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With few SK-105s still operational, the Marine Corps faces maintenance difficulties, fleet cannibalization, and scrap auctions while evaluating substitutes for its anti-tank armored vehicles
The Brazilian Navy’s Marine Corps is undergoing a transition in its armored force. After operating SK-105 A2S Kürassier light combat vehicles since the 2000s, the troops now have few vehicles in operational condition, while seven scraps were announced for auction in July.
SK-105 armored vehicles marked a new phase in the CFN
The armored trajectory of the Marine Corps began before the arrival of the SK-105s. The first vehicles were five prototypes of the ENGESA EE-11 Urutu, used until the 80s. Then came 30 M113A1s, still in use, and six EE-9 Cascavels.
The Cascavels, in the M4 version, represented a milestone for the Force. They were the first combat armored vehicles of the CFN, equipped with cannons and used in the anti-tank role, which allowed for the creation of the Combat Car Company.
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With the arrival of 17 SK-105 A2S Kürassier light combat vehicles and a 4KH7FA Greif recovery vehicle, the EE-9s were deactivated starting in the 2000s. The decision is described in the material as questioned.
Fleet faces maintenance difficulties
The SK-105 was developed from the 1960s by Saurer-Werk for the Austrian Army. The proposal was to create a light, maneuverable anti-tank vehicle capable of facing heavier armored vehicles of the time.
The vehicle uses an oscillating turret, similar to the French AMX-13, and a 105 mm rifled cannon. In the most recent versions, the system is capable of firing APFSDS kinetic projectiles at about 1,430 m/s.
The batch purchased by the CFN was the last produced. The line was reopened to meet this order and another from the Botswana Army. A few years later, obtaining components became a difficulty.
Scrap auction exposes fleet wear
The modernization attempt by the Brazilian company GESPI advanced in one unit, at no cost to the Force, but the project was not considered advantageous and was eventually abandoned.
With advanced age and maintenance difficulties, only three or four vehicles would still be operational, including the Greif.
The others were cannibalized to keep the small fleet running, in addition to two preserved as monuments.
The announcement of the auction of seven scraps in July, made by a private auctioneer, had a visual impact due to the images released and caught the attention of those following the history of the CFN’s armored force.
Replacement may bring Navy and Army projects closer
The replacement of the SK-105 is already under study within PROADSUMUS. The debate highlighted in the material is whether the future armored vehicle of the CFN and the New Family of Armored Vehicles of the Brazilian Army could be unified.
The joint purchase is presented as a possibility with advantages of scale, cost reduction in acquisition and operation, support for logistics, and greater nationalization of components. The central point is to find a beneficial solution for both forces and for Brazil.
This article was prepared based on information from the material provided about the Marine Corps, with data, numbers, and statements preserved according to the consulted material.
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