Democratic Chile has spent billions in upgrading Armed Forces

In a highly sensitive area, Chilean Defence and Armed Forces, rich in resources from copper windfall prices, have a political and strategic problem in their hands with the decommissioning of 200 Leopard 1 tanks to be replaced by 140 Leopard 2, purchased from Germany.

The decommissioned equipment could be resold in the area to allies, kept mothballed or dismantled for repairs, among other options.

However whatever is decided in the coming months political and strategic considerations will have the most weight.

Read more