Tanks and armored vehicles

of the Chilean Army

Year after year, and for decades, (thanks to the 'Copper Law') the three branches of
the Chilean Armed Forces are in a process of continuous modernization, and it is not
surprising that they currently have 420 tanks and more than 730 vehicles. armored
vehicles (in addition to self-propelled artillery, multiple rocket launchers and all-terrain
vehicles equipped with anti-tank missiles), becoming the most modern armored force
in South America

Making a brief comparison with the equipment of the Peruvian Army:

Chili Peru Comment

The T-55 tanks have a shorter

360 Leopard range gun and are completely
1A5 behind in technology, compared to
Tanks 60 AMX-30 300 T-55 any of the 420 Chilean tanks. (for
--------- example: they cannot fire while
420 total moving, they do not have a ballistic
computer, laser rangefinder or night
vision systems)
The M113 of the Peruvian army are
Tracked inferior in technology, weapons and
480 M113
armored 300 M113 communications systems compared
(modernized)
vehicles to their Chilean counterparts.

35 Fiat Oto
Melara
more than 250 40 Cadillac
All wheeled vehicles of the Peruvian
Mowag-Piranha Cage
Armored army (except the 20 Casspir) are
vehicles 12 BTR-60
vehicles on currently totally obsolete; and only
(Mowag 6x6 15 BRDM-2
wheels the 12 BTR-60 would have some off-
and Mowag 20 Casspir road capability.
8x8)
--------
122 total

* Given the limited budget of the Peruvian Armed Forces, most of the Army, Navy and
Aviation equipment is inoperative.

Not even a quarter of the FAP's aircraft are in combat condition (Reports from the
Army and Navy confirm that their war equipment is also mostly inoperative. ) - July
2004
 Tanks
Leopard 1A5

armament 105mm
number of units cannon
360

AMX-30 B1/B2

armament 105mm
number of units cannon
60
News from the newspaper El Mercurio of Chile confirming that there are 360 Leopard
1A5 tanks, and 60 AMX-30 B1/B2 tanks in the Chilean army:
http://www.defesanet.com.br/noticia/chileleopard/
 Infantry combat vehicles /
Troop carrier

M113

M113 - with 'Kuka' turret - 25mm gun

M113 with grenade launcher

- Some units have a 25mm cannon.
armament - other versions use a Mk.19 grenade launcher and/or
machine guns
number of units
approximately 480
Mowag- Piranha
6x6

- approximately 150 vehicles use machine guns (troop transport),

armament some have been converted into mortar carriers - 20 vehicles use
20mm cannons (anti-aircraft version)
number of units
more than 200 units

Mowag- Piranha
8x8

armament machine guns (troop transport)

number of units 50
Yo
M109

description M109 self-propelled artillery, 155mm,

total units indeterminate number

LAR multiple rocket

launcher

description LAR multiple rocket launcher, 160mm

total units indeterminate number
'Mapats' anti-tank
missile

'Mapats' laser-guided anti-tank missile (mounted on Commandcar

description
vehicle)
total units
at least 400 Mapats missiles

The military balance between Peru and Chile

http://www.geocities.com , March 2006, Ignacio J. Osacar

The recent statements by the candidate for the presidency of Peru, Ollanta Humala,
reveal his concern about the true intention of Chile's arms purchases. Likewise, the
candidate expressed his decision, if elected, to reestablish the operational levels of
the Peruvian Armed Forces.

These demonstrations direct attention again to the modernization plan of the Chilean
Armed Forces, which, even before being completed, produces a strong military
imbalance with respect to its neighbors Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. Although Chile's
political tensions with Argentina due to border disputes have been overcome, the
same has not happened with respect to the historical claims of access to the sea
through Bolivia's Atacama corridor and the delimitations of maritime areas with Peru,
which requires changing the latitudinal limit by a line equidistant from a southwest
axis.

The assumption of power by Evo Morales in Bolivia and the possible triumph of
Ollanta Humala in Peru present a new scenario. Both agree on nationalist and
populist political visions, which could generate tension in the region, if they decided to
take measures to mobilize and unite the unstable internal political front, by setting
political objectives that vindicate historical sovereign aspirations.

Although the superiority of Chile's military power over Bolivia is significant, the same
does not happen with Peru, a country that, although it has had better times of
equipment and budget, has experience in modern classical warfare, due to the
wars against Ecuador in 1941 and 1995. , and in unconventional warfare, due to
the prolonged fight against the Shining Path organization . Chile's only
experience in classical warfare dates back to the Pacific War (1879-1884), and
in unconventional warfare, to operations against small urban guerrilla
elements, during the first years of the military government of General Pinochet
.

