SPANISH ARMY MODERNIZATION

@ 219 Leopard-2A6 main battle tanks are being produced.

@ 144 Pizarro armored infantry fighting vehicles are on order. Eventually, 463 will be bought to replace some of the 1,000 old M113s.

@ Hundreds of BMR wheeled armored vehicles will be modernized and kept in service to 2013.

@ A new combat helicopter (Apache or Tiger) will be selected to replace the Bo-105.

@ The new HK36 assault rifle is being purchased for all three services.

@ The 17 CH47 Chinook helicopters have been or are being upgraded to CH47Ds.

@ Fifteen Cougar medium-lift helicopters will be delivered by 2003.

@ Twenty-two VRC-105 Centauro B1 armored tank destroyers have been ordered to equip the 8th Lusitania Light Cavalry Regiment of the Rapid Reaction Force.

@ A new battery of SBT-1 howitzers are on order.--Stephen V Cole