A3, and A7.
Currently, following military assistance to Ukraine, Germany is reported to have around 68 original Leopard 2A6 tanks remaining in its depots. Notably, the tanks being offered to Brazil were previously rejected by Ukraine, which may make this deal beneficial for both nations.
The accompanying Marder 1A5 infantry fighting vehicles deliver a modern solution for armored troop transport, offering better protection and firepower than Brazil’s existing fleet. This acquisition is expected to support Brazil’s mechanized formations more effectively.
The Brazilian government is actively pursuing its armored modernization initiative through the New Family of Tracked Armored Vehicles program. This initiative aims to foster domestic industrial involvement by allowing local companies to supply components and gain expertise in the tracked vehicle domain. The program’s primary objective is to create a more capable and logistically cohesive fleet, emphasizing interoperability and shared logistics across different platforms.
Brazil’s modernization efforts have also included recent purchases of Leopard 1A5BR tanks that have been upgraded locally, the development of the 8×8 Centauro II cavalry fighting vehicle, and ongoing investments in maintenance and training infrastructure. These advancements signal a robust and comprehensive approach to enhancing the nation’s military readiness and operational capabilities.
