Tag: Chilean Armed Forces
Chilean Armed ForcesChilean Lower House votes unanimously to end “copper law” that finances the military
Chilean Defence Minister Andrés Allamand achieved this week a unanimous vote in the Chamber of Deputies for the proposal to change the funding system for the Armed Forces. The proposal, should it gain approval in the Senate, would put an end to the so-called “copper law,” which has been in effect since 1958.
Chilean Army invests 15.8m dollars in upgrading US made Howitzers
A Chilean plan for modernizing and upgrading its defense forces is under way with one of the first major contracts going to BAE Systems for the supply and refurbishment of 12 U.S.-made M109A5 howitzers. The 15.8 million dollars contract has been implemented for the Chilean Government through a US foreign military sales contract.
Santiago mayor suggests military may be necessary to contain Chilean students’ violence
Over the weekend, Santiago Mayor Conservative Pablo Zalaquett made it clear that if the violence and destruction associated with student protests continues to escalate, intervention of Chile’s Armed Forces may be necessary.
Piñera submits bill to repeal financing military expenditure with copper exports
Chilean President Sebastián Piñera signed a bill which, if approved by Congress, would eliminate a substantial source of revenue for Chile’s Armed Forces. Under current legislation, 10% of all export revenues from Chile’s National Copper Corporation (CODELCO) are directed to the Superior Council of National Defence, to be spent on weaponry and equipment.
