I read somwhere that the leo 2 uses the latest gen chabolm armor its the same stuff used in the m1a2 and challenger 2 tanks. So i belive yes it could withstand a 105mm round at 500 yards.
BMP-3s for Venezuela
- Thread starter Feanor
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The 105 mm will have great difficulties defeating the Leopard 2's frontal armor. 500 yds is a pretty close distance but the Leopard 2 was designed with the Warsaw Pact's 125 mm in mind which has considerably more power than the 105 mm. I don't know if Argentina uses modern projectiles, but even then it will be a game of luck.
Though I will leave the frontal engagement scenario alone between both vehicles you could use it for ambush purposes. For the type of terrian out in bush country you are looking at a good weapons support platform in regards to the TAM, good weight and firepower. This vehicle should be to take on everything in that region head to head on a even keel just short of a LEO2A4. They made a good decision.
It would take some balls of steel to partake in that uneven death match, for the type of round in generation needed, they could not even fire it out of that platform without doing some modifications to the gun mount, also I doubt that we would give it to them.
The T-72 deal does come along with a extensive upgrade package, BMP 3 will most likely be a companion with this deal along with major AD assetts.
Side note,
There is talk of grumbling inregards with the Columbians possibly losing future purchases of BTR-80 vehicles from Russia, Hugo Chavez may be pressing the Russians to stop all future weapon sales to the Columbians forcing them to more than likely to go the route of Ukrainian or other former Eastern block country, they are in need of at least 150 additional vehicles.
Actually they don`t have the capacity to build a complete vehicle, BTR-80s that are currently being used have come from Russia direct with modications being completed by Columbia.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #75
So then what about the factory that was iirc part of the contract? Has it been built? Is it only a licensed assembly plant? Does it do partial production with some components supplied from Russia? I always sort of assumed that it would give them the ability to produce the BTR-80 independently.
They never recieved the funds nor full approval to built a 100% vehicle, they pretty much have a location to add modifications and that is it, cost wise they are better off just purchasing from someone else in which they most likely figured out.
I believe they now field close to 60 vehicles, additional 150 figure would put them over the 200 mark, maybe at a later time if the U.S eases some of the assistance that we keep promising them will they look at additional purchases, could possibly see some tank sales also. Right now with the current drug war that is expanding as far as the shores of Africa the U.S will not be leaving for a very long time.
Which sources, indicators show that they are not operating that amount, whats in storage though may be different matter. Right now they are possibly looking at other countries for additional purchases because of a uncooperative Russia.