Brazil's Leopard 1A5BR modernisation programme threatened by Ukraine's demand for tanks and spare parts

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have dozens of Leopard 2 tanks and will receive about a hundred Leopard 1s. The combat vehicles are supplied with spare parts. This puts the Brazilian modernisation programme in jeopardy.

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The Brazilian military is forced to indefinitely postpone the project of modernisation of Leopard 1A5BR tanks. This is due to the fact that Ukraine is taking away all spare parts for the repair, refurbishment and maintenance of combat vehicles.

The South American country launched the Leopard 1A5BR modernisation programme in mid-December 2020. The project was originally expected to bring enhanced protection through new armour sets, a new gun, new communications and fire control systems, and new tactical computers.

However, the Brazilian authorities have recently decided to abandon some of the improvements due to the high price tag. However, the entire modernisation programme and combat readiness of Brazil's fleet of Leopard 1A5BR tanks is now in jeopardy.

Source: Tecnodefesa