In addition to the modernization of the Greek Leopard tanks, Rheinmetall is interested in the future program of new Toma for the Greek army. As DefenseReview.gr reported on August 19, 2021, the German proposal for the supply of Lynx KF41 and used Marder 1A3 IFVs has raised high interest in Greece.
Rheinmetall’s proposal for the Greek Amy includes a procurement program of a total of 170 KF41 Lynx IFVs and 200 Marder 1A3s. The German company already has about 200 Marder 1A3s ready for delivery. Simultaneously with the acquisition of used Marders at a cost of around 500,000 euros per modernized vehicle, the Greek army would get a very durable and modern vehicle with a number of proposed improvements (new turret, new laser range finder, new armor).
The Marder 1A3 is an upgraded version of the Marder family of tracked armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV). The A3 upgrade program began in 1988, with Thyssen-Henschel being awarded a contract to upgrade 2,100 Marder 1 A1/A2 vehicles to the A3 standard at a rate of 220 vehicles a year. The first upgraded vehicles were delivered to the German army on 17 November 1989. In 2000, Thyssen-Henschel became Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH to continue the maintenance and upgrades of the Marder IFV family. The Marder 1A3 is the current standard IFV used by the German armed forces but it will be replaced by the new Puma IFV in the next few years.
In parallel with the two proposals for the acquisition of new and used material programs (modernization of Leopard tanks and Supply of KF41 and Marder 1A3 IFVs), Rheinmetall’s proposal includes financing through lending as well as a series of industrial investments in Greece, so that there would be the best possible transfer of know-how and domestic added value. In the same facilities that will be built from scratch, construction works of trucks and a number of vehicles for the Greek Army may take place, DefenceReview.gr assumes.