In the midst of the modernization and reorganization process of its armored cavalry, the Brazilian Army concluded Operation Patton 2025, an initiative aimed at recovering M60A3 TTS Patton tanks. The closing ceremony, held on November 28 at the 9th Maintenance Battalion (9º B Mnt), a unit subordinate to the 9th Logistics Group (9º Gpt Log), marked a milestone within the efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the Western Military Command (CMO), responsible for defending the country’s extensive western border.
Operation Patton 2025 consisted of a broad logistical and technical effort geared toward recovering 17 M60A3 TTS tanks and three M88A1 armored recovery vehicles, all restored to full operational condition. These platforms will be assigned to the 20th Armored Cavalry Regiment (20º RCB) and the 4th Mechanized Cavalry Brigade (4ª Bda C Mec), strengthening their combat capability, mobility, and firepower. In addition, the operation included the training of 20º RCB mechanics at the 9º B Mnt facilities, optimizing maintenance records and ensuring standardization of technical procedures within the SMEM System.
The closing event was attended by Army General Alcides Valeriano de Faria Junior, Western Military Commander, along with general officers in active service and in the reserve, as well as commanders of the military organizations of the Campo Grande garrison. According to the Army, the delivery of the armored vehicles not only reinforces the technical availability and immediate operational capacity of the units, but also consolidates the logistical autonomy of the ground force in a key region for national defense.
The M60A3 Patton recovery program acquires special relevance in a context in which the Brazilian Army is evaluating the replacement of its main tanks. In addition to the M60A3, the force keeps the Leopard 1A5 BR in service, whose modernization plan was suspended while alternatives for the future renewal of the armored fleet are being studied.
In parallel, the Army is moving forward in defining its future tracked armored vehicles within the Strategic Armored Forces Program. Through Ordinance No. 877, a working group was established to evaluate national and international alternatives for the new Combat Armored Vehicles (VBC CC) and Infantry Combat Armored Vehicles (VBC Fuz). Among the options examined were the CV90 from BAE Systems, the SABRA Luz from Elbit Systems, the AFV Hunter from ST Engineering, and the VT5/VN17 from Norinco.
In this context, the arrival in Rio de Janeiro of the CV90120 tank from BAE Systems, presented during the LAAD Defence & Security 2025 fair, marked a new step in the evaluation of advanced platforms. This light tank, derived from the CV90 and armed with a 120 mm cannon, was designed to offer high mobility and firepower, consolidating itself as one of the most competitive proposals to replace the Leopard 1A5BR. The Army’s interest in the CV90120 reinforces its pursuit of a balance between modern technology, sustainability, and participation by the local industry.
Simultaneously, Brazil has already incorporated its first Centauro II BR wheeled combat vehicles, equipped with a 120 mm L45 cannon and state-of-the-art electronic systems. These units represent a significant technological leap for mechanized cavalry, replacing the veteran EE-9 Cascavel, in service since the 1960s.
With the recovery of the M60A3 Patton, the Brazilian Army ensures the operational continuity of its armored force while advancing in the transition toward new models. This measure reinforces its deterrence and rapid-response capability on the western border, ensuring the efficiency and readiness of its armored units.
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