Leopard 2
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : November 1979
Total Production : 4,044
The Leopard 2 is a heavyweight Main Battle Tank (MBT) designed to replace Leopard 1 in the German Army countering the soviet-made T-72. The Leopard 2 features high mobility, protection, improved survivability over previous main battle tanks and a 120mm smoothbore gun. More than 3,000 Leopard 2 have been produced to date for 11 European nations. Due to this fact the Leopard is truly called the Euro Leopard 2.
The Leopard 2 main battle tank is the result of cooperation between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall. As the proven Leopard 1 technology follow-on, the Leopard 2 features high availability and low life cycle costs. It can operate day/night and in all-weather conditions.
The Leopard 2 modular design clears the way for rapid and easy modernization and upgrading programs. It was deployed for the first time in the 1990s during the former Yugoslavia conflict. It has not been involved in military campaigns, like the M1 Abrams and the British Challenger, but it is considered as one of the best main battle tanks currently in service.
Model | Status | Year | Produced |
---|---|---|---|
Leopard 2 A4 | Active | 1979 | 2,125 |
Leopard 2 A5 | Active | 1996 | 620 |
Leopard 2 A6 | Active | 2001 | 396 |
Leopard 2 A6M | Active | 2004 | ? |
Leopard 2 A7+ | Active | 2010 | 156 |
MBT Revolution | Active | 2012 | ? |
Leopard 2 A7V | Active | 2016 | ? |
Leopard 2 A8 | Under Development | 2025 | 388 |
Leopard 2 A4
Group : Main Battle Tanks
Status : Active
Also Known As : Leopard 2 A4M CAN (Canada), Leopard 2 A4NO (Norway), Strv 121
Origin : Germany
Contractors : Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Rheinmetall Defence
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : November 1979
Total Production : 2,125
The Leopard 2 was first deployed by the German Army (Bundeswehr) in 1979. The Leopard 2 A4 was the first production model and includes an L44 120mm smoothbore main gun (44 calibers long). Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark and Switzerland ordered the Leopard 2 A4 main battle tank. Poland, Spain, Norway and Sweden have purchased/leased secondhand Leopard 2 A4s. There are plans to upgrade many of these tanks to plus modern A5/A6 configuration.
In early August 2005, Greece and the German government achieved an agreement on the sale of 183 Leopard 2 A4 and further 150 Leopard 1 A5 coming from the Bundeswehr (German Army) inventory. The agreement was in connection with the purchase of 170 Leopard 2 A6 or Leopard 2 HEL by the Greek Army in 2004. In 2005 Germany and Turkey agreed on the transfer of 298 surplus Leopard 2 A4 main battle tanks from the Bundeswehr inventory.
Operators
Country | Status | State | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Active | 114/114 | |
![]() | Active | 54/80 | ex-Dutch Leopard 2 A4 main battle tanks |
![]() | Active | 220 | ex-German Army Leopard A4 main battle tanks |
![]() | Active | 43 | ex-German tanks delivered in May 2022 (15) and from 2024 to 2026 (14). Another 14 tanks to be delivered by 2026. |
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 57/82 | ex-German Leopard 2 A4s upgraded to Leopard 2 A5 (57), Wisent (11) and PNMIRK (2) while the remaining 12 held as spare parts |
![]() | Active | 120/139 | |
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 0/1,200 | |
![]() | Active | 114/183 | ex-German Army tanks |
![]() | Active | 12/12 | ex-German Army tanks |
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 103 | ex-German Army upgraded tanks ordered in December 2012. Converted to MBT Revolution. |
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 5/? | |
![]() | Active | ? | |
![]() | Active | 128/142 | ex-German Army. To be upgraded to MBT Revolution Leopar 2PL |
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 38 | ex-Dutch Army Leopard 2 tanks. Upgraded to Leopard 2 A6 variant. |
![]() | Active | 15 | Transferred from Germany before the end of 2022 (15) |
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 54/108 | Transferred to Ukraine in June 2022 |
