According to TurDef on April 30, 2025, Chile and Türkiye have initiated discussions regarding the potential modernisation of the Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) in service with the Chilean Army, following the agreement on a separate modernisation package for the Leopard 2A4CHL main battle tanks under the PROACO program. The Leopard upgrade is being conducted by the Turkish company Aselsan, which has also been identified as a likely partner for the potential Marder 1A3 upgrade. This proposed initiative would represent another bilateral defense effort between the two countries.
Aselsan and Chile’s state-owned defense firm FAMAE have previously held meetings to review the Leopard 2A4 modernisation package, and these interactions are being used as a framework to expand collaboration. According to La Trinchera, FAMAE has accepted Aselsan’s Leopard 2A4 final design, and integration is scheduled to begin within the year. The armour enhancement and active protection system are being handled as separate subprojects from the core upgrade package.
Chile operates approximately 270 Marder 1A3 units, the second-largest fleet worldwide after Germany. The Chilean Army began acquiring these IFVs in 2008 with the purchase of 146 second-hand units from Germany, refurbished by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. The initial batch included seven vehicles designated for driver training and thirty others used as sources of spare parts. Additional acquisitions later brought the total to around 270 vehicles. As part of the Centurion project, 180 Marder 1A3s were restored and issued to Armoured Infantry Battalions and the Combat Armoured Training Center (Cecombac). The platform was selected to replace the Dutch YPR-765 and American M113 vehicles, which were no longer considered compatible with Chile’s Leopard 2A4 tanks in terms of mobility and combat performance. The Chilean Army established three Armoured Brigades in northern Chile in 2007, intended to centralise operational capabilities under unified command structures, and the Marder 1A3 formed part of this mechanisation strategy. The Marder 1A3 is equipped with a Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh 202 20 mm autocannon with a dual-feed ammunition system. This main weapon fires both high-explosive and armour-piercing rounds and is supported by a coaxial Rheinmetall MG3 7.62×51 mm machine gun. The IFV carries 336 HE rounds and 173 AP rounds for immediate use, as well as 500 MG rounds. The vehicle is operated by a crew of three, commander, gunner, and driver, and can transport six infantry soldiers. The MK 20 Rh 202 autocannon has an effective range of 2,000 meters and a maximum rate of fire between 880 and 1,030 rounds per minute.