Α meeting at the General Staff of the Army with the Safran company to upgrade the Leopard tanks and the M109 self-propelled guns had been held.
The announcement of the Ministry of Defense states: "On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, a presentation was made to GES staff by representatives of the SAFRAN company, regarding its capabilities for the upgrade of Leopard tanks and M109 anti-aircraft guns."
The company according to its website provides advanced recognition, targeting and firing capabilities on the move, either at static or moving targets day and night.
The fusion of sensor images enhances the operator's situational awareness. Information carries the examination of the serious issue for the Greek army of tank modernization concerning various types (Leo 2A4, Leo 1A5).
This is the well-known issue of modernizing the fire control system (FCS), with new modern targeting and target locking systems.
A new SEP combined with a larger caliber 120 mm gun, on Leopard 1A5s for example and if this is feasible, would give great power to this weapon system, while also increasing the firepower of our Armored Brigades.
The whole program, as it is understood, concerns a period after the national elections, but it is also important in view of the developments in Ukraine.
The reason is the scenarios heard about the contribution of NATO countries to Ukraine with tanks and other material, in view of the imminent Ukrainian attack sometime in the Spring.
Turkey and its plans for new tanks
It is true that the Turkish defense industry cannot find engines for its new tanks anywhere, while Ankara ignores that it is entering an economic war with the West, since the USA, France, and Germany will have to sell their own tanks as well.
Our country's discussions with Germany on the modernization of a large number of tanks of the Greek army, which specifically concerns 183 Leopard 2 and 190 Leopard 1A5, however, has attracted the attention of the Turkish side.
Greece has one of the largest fleets of Leopard tanks, and is looking to upgrade them against Turkish plans, which will be implemented albeit with a delay due to the major earthquake that recently hit the country.
But everything is different now in the Turkish plans for a strong defense industry, and nothing is going to change in the future, since this country is not going to change its political direction.
Lest we forget, what the Turkish National Security Council has decided will be fully implemented, whatever government emerges from the Turkish elections, whenever they are held.
