Originally posted by bigballs11:
I would forseen the new light tank will be based on BIONIX chassis.
The only question is will it be a conventional 105mm gun turrut or
new concept missile based launch platform (probably couple with
chain cannon or AGL)?!?
A missile based launch platform will theoretically be called a
tank destroyer rather than a (light) tank. Are you thinking of the
USMC Sheridan M551 alike?
I personally think that a M8 AGS, Stingray type light tank should
be acquired. However, I don't think SAF needs to replace SM1 with
the new light tank on a 1 to 1 basis.
Furthermore, I see that the Bionix 25mm armed version can add
anti-armour missiles as part of its armament. Two individual launch
tubes can be mounted each on the side of the turret like that of
the LAV-25 Tow armed version. Given Sg can license build Spikes, I
think it will not be too difficult to integrate the Spikes unto the
Bionix turrets.
I also think that Bionix can also carry a turret similar to the
UMSC AAV7s with the CIS 40 AGL and 0.5 HMG, which gives better
protection to the gunner. See pics below:
if you don't
see above pic, click on the image holder area and you will get to a
page that has got the drawing of the AAV7 40/50 turret...Scroll to
the bottom and click on the image of the right 
As for the light tank, we can marry a foreign turret to the Bionix
chassis, for example, the Textron 105mm turrent:
http://www.tmls.textron.com/Programs/LAND/Turrets/turrets.htm
For MBT, most probably it will be 2nd hand thick armour Makera MBT
(Mk 2 or 3) at dirt cheap price to replace the Centurions.
I doubt this will happen because the Merkava Mk2 and Mk3 are way
too heavy for SAF.