Peru's economic growth in recent years has been important but it is not as much as
that of Chile, which is reflected in a privileged budget situation. Data from 2004
indicate that Chile has a GDP of USD 85.8 billion and Peru of 61.6 billion, which
means a GDP per capita of USD 5,378 for Chileans and USD 2,238 for Peruvians.
Taking this year as a reference, we observe that Chile's Defense budget was USD
2,025 million while Peru's was USD 904 million . The Chilean budget represents
1.32% of GDP while the Peruvian budget is 1.03%.

This great difference observed between the two countries is due to the fact that the
Chilean Defense receives an item, outside the budget, as established in the
Reserved Copper Law 13,196 , resulting from a fixed percentage of the taxes on the
export of copper, which It is mainly used to acquire war material.

In recent years, international copper prices have risen sharply, thus benefiting the
Armed Forces with greater availability for their modernization plan. The amount of
this contribution was USD 283 million in addition to the total Defense budget
allocation for the year in question.

Within the total budget of the State, the Defense item of Chile represents 9.31% (with
the Reserved Copper law included) and that of Peru represents 7.13%.

Within the structuring of the Defense budget we can verify that in 2004 Chile
allocated 58.3% for "Personnel Expenses" (Salaries, Retirements and Pensions) and
Peru somewhat less, with 51.8%. On "Military Reequipment" Chile spent 23.4% while
Peru did not explicitly reveal any allocation in this area. In relation to what is called
"Other expenses" (includes operating expenses for training and maintenance), Chile
allocated 18.1% while Peru allocated 48.1%.

The Chilean Army has 44,100 troops, divided into 3,800 officers, 15,300 non-
commissioned officers and 25,000 soldiers. Peru has 74,000 troops with 5,900
officers, 13,600 non-commissioned officers and 54,500 soldiers. The Chilean Navy
has a total of 25,500 men, with 2,000 officers, 13,500 non-commissioned officers and
10,000 sailors, while the Peruvian Navy has 23,000 personnel divided into 1,900
officers, 16,700 non-commissioned officers and 4,400 sailors. The Chilean Air Force
has 11,300 troops, made up of 1,800 officers, 7,500 non-commissioned officers and
2,000 soldiers, the Peruvian Air Force with a total of 16,900 troops, has 1,800
officers, 7,600 non-commissioned officers and 7,500 soldiers. Peru has a total force
in its Armed Forces of 113,900 men compared to 80,800 in Chile.

The military service of the troops in Chile is mixed, mandatory for men and voluntary
for both sexes according to quotas. In Peru the system is voluntary for both sexes.

For their defense, both countries have organized their territory into Military Regions
that coincide with geographical, political or economic delimitation criteria. These
would constitute the possible Theaters of Operations in the event of war. The
operational organization at the Great Combat Unit (GUC) level is made up of 7 Army
Divisions in Chile, while Peru has 15 Brigades. In the case of Chile, the name
Division seems exaggerated, given the few organic Units that these Divisions have in
peacetime; but they would reach the necessary troop levels with the efficient regional
mobilization system in the event of war based on the Israeli and Swiss models.

In Chile, all the organic maneuver elements of these Divisions are 30 Tactical Units,
22 Infantry and 13 Cavalry. These Units are organized into 8 Tank Armored Cavalry
Units, 5 Armored Scout Cavalry Units, 10 Mechanized Infantry Units, and 12
Motorized Infantry Units. Fire Support is provided by 7 Artillery Groups. They have an
Army Aviation Brigade made up of 5 Units and a Brigade of

Commands with 1 Unit. They have the support of 5 Engineering Units. Other Units
corresponding to Logistics Support Services must also be added.

They are equipped with 404 Tanks, 80 Armored Exploration Vehicles and 608
Armored Transport Vehicles. They have 190 pieces of artillery and 70 aircraft, of
which 50 are helicopters.

