Within the framework of the Strategic Armored Forces Program, the Brazilian Army (EB) continues to advance the revitalization of its Leopard 1A5BR tanks, an initiative aimed at maintaining the operational capabilities of its units while the future replacement of this fleet is being defined. The project, which seeks to extend the service life of the tanks until 2040, will allow the EB’s armored cavalry to preserve its firepower and mobility, ensuring continuity of operations.
The revitalization of the Leopard 1A5BR is being carried out by the Regional Maintenance Park of the 3rd Military Region (Pq R Mnt/3), located in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). There, a specialized technical team conducts a comprehensive process that includes the replacement of electronic components, structural inspection of the hull and turret, and the application of new solutions developed by engineers from the Military Engineering Institute (IME). As stated by the Director of the Regional Maintenance Park, Colonel Idunalvo Mariano, “the revitalization of the Leopard guarantees an additional 15 years of operational service life, strengthening the power projection of the Brazilian Army.”
The work, which began in 2025, foresees the recovery of a total of 52 tanks over a ten-year period. The first two units have already been delivered after successfully passing performance and reliability tests. Each Leopard 1A5BR requires an average of two months of intensive work, including the verification of starting systems, braking, turret stabilization, and calibration of the main armament. Once this process is completed, the vehicles are returned to their respective armored cavalry regiments, distributed across the three states under the jurisdiction of the Southern Military Command, which is responsible for nearly 80% of the country’s armored fleet.
The project also reflects the Army’s effort to strengthen its industrial autonomy. At the Santa Maria facility, a Studies and Projects section develops domestically produced parts to replace imported components, optimizing costs and ensuring the availability of spare parts. This approach, in addition to reducing external dependence, fosters technological innovation within the Armed Forces, contributing to the sustainability of the program.
While the Leopard 1A5BR tanks are being revitalized, the Brazilian Army continues to evaluate alternatives for their replacement within the Strategic Armored Forces Program. The process, initiated in 2024, contemplates the acquisition of new Infantry Fighting Vehicles (VBC Fuz) and Main Battle Tanks (VBC CC), with options that include the CV90 and CV90120 from BAE Systems, the Sabra Luz from Elbit Systems, and the VT5 from Norinco. These systems are part of a long-term planning effort, estimated at more than R$ 30 billion (USD 5.3 billion), which aims to equip the Army with 2,096 next-generation armored vehicles by 2040.
In parallel, the Army has achieved significant progress in the recovery of its M60A3 TTS Patton tank fleet, with 17 units recently returned to operational service following Operation Patton 2025. As with the Leopards, these deep maintenance efforts make it possible to maintain combat capability while the country’s new armored standard is being defined.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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