The Chilean government has agreed to sell Germany 30 Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles from army stockpiles as part of a ‘circular exchange’ scheme.
German Aid to Ukraine reported on this, citing El Mostrador.
According to the journalists, Germany will likely transfer these IFVs to Ukraine, while Chile would receive access to modern air-defense systems in return. So far, there has been no official confirmation of this from either Berlin or Santiago.
Germany has already delivered 140 Marder 1A3s to Ukraine and publicly promised another 25. If the 30 vehicles from Chile are added to this, it appears to be a logical continuation of Berlin’s commitments.
Meanwhile, the deliveries had previously been expected to be completed in the first half of the year – more than four months ago. This raises the question of whether this is the fulfillment of already announced commitments or new, as yet undisclosed agreements.
The ‘circular exchange’ scheme provides that countries transfer equipment to allies and, in return, receive compensation from Germany in the form of weapons or funding. Previously, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, and others took part in such arrangements.
If the information is confirmed, this would be the first instance of a Latin American country participating in such an exchange as part of support for Ukraine.