The Anti-Aircraft Artillery is made up of tube pieces of 20 mm, 35 mm, and 40 mm

calibers, additionally they have 12 Mistral missile systems (1)
The Peruvian Army has a total of 46 Tactical Units, 33 Infantry and 13 Cavalry. They
are composed of 5 Tank Cavalry Units, 4 Mechanized Cavalry, 4 Armored Cavalry, 8
Motorized Infantry, 4 Motorized Mountain Infantry, 3 Commandos, 1 Parachute
Infantry, 3 Jungle Infantry and 2 Infantry Armored. Fire Support is provided by 23
Artillery Units, made up of 2 Armored Groups, 2 Mountain Groups, 1 Jungle Group
and 1 Airborne Group and 5 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Groups.
They have an Army Aviation Brigade with 3 Units and 1 Special Forces Unit. It has
the support of 9 Engineering Units. There are also Units corresponding to Logistics
Support Services.
They have 410 Tanks and 162 Armored Exploration Vehicles, 312 Armored
Transport Vehicles. The Artillery totals 296 pieces and the Aviation has 98 aircraft of
which 82 are helicopters (2) .

The Anti-Aircraft Artillery is made up of 150 23 mm and 40 mm pieces, in addition to

an undetermined number of SA 3, SA 7 and SA 18 missile systems. These systems
are close to obsolescence, although the SA 3 is the only medium-range missile in the
South American region.

The Chilean Navy has 4 conventional submarines, 2 helicopter-carrying missile

destroyers, 4 missile frigates, 7 missile fast boats, 32 patrol boats, 3 tank landing
ships, 3 smaller amphibious vessels, 1 logistics ship, 1 fleet tanker, 3 warnings, 1
submarine mother ship, 1 beacon ship, 1 icebreaker, 2 oceanographic and
hydrographic ships, 1 training ship, in reserve 2 helicopter-carrying missile destroyers
and 1 missile frigate. Naval Aviation has 51 airplanes and 18 helicopters. The Marine
Corps (IM) has 3,500 men organized into 4 IM Tactical Units, 1 Amphibious Vehicle
Unit, 1 Exploration Subunit, 2 Artillery Units, 4 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Subunits and 1
Special Operations Unit (3) .

The Peruvian Navy has 6 conventional submarines, 1 missile cruiser, 1 missile

destroyer, 6 missile frigates, 6 missile corvettes, 4 river patrol boats, 25 river patrol
boats, 4 tank landing ships, 1 logistics ship, 3 fleet tankers , 1 river hospital ship, 3
tugboats, 1 torpedo rescue boat, 1 rescue ship, 1 oceanographic ship, 1
hydrographic ship and 1 training ship. Naval Aviation has 16 airplanes and 17
helicopters. The Marine Corps has 5,100 troops organized into 5 IM Tactical Units, 1
Mechanized Tactical Unit, 1 Independent Mechanized Subunit and 1 Independent IM
Subunit, 5 Field and Coast Artillery Subunits, 1 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Subunit, 1
Engineer Unit. Combat, 1 Special Operations Unit, 1 Logistics Support Unit (4) . The
main objective is to replace the cruiser and the destroyer in the medium term, already
obsolete and expensive to maintain, with 2 new Lupo-type frigates, with which the
Peruvian fleet would have 8 modern frigates. The IM has a consistent projection
capacity through its 4 LSTs.

The Chilean Air Force (FACH) has 194 aircraft, of which there are 89 combat, 25
transport, 21 helicopters and other aircraft of various categories for instruction,
training or search and rescue. Considering the combat aircraft, 13 are fighter-
interceptors, 29 are fighter-bombers, 36 are attack aircraft and 11 are light attack or
counterinsurgency aircraft. The Chilean helicopters are 10 transport and assault
helicopters and 11 liaison or light helicopters. The Air Force has 1 Parachute Unit in
its organization. The Anti-Aircraft Artillery is made up of 1 Unit with 5 Air Defense
Groups with cannons and missiles (5) . It should be noted that they have 1 B-707
Condor and 3 Beech-99A to execute Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM),
Communications (COMINT) and Air Early Warning (AEW).

In the case of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP), it has a total of 365 aircraft, with 120
combat aircraft, 60 transport aircraft, 100 helicopters, in addition to other aircraft
necessary for specific or general purpose missions. In the combat aircraft category
there are 30 fighter-interceptors, 41 fighter-bombers, 8 bombers and 18 attack
aircraft. The helicopter material is made up of 16 attack helicopters, 61 transport
helicopters and 23 liaison or light helicopters. The Anti-Aircraft Artillery has 5 Units
with 9 Air Defense Groups with missiles. The FAP has 1 Special Operations Unit in
its organization. The lack of aircraft for Electronic Warfare operations must be noted.
(6)

Chile's reequipment plan is ambitious and has a projection over time, in line with a
growing economy, and successive governments that have been

agree in granting a high priority to Defense; unlike its regional neighbors, who due to
economic limitations or political decisions have seen their military power significantly
affected.

