Germany has proposed supplying Brazil with 65 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks and 78 Marder 1A5 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to support the South American nation’s armored modernization initiative. The offer, part of Brazil’s New Family of Tracked Armored Vehicles program, underscores growing defense cooperation between the two nations.
According to Tecnologia & Defesa, the vehicles will be drawn from Germany’s strategic reserves and refurbished by KNDS prior to delivery. The Leopard 2A6, a battle-proven tank first introduced in the 1990s, features a 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, upgraded armor, and enhanced mine protection—significantly improving survivability and firepower compared to earlier Leopard variants.
Germany currently retains about 68 Leopard 2A6 tanks in storage following transfers to Ukraine. The batch proposed for Brazil reportedly includes units previously declined by Kyiv. Alongside these, the Marder 1A5 IFV will offer Brazil a modern armored troop transport with robust protection and mobility, providing a valuable complement to the Leopard 2A6 in mechanized operations.
Brazil’s modernization program seeks to replace aging armored platforms and develop a standardized, logistically coherent fleet. The initiative also focuses on domestic industry participation, encouraging local companies to produce components and gain expertise in tracked vehicle systems. Recent developments—such as the local upgrade of Leopard 1A5BR tanks and the development of the Centauro II 8×8 combat vehicle—highlight Brazil’s ongoing commitment to advancing its armored warfare capabilities.
