Brazilian marines details its 2032 tank replacement plan

The Brazilian SK105A2S Kürassier tank is armed with a 105 mm cannon, a coaxial 7.62 mm medium machine gun, and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. (Victor Barreira)

The Brazilian Marine Corps wants to replace its ageing SK105A2S Kürassier light battle tank fleet with a new main battle tank (MBT) by 2032, Commander of the Marine Material Command Vice Admiral Rogério Ramos Lage told Janes.

The MBT project, part of the Marine Corps Combat Power Strategic Program (PROADSUMUS), aims to significantly increase the firepower of the marine air-ground task forces, Vice Adm Lage said in an October interview. He said 8×8 and tracked options, or a fleet of both configurations, are being considered.

Of the 17 SK105A2S Kürassier tanks purchased for the Marine Armoured Battalion of the Marine Fleet Force (FFE) in 1998, approximately half remain in active service, Vice Adm Lage said.

While High-Staff Requirements and High-level Systems Requirements are being developed, approximately 17 MBTs could be acquired, Vice Adm Lage added.

A schedule to formally issue a tender or award a contract is yet to be defined.