It is natural that Peru observes with concern Chile's military growth that results in the
incorporation of modern weapons systems such as 2 Scorpene submarines, 3 type
23 frigates, 4 type M and L frigates, 100 Leopard II tanks, 10 new F-16s, 18 F-16
MLU (7) , 142 AIM 120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles (8) and 20 Harpoon anti-ship
missiles (9) in the medium term.

These weapons systems must be observed in depth, from the point of view of the
electronic subsystems of all types that they have; which ultimately establishes their
combat effectiveness. These capabilities and technical limitations are kept strictly
confidential by users and manufacturers (10) . As an example, it can be stated that an
outdated anti-aircraft missile system can do little to destroy aircraft that launch
modern guided bombs or missiles from completely safe distances and that evade or
electronically deceive defense radars.

It is quite clear that Chile's modernization efforts are integral to the three Armed
Forces, which is logical, since the modern operational conception is joint in any
situation. Peru has only been able to sustain a specific effort in its Navy, while the
Army and Air Force suffer from serious maintenance problems and the age of their
materials. Budget allocations make a difference, not only in the acquisition of new
weapons, but also in the permanence in service of others, not so modern, but that
fulfill their benefits adequately. The availability of departures also directly influences
personnel training, when they are converted into flight hours, days of navigation, or
kilometers of walking on roads.

Peru's vision contemplates as a hypothesis that friction with Chile, which evolves into
an escalation of crisis, could unleash another similar and simultaneous process with
Ecuador, without ruling out the reactivation of insurgency operations, combined with
the actions of drug trafficking groups, both in urban and rural areas. It should be
added that the eventual solution of Bolivia's claims to access the sea, granting it a
sovereign corridor, is not accepted by Peru, if it were drawn through territories close
to its international limit. In short, Peruvian military power is always distributed in no
less than three possible strategic directions and only the correct and timely
appreciation of events will allow them to assign priorities and determine the most
convenient modes of action.
Chile moves its pieces towards the most sensitive place. The 10 most modern F-16s
will be operated by the recently reactivated Aviation Group No. 3 in Iquique, just a
few minutes' flight from the border line with Peru and Bolivia.

SOURCES:

Military Balance of South America. Nueva Mayoría Editorial.

www.fas.org Consulted 3-24-06
www.armada.mil.pe Consulted 3-24-06
www.ejercito.mil.cl Consulted 3-24-06
www.fap.mil.pe Consulted 3-24-06
www.ejercito.mil.pe Consulted 3-24-06
www.fach.mil.cl Consulted 3-24-06
www.armada.cl Consulted 3-24-06
www.mindef.gov.pe Consulted 3-24-06
www.defensa.cl Consulted 3-24-06
REFERENCES:

(1)
Tanks: 284 Leopard 1v, 60 AMX 30, 50 M-51 (in reserve), 60 M-41, 36 M-24 (in
reserve).
Wheeled Armored Vehicles: 60 Lynx, 20 Piranha.
Armored Transport Vehicles: 358 M-113, 150 Piranha 6x6, 100 Piranha 8x8.
105mm cannons: 138
155 mm cannons. 48 (12 self-propelled)
Multiple rocket systems: 4
Anti-aircraft guns: (?) 20mm HS-639, Oerlikon, GAI-CO, FAMIL, TCM-20
25 35mm GDF-001
(?) 40mm Bofors L 70
Fixed wing aircraft: 4 CASA, 6 CASA 212-100, 20 light liaison and transport aircraft.
Helicopters: 10 SA-330 Puma, 2 SA-332 Super Puma, 20 MD-530F, 6 AS 350B, 12
Enstrom Fx28.
(2)
Tanks: 300 T-54/55, 110 AMX 13
Armored Exploration Vehicles: 112 Mowag Roland, 30 BDRM-2, 20 Fiat 6616.
Armored Transport Vehicles: 170 M-113, 12 BTR-60, 130 UR-416.
105 mm guns: 180 M-101, 50 Oto Melara M-59
122mm guns: 36 M-46
130mm cannons: 30 M-54

155mm guns: 26 M-114, 12 Mk F3 (self-propelled)