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 0/160 | |
![]() | Active | 134/344 | |
![]() | Active | 298/339 | |
![]() | Active | 107 | Transferred from Spain (53); Norway (8); Finland (10); Poland (14) in January 2023. Canada (4) in January2023. Canada send another 4 tanks in February 2023. In April 2023, Denmark and Netherlands committed 14 Leopard 2 A4 tanks to be delivered in early 2024. |
Specifications
Notes | ||
---|---|---|
Crew | 4 | |
Rolling Rubber Wheels | 7 | |
Dimensions | ||
Height | 2.8 meter | |
Length | 7.7 meter | |
Main Gun Caliber | 120 millimeter | |
Width | 3.7 meter | |
Mass | ||
Combat Weight | 55,000 kilogram | |
Performance | ||
Main Gun Max Range | 3,000 meter | |
Max Range | 550 kilometer | |
Power | ||
Power | 1,500 shp | |
Speed | ||
Cross Country Speed | 45 kph | |
Top Speed | 72 kph |
Gear
Large Caliber Cannons | ||
---|---|---|
120mm L44 | 1 | |
Projectiles | ||
DM 11 | ||
DM 12A2 | ||
DM 63 | ||
Vehicle Engines | ||
MB 873 Ka-501 | 1 |
Leopard 2 A5
Group : Main Battle Tanks
Status : Active
Also Known As : Leopard 2 PSO, Strv 122
Origin : Germany
Contractors : Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Rheinmetall Defence
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1996
Total Production : 620
The Leopard 2 A5 is an improved version of proven Leopard 2 with improved armor and survivability. The A5 model has specially located add-on armor to counter top-attack munitions and latest generation anti-tank missiles. A new commander's thermal sight has been provided in addition to the gunner's one. The German Army ordered new-built Leopard 2 A5 tanks and Sweden also ordered the A5 model under the Strv122 designation and featuring some minor modifications.
Leopard 2 PSO (Peace Support Operation) is a Leopard 2 A5 variant intended for peacekeeping operations in urban and non-urban terrain. It was developed by Krauss Maffei-Wegmann using its own funds and introduced at Eurosatory 2006 in Paris, France. Leopard 2 PSO leverages the Leopard 2 A5 protection and firepower adding a secondary turret-mounted weapon station operated under armor, an option for equipping with non-lethal effective means, a high-performance camera system for close observation, an enhanced reconnaissance ability, search light and a dozer-blade for barricade removal.
Operators
Country | Status | State | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 57/57 | Upgraded Leopard 2 A4s |
![]() | Active | 358/500 | |
![]() | Active | 105/105 | ex-German Army tanks |
![]() | Active | 110/120 | To be updated to A8 standard by 2027 (66) |
![]() | Active | 24 | Transferred from Sweden (14) in January 2023. Another 10 tanks from Sweden in March 2023. |
Specifications
Notes | ||
---|---|---|
Crew | 4 | |
Dimensions | ||
Height | 3 meter | |
Length | 7.7 meter | |
Main Gun Caliber | 120 millimeter | |
Width | 3.7 meter | |
Mass | ||
Combat Weight | 62,000 kilogram | |
Performance | ||
Main Gun Max Range | 3,000 meter | |
Max Range | 500 kilometer | |
Power | ||
Power | 1,500 shp | |
Speed | ||
Cross Country Speed | 12.5 mps | |
Top Speed | 20 mps |
Gear
Large Caliber Cannons | ||
---|---|---|
120mm L44 | 1 | |
Projectiles | ||
DM 11 | ||
DM 12A2 | ||
DM 63 | ||
Vehicle Engines | ||
MB 873 Ka-501 | 1 |
Leopard 2 A6
Group : Main Battle Tanks
Status : Active
Also Known As : Leopard 2 HEL, Leopard 2E
Origin : Germany
Contractors : Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Rheinmetall Defence
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2001
Total Production : 396
Unitary Cost : EUR €8.5 million
The Leopard 2 A6 is an improved Leopard 2 A5 through the addition of a L55 120mm smoothbore gun (55 calibers long). The new gun provides superior firepower enabling the Leopard 2 A6 to destroy tanks protected with improved heavy armor and to engage targets at longer ranges. The L55 gun will also be able to employ new ammunition and to penetrate heavier armors. Germany and the Netherlands are upgrading their Leopards to the A6 configuration. Leopard 2 provided to Spain and Greece (Leopard 2 HEL) will be A6 or A6-based models.
