New built Leopard - Tanks for Saudi Arabia

[StingrayOZ]

If they order their Leos with L55 guns, the situation isn't all that different. At least, if they want to get the maximum out of the gun.

Leos are a good tank. While its different from the M1A1 its differences are somewhat complientary.

I don't think Germany or Israel are particularly worried about the Saudis compared the region. Iran is a far bigger threat as is regional instability. Theres more of a chance of the Saudis using the tanks against there own people than against Israel.

 

[Waylander]

And that's exactly the problem the opposition and parts of the government have with this deal.

Although I think that an opposition which sold small arms and other stuff to SA during their time in government shouldn't act as holy as they do now...

 

[Onkel]

This week´s edition of germany´s magazine Stern contains the opinion that the tank deal was supported by Israel to strenghten the Saudis against their common arch enemy Iran. What is more the article thinks loud about the possible advantages of Israel and Saudi Arabia having common guns and subsystems in their tanks, so they could help each other out. In fact, I don´t believe this is really a reason. Because the US made M1 A1 the Saudis still have in their inventory also have the 120 mm smoothbore guns. Which modern western tanks haven´t, apart from british?

 

[Waylander]

None, but the M60s and AMX-30s their National Guard is running right now and which will eventually be replaced by the Leos have L7 105mm rifled guns.

Not that the Israelis should have plenty of ammo for these guns, too...

 

[surpreme]

Nothing's changed. Israel just doesn't consider a well-armed Saudi Arabia a threat anymore since both countries are concentrating on Iran.



... we're talking about Saudi Arabia. The country that spreads out its weapon buys because it wagers that in case of war multiple suppliers will drop their support.

When you look back at how the U.S. treat S.A. What should they do ? The U.S. ask Israel if it okay to sell or will it be a threat against Israel. The deal the U.S. make with S.A. is not so good. It make sense to look for other supplies that treat you right. S.A. has to take the deals the U.S. give them they have the best equipment. The Saudis know that they are not treated right. S.A. has to catch up there military skill to survive on there own they must learn to built and maintain equipment. This leopard deal should involved spare parts and some kind agreement if decide to purchase over 300 more have a license deal to build in S.A.

 

[exported_kiwi]

They have updated the article pointing out it is a possible sale not a confirmed order. Aparantly if the German Govt. gives approval and the Saudis pay up they will be built in Spain with German equipment.

Yeah, I heard that too!

 

[exported_kiwi]

When you look back at how the U.S. treat S.A. What should they do ? The U.S. ask Israel if it okay to sell or will it be a threat against Israel. The deal the U.S. make with S.A. is not so good. It make sense to look for other supplies that treat you right. S.A. has to take the deals the U.S. give them they have the best equipment. The Saudis know that they are not treated right. S.A. has to catch up there military skill to survive on there own they must learn to built and maintain equipment. This leopard deal should involved spare parts and some kind agreement if decide to purchase over 300 more have a license deal to build in S.A.

Ummmm, you're joking right? What the heck makes anyone think that the US needs Israeli permission, that's #1! Shall I continue?
P.S, license build MBT's in S.A; joke right?

 

[TrangleC]

Ummmm, you're joking right? What the heck makes anyone think that the US needs Israeli permission, that's #1!

Show me one US politician who would ever do or allow anything that even has the slightest chance to be critizised as endangering Israel or being "anti Israeli" in any way shape or form.
The USA does not need Israeli permission because it would never do anything the Israels might dislike in the first place. It is a policy of preemtive obedience.

 

[kato]

P.S, license build MBT's in S.A; joke right?

Considering the US has licensed the M1A1 to Egypt of all places...

 

[Waylander]

I thought the Egyptians "just" assemble the M1s from US delivered kits?
Less than what for example GDLS/Santa Barbara does with the Leopard 2E.

 

[kato]

I thought the Egyptians "just" assemble the M1s from US delivered kits?

"Main Battle Tanks Egypt" (with the "Military Factory 200" assembly plant) holds a full production license since 1992 according to Jane's Sentinel. According to Globalsec local kit and component production was started in 1996.

Considering Egypt also used/uses FMS money to buy them though i doubt they'll ever try switching to local production. In particular as apparently according to Jane's this production deal proved more costly than buying off-the-shelf.

 

[surpreme]

Ummmm, you're joking right? What the heck makes anyone think that the US needs Israeli permission, that's #1! Shall I continue?
P.S, license build MBT's in S.A; joke right?

I see you having experience a congress hearing about exporting weapons to SA. If you have to have a hearing about what is good and what is not. Its just the same as getting permission they want some see if its a threat to Israel that common sense. If it a threat to Israel they will not get the export then you tell me if that not getting permission from Israel. If Israel tell congress its okay the US will deliver the export if it tell the US it will hurt there defense take a guest will SA get the weapon system? NO !!! THINK ABOUT

 

[surpreme]

Considering the US has licensed the M1A1 to Egypt of all places...

Because of the peace treaty with Israel. The Egyptian had talks with the US in the 80's about MBT. Egypt receive the most military aid from the US after Israel that why they got the deal to produce the M1A in Egypt.