Multiple rocket systems: 12
Anti-aircraft artillery: 23 mm 80 ZSU M-101, 36 23 mm ZSU-23-4 Shilka 40 mm 40
Bofors L 70
Fixed wing aircraft: 3 AN-32 and 13 light transport and liaison aircraft.
Helicopters: 26 Mi8, 13 Mi-17, 2 Bell 412, 2 Mi-6, 3 Mi 26, 5 A-109K, 8 SA 315B
Lama, 5 SA-316B Alouette III, 3 SA-318 Alouette II, 8 Bell 47 , 7 Enstrom F28
Falcon. (3) Submersible Units: 2 Type 209/1400, 2 Scorpene
Main Surface Combat Units: 2 County class, 3 Leander class, 1 type 22.
Amphibious Units: 3 Batral class LST, 1 Newport class LST, 2 Elicura class LSM, 1
Pisagua class LSU.
Exploration and Surveillance Aircraft: 6 P-3 ACH Orion, 5 EMB-111 A Bandeirulha.
Anti-submarine / surface and General Purpose Helicopters: 5 AS 332 SC Cougar, 3
Bell 206B, 2 Bell SH-57, 2 UH-57, MBB BO-105 CBS-5, 1 Bell 412.
IM vehicles: 12 FV-101 Scorpion, 30 Bv-202, (?) LVTP.
105mm guns: 16 KH-178
155mm guns: 28 G-5 (coastal defense)
Anti-aircraft guns: (?) 20mm Oerlikon, Blowpipe missiles.
Missiles: AM-39 Exocet, MM-38 Excalibur.
(4)
Submersible Units: 2 Type 209/1000, 4 209/1200
Main Surface Combat Units: 1 De Ruyter class, 1 Daring class, 4 Lupo type, 6 Fr PR-
72.
Amphibious Units: 4 Terrebone Parrish class LST.
Exploration and Surveillance Aircraft: 5 B-200T Super Air King, 1 F-27.
Anti-submarine / surface and General Purpose Helicopters: 6 AB-212, 3 SH- 3D, 3
Bell 206
IM Vehicles: 15 V-200 Chaimite, 20 BMR-600
122mm cannons 6 D-30, 18 (?)
Anti-aircraft guns: (?) 20mm Oerlikon (two-tube)
Missiles: AM-39 Exocet.
(5)
Combat: 13 Mirage 50, 13 F-5E Tiger III, 16 Mirage V DB Elkan, 11 T-36 Falcon,
22 A-36 Falcon II, 14 A-37B Dragonfly.
Transport: 3 Boeing 707, 1 B-737, 2 C-130H, 3 C-130B, 12 DH-6 Twin Otter, 4 CASA
212-300
Helicopters: 3 Bell 206 Jet Ranger, 1 BK-117, 5 UH-1H, 4 Bell 412, 1 S-70, 6 SA-
315 Lama, 1 BO-105.
Missiles: AIM-98/J Sidewinder, Shafir, Python III and V
Anti-aircraft guns: (?) 35mm GDF-003, (?) 35mm Rheinmetall RH-202, (?) 20 mm
Oerlikon
Anti-aircraft missiles: (?) Blowpipe, 12 Migale Systems and 6 Aspic Mistral.
(6)
Combat: 23 Cessna A-37B, 30 Su-22,18 Su25A, 12 Mirage 2000P,11 Mirage
5P,18 Mig-29, 8 Canberra.
Transport: 1 Boeing KC 707-323, 17 An-32, 1 C-130A, 5 L-100-20, 2 DC-8-62F, 12
DHC-5, 5 DHC-6, 1 FH-227, 9 PC -6, 6 Y-12, 1 Boeing 737.
Helicopters: 16 Mi-24, 3 Mi-8, 35 Mi-17TM, 8 Bell 206, 14 B-412, 10 Bo-105C, 5 SA-
316, 8 UH-1H, 1 B-412.
Anti-aircraft missiles: (?) SA-2, (?) SA-3, (?) SA-7
Missiles: AA-2 Atoll, AA-8 Asphid, AA-10 Alemo, R-550 Magic, AA-12 Adder, AS-30.
(7)
MLU Mid Life Upgrade. Process of renewal and modernization of the subsystems
that allow the machine to extend its years in service and improve its performance.
(8)
Air-to-air missiles with a range of 50 km.
(9)
60 nautical mile range anti-ship missile
(10)
Without ruling out modifications or improvements that could be developed locally
by users, with modest technology, and that surprise the manufacturers themselves.
This is the case of the development of the Exocet weapons system carried out by
Argentine Navy technicians during the Malvinas War with successful results against
enemy ships.