October 13, 2007:
The Greek Army has received six Buffalo (PHOTO) armored recovery vehicles. Another six are on the way. These German made vehicles weigh 54 tons and are basically Leopard 2 tanks with the turret removed and engineer and tank repair equipment installed. With a crew of three, the Buffalo has a crane that can lift 30 tons, and a dozer blade for moving earth. And, of course, an engine powerful enough to tow a disabled 60 ton tank. Germany, Holland, Austria and Spain also use Buffalo. It's common practice to tank retrievers by using slightly older tanks, of the same weight class, and simply remove the turret.