Image source: topwar.ru
In December 2024, the Greek media reported that due to the lack of new equipment purchases, the army would decide to modernize some of the outdated M113 armored personnel carriers in service. It is planned to improve at least 500 vehicles (out of a total fleet of almost 2,000 units). After completion of the work, they should become full-fledged infantry fighting vehicles, providing protection and firepower at a new level.
The modernization is planned to be carried out in cooperation with the Israeli company Rafael. At DEFEA 2025, Rafael presented a project with a whole range of new technologies. The vehicle received additional armor, improved mine protection, new tracks developed by Vippon together with LS MTRON, modern optoelectronics (providing situational awareness) and a combat control system (new means of communication and data exchange).
Rafael Modernization Project:
Image source: topwar.ru
However, the key change is the replacement of the open machine gun turret with a remote-controlled Samson Mini combat module armed with a 30 mm M230LF (based on the Apache attack helicopter cannon). This will make it possible to destroy many types of equipment, including armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. To defeat heavily armored targets, the vehicle is equipped with Spike LR2 ATGM mounted in a twin launcher (6 more missiles are stored inside the vehicle).
This will turn the "aluminum box", as the M113 is called, into a full-fledged infantry fighting vehicle, which will have a potential similar to, for example, the ZMA-15 Zırhlı– the Turkish modernization of the M113. As stated in the press, improving the machines should have been cheaper than acquiring new platforms.
At the same time, it is possible that the Greek Ministry of Defense will choose another modernization project proposed in September 2025 by the Israeli company Elbit Systems.
It includes a constructive redesign of the vehicle, designed to significantly improve ballistic and mine protection. In turn, this will increase the curb weight of the vehicle to 16-20 tons, depending on the selected upgrade package. The power plant will be replaced with a new and powerful 350-380 hp engine to compensate for the increased weight. The M113 will be armed with the UT30 Mk2/3 assault rifle with a 30 mm Bushmaster II cannon and a twin 7.62mm machine gun. It also provides for the installation of PU for Spike LR2 ATGM.
Modernization project from Elbit Systems:
Image source: topwar.ru
However, this upgrade is much larger than the Rafael project and, therefore, more expensive: according to Western observers, the unit cost is about € 2 million.
Apparently, Greece is leaning towards Rafael's proposal. At least the other day, a delegation of the General Staff returned from Israel. The developer demonstrated firing from an upgraded armored vehicle to her. It is only reported that the UAV was hit by a burst of 8 shells from a 30x113 mm cannon. Information about whether the fire was conducted from the spot or in motion, as well as the shooting at ground targets, is not provided.
It is also indicated that Rafael explained: in the case of equipping the M113 with a 30x113 mm cannon, the armor will correspond to the 4th level according to STANAG 4569 (it will withstand a bullet from a 14.5 x 114 mm cartridge), when placing a 30x173 mm caliber, it will correspond to the 3rd level (it will protect against armor-piercing 7.62 x 51 mm).