Operators
Country | Status | State | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 0/20 | ex-Dutch tanks? |
![]() | Active | 80/60 | ex-Dutch Army |
![]() | Active | 209/225 | ex-Leopard 2 A5 converted into Leopard 2 A6. Canada borrowed 20 Leopard 2 A6/M tanks and two recovery vehicles from the German Army in 2007 |
![]() | Active | 170 | |
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 0/180 | |
![]() | Active | 142 | Upgraded tanks from Leopard 2 A4 standard |
![]() | Active | 37 | ex-Dutch tanks acquired in 2008 (37) |
![]() | Active | 223/223 | Spain has ordered 219 Leopard 2Es plus four training tanks |
![]() | Active | 46 | Transferred from Germany to Ukraine in January-May 2023 (14) and the Netherlands (14). Germany delivered another 4 tanks in March 2023. Another 10 in October 2023. Portugal (4) in 2023. |
Specifications
Notes | ||
---|---|---|
Crew | 4 | |
Dimensions | ||
Height | 3 meter | |
Length | 7.7 meter | |
Main Gun Caliber | 120 millimeter | |
Width | 3.7 meter | |
Mass | ||
Combat Weight | 63,500 kilogram | |
Performance | ||
Main Gun Max Range | 3,500 meter | |
Max Range | 500 kilometer | |
Power | ||
Power | 1,800 shp | |
Speed | ||
Cross Country Speed | 12.5 mps | |
Top Speed | 20 mps |
Gear
Large Caliber Cannons | ||
---|---|---|
120mm L55 | 1 | |
Projectiles | ||
DM 11 | ||
DM 12A2 | ||
DM 63 | ||
Vehicle Engines | ||
MB 873 Ka-501 | 1 |
Leopard 2 A6M
Group : Main Battle Tanks
Status : Active
Also Known As : Bgbv 120 (Sweden), MBT 122M
Origin : Germany
Contractors : Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Rheinmetall Defence
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2004
Total Production : ?
Unitary Cost : EUR €8.5 million
The Leopard 2 A6 is an improved Leopard 2 A5 through the addition of a L55 120mm smoothbore gun (55 calibers long). The new gun provides superior firepower enabling the Leopard 2 A6 to destroy tanks protected with improved heavy armor and to engage targets at longer ranges. The L55 gun will also be able to employ new ammunition and to penetrate heavier armors. Germany and the Netherlands are upgrading their Leopards to the A6 configuration. Leopard 2 provided to Spain and Greece (Leopard 2 HEL) will be A6 or A6-based models.
The Leopard 2 A6M, also known as Leo 2 A6M or MBT 122M in Sweden, is an improved of Leopard 2 A6 Main Battle Tank featuring additional mine protection for Leopard 2 crew against anti-tank mines. The first Leo 2 A6Ms are scheduled for delivery to the German and Swedish armies in July 2004. The Leopard 2 tanks with additional mine protection will be provided from existing Leopard 2 and MBT 122, Leopard 2 Swedish designation, tanks.
On July 7, 2004, the first mine-protected Leopard A6M were handed over to German and Swedish Armies at Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMG) facilities in Munich, Germany. KMG will supply the retrofit kits to Swedish industry, while Germany's Leopard 2 tanks will be upgraded to the A6M standard locally by KMG. The retrofit kit includes add-on armor, new seat system and re-stowage arrangements.
