New main battle tank for South Africa |
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Thursday,
23 September 2010, 19:05 PM |
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A
new main battle tank for the South African armed forces
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At
AAD 2010, the German Defense Company Rheinmetall presents
for the first time in Africa, the famous main battle tank
Leopard 2A4. According to some information, the South African
armed forces are interested to replace the local upgrade
main battle tank "Olifant".
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German
Rheinmetall Leopard 2A4 at AAD 2010 Africa Aerospace and
Defence Exhibition |
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Several
companies are ready to answer this request after the reception
of official tender, not available at this time. The Ukrainian
State Company Ukrspecexport could propose a solution to
South Africa. In order to show its technological capacities
to provide a main battle tank, Ukrspecexport presents
at AAD 2010 its main battle tank, "Bulat", an
upgrade of the T-64 main battle tank. In order to increase
the combat efficiency of T-64 main battle tank which are
in service in the Ukrainian army, the Kharkiv Morozov
Machine Building Design Bureau has developed a multi-purpose
upgrade package for the T-64. The package includes the
measures to improve the mobility characteristics, protection
level, and fire control efficiency. It is possible to
upgrade the tanks in some areas in any combination according
to Customer’s request. Ukrspecexport produces main
battle tanks having last technologies of combat as the
"Oplot" and the "Yatagan".
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Ukrainian
"Bulat" main battle tank Ukrspecexport at ADD
2010
Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition |
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The
South African army could consider acquisition for approximately
96 new main battle tank, and to equip thus three battalions.
According to the local press, the original request was
for 96, six armoured recovery vehicles and four launching
bridge vehicle. The final decision could make increase
the number of tanks to 132.
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Olifant
Mk 2 main battle tank South African army at AAD 2010 |
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