Image source: topwar.ru
M113 TOMP
The Greek command, seeking to modernize the army's battle formations, considered various options for rearming mechanized units.
In particular, Athens was offered to purchase and restore Bradley infantry fighting vehicles from storage in the United States, purchase new German KF-41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles and improve the fleet of American-made M113 armored personnel carriers. It seems that the choice was made in favor of the latter option, although it is possible that other programs will be implemented in parallel.
The Greek Army published a video clip in which, under the heading "We are modernizing our tracked vehicles," an animated concept of the M113 armored vehicle was shown, which has undergone a number of improvements.
As stated in the OnAlert edition.gr, the command intended to modernize the M113 to meet the needs of the 4th Army Corps [responsible for the "Turkish direction"]. The work is to be carried out by the Israeli concern Rafael in cooperation with the local company METKA. This consortium has already started building a prototype of the M113 TOMA armored vehicle ("TOMA" means infantry fighting vehicle) based on the M113 TOMP ("TOMP" means armored personnel carrier). It is expected to be presented soon.
Image source: topwar.ru
The M113 TOMA concept
The improvements made to the M113 include, among other things, more powerful weapons in the form of a 30 mm remote-controlled cannon, stronger armor, a new engine with increased power, as well as upgraded communication and electronics systems that increase awareness on the battlefield.
- the author believes.
As noted in the publication, sources in the General Staff report that the desired number of M113s, which will be upgraded to the BMP level, is 500 units, but at the first stage their number may be limited to 300-400 units.
According to the proposal of the Rafael-METKA consortium, a production line dedicated to the improvement of machinery will be located at the enterprises of the Greek company in Magnesia.