Operators
Country | Status | State | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Active | 20/20 | Nineteen (19) are employed by the Canadian Forces. An additional one (1) A6M has been loaned to the CF, but remains in Germany as a fully operational reference tank. Germany remains the legal owner of the 20 A6M MBTs |
![]() | Active | 15/15 | Canada borrowed 20 Leopard 2 A6/M tanks and two recovery vehicles from the German Army in 2007 |
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 0/14 |
Specifications
Notes | ||
---|---|---|
Crew | 4 | |
Dimensions | ||
Height | 3.0 meter | |
Length | 11 meter | |
Main Gun Caliber | 120 millimeter | |
Width | 3.8 meter | |
Mass | ||
Combat Weight | 65,000 kilogram | |
Performance | ||
Main Gun Max Range | 3,500 meter | |
Max Range | 450 kilometer | |
Power | ||
Power | 1,800 hp | |
Speed | ||
Cross Country Speed | 45 kph | |
Top Speed | 72 kph |
Gear
Large Caliber Cannons | ||
---|---|---|
120mm L55 | 2 | |
Projectiles | ||
DM 11 | ||
DM 12A2 | ||
DM 63 | ||
Vehicle Engines | ||
MB 873 Ka-501 | 1 |
Leopard 2 A7+
Group : Main Battle Tanks
Status : Active
Also Known As : Leopard 2 A7, Leopard 2 A7 NOR
Origin : Germany
Contractors : Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Rheinmetall Defence
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : June 2010
Total Production : 156
Unitary Cost : EUR €29 million
The Leopard 2 A7+ is a further development of the successful Leopard 2 main battle tank incorporating a modular protection kit, increased mobility, improved sustainability, enhanced reconnaissance abilities and a more precise fire control system. As of mid-2010, it had successfully been tested and qualified by the German Army. The Leopard 2 A7+ modular design allows operations in urban terrain as well as high intensity operations. The same modular design also provides unmatched Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and mine protection. An urban operations kit offers a 360-degree protection against Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG) while a duel-kit protects the crew from Kinetic Energy (KE) and Shaped Charge (SC) projectiles especially on the frontal arc in classical duel-situations.
The Leopard's main gun can fire a 120mm High Explosive (HE) round that enables the crew to engage targets behind cover and within buildings. Besides, the FLW 200 remote weapon station is operated under protection avoiding exposing the tank's commander and gunner to hostile fire in urban terrain operations. The Leopard 2 A7+ also features a new final drive, new track, enhanced torsion bars and improved brake system and an adaptable dozer blade to clear obstacles. A new high performance cooling unit and an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) allows to accomplish continuous operations for 24-hour. The tank's situational awareness has been enhanced thanks to the third generation ATTICA thermal sight for the commander and gunner and day/night cameras for the driver. The tank's weapon system, turret and the crew cooling unit can be kept running solely relying on the APU instead of the main engine.
Operators
Country | Status | State | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Planned | 50 | Plans for the acquisition of 50 tanks revealed in May 2022. TBD. |
![]() | Retired - No Longer Operational | 0/20 | Upgraded tanks ordered by German Army and delivered in December 2014. To be upgraded to Leopard 2 A7V by 2020. |
![]() | Active | 44 | Tanks (44) ordered in December 2018 |
![]() | Active | 62 | |
![]() | Cancelled | 700 | Up to 200 or 700 Leopard 2 A7+ tanks worth 1.7 billion Euro ordered by Saudi Arabia in 2011 |
Specifications
Notes | ||
---|---|---|
Crew | 4 | |
Rolling Rubber Wheels | 7 | |
Dimensions | ||
Main Gun Caliber | 120 millimeter | |
Power | ||
Power | 1,800 hp |
MBT Revolution
Group : Main Battle Tanks
Status : Active
Origin : Germany
Contractors : Rheinmetall Defence*, ATK Alliant Techsystems, IBD Deisenroth Engineering, Jenoptik
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2012
Total Production : ?
The MBT Revolution modular upgrade is a modernization kit enhancing legacy Leopard 2 A4 tanks combat capabilities focusing on new explosive reactive armor (ERA) add-ons. The MBT Revolution modernization focuses on improved armor for enhanced survivability in the modern battlefield against emerging threats. Besides, the tank is provided with a full digital turret, full coverage 360-degree situational awareness, C4I network capabilities, latest 120mm KE and HE ammo, a remote weapon control station, climate control and auxiliary power unit (APU). So far Singapore ordered 154 Leopard 2 A4 tanks upgraded to the MBT Revolution standard delivered between 2007 and 2012.
Operators
Country | Status | State | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Active | 103 | |
![]() | Active | 142 | |
![]() | Active | 154 | These tanks were modified to Leopard 2 MBT Revolution modular upgrade |
![]() | Active | ? |
Specifications
Notes | ||
---|---|---|
Ammunition Load | 42 | |
Caliber Multiple | 44 | |
Crew | 4 | |
Rolling Rubber Wheels | 7 | |
Dimensions | ||
Height | 3 meter | |
Length | 70 meter | |
Length without Gun | 7.7 meter | |
Main Gun Caliber | 120 millimeter | |
Track | 635 millimeter | |
Width | 3.8 meter | |
Mass | ||
Combat Weight | 60,000 kilogram | |
Percentage | ||
Gradient | 60 % | |
Side Slope | 30 % | |
Performance | ||
Ditch Crossing Ability | 3 meter | |
Fording Depth | 1 meter | |
Main Gun Max Range | 3,000 meter | |
Max Range | 550 kilometer | |
Step Climbing Ability | 1.1 meter | |
Power | ||
Power | 1,500 hp | |
Pressure | ||
Ground Pressure | 81.4 kPa | |
Speed | ||
Cross Country Speed | 45 kph | |
Top Speed | 72 kph |
Gear
Large Caliber Cannons | ||
---|---|---|
120mm L44 | 1 | |
Projectiles | ||
DM 11 | ||
DM 12A2 | ||
DM 63 | ||
Vehicle Engines | ||
MB 873 Ka-501 | 1 |
Leopard 2 A7V
Group : Main Battle Tanks
Status : Active
Also Known As : Leopard 2 A7A1
Origin : Germany
Contractors : Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Rheinmetall Defence
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : June 2016
Total Production : ?
Unitary Cost : EUR €29 million
The Leopard 2 A7V has been developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) to meet the requirements of the German Army. The Leopard 2 A7V includes a 20 kW auxiliary power unit (APU) to safeguard selected tactical and operational tank functionalities in the area of sensor systems and communication systems when the primary power pack is shut off. Besides, the APU allows using programmable 120mm rounds when the primary power pack is also shut off. Modular armor will allow the new Leopard to adapt to different mission requirements. KMW unveiled the Leopard 2 A7 tank at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris June 2016. In September 2017 the German Army ordered the ugprade of 68 A4, 16 A6 and 20 A7 tanks to the Leopard 2 A7V standard by 2020. In April 2019 the German Army ordered the upgrade of 101 Leopard 2 A6 tanks to the A7V standard by 2026. The Leopard 2 A7A1 is a German Army variant equipped with the TROPHY active protection system and slated for delivery by 2023.
Operators
Country | Status | State | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Active | 44/44 | Upgraded Leopard 2A5 |
![]() | Active | 79/205 | |
![]() | Active | 6 | Transferred by Denmark (6) in early 2023. |
Specifications
Notes | ||
---|---|---|
Crew | 4 | |
Rolling Rubber Wheels | 7 | |
Dimensions | ||
Main Gun Caliber | 120 millimeter | |
Power | ||
Electric Output | 20 kW | APU |
Power | 1,800 hp |
Gear
ATGM & RPG Countermeasures | ||
---|---|---|
TROPHY | 1 | |
Large Caliber Cannons | ||
L55A1 | 1 | |
Projectiles | ||
DM 11 | ||
DM 12A2 | ||
DM 63 | ||
EKE | ||
Vehicle Engines | ||
MB 873 Ka-501 | 1 | |
Weapon Stations | ||
FLW 200 | 1 |
Leopard 2 A8
Group : Main Battle Tanks
Status : Under Development
Also Known As : Leopard 2 A8 NOR, STRV 123 B
Origin : Germany
Contractors : Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Rheinmetall Defence
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2025
Total Production : 388
Unitary Cost : EUR €29 million
The Leopard 2 A8 is new variant featuring improved armor, Trophy active protection system and a new 1,600-hp engine. Germany ordered the first batch of 18 Leopard 2 A8 main battle tanks in May 2023 to be delivered in 2025-2026.
Operators
Country | Status | State | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Planned | 77 | Negotiations to complete in 2024 for 77 tanks |
![]() | Planned | 123 | Ordered in 2023 (18) and 2024 (105) |
![]() | Cancelled | 125 | Order for 125 Leopard 2 tanks to be placed in 2024 under a 4 billion Euro. Deliveries are due to complete in 2037. Italy intends to purchase the KF51 Panther. |
![]() | Planned | 44 | |
![]() | Planned | 46 | Netherlands ordered 46 (46+6) tanks in May 2025 |
![]() | Planned | 54 | |
![]() | Planned | 110 | Ordered in November (24) and December (20) 2024 with deliveries starting in 2027. Another 66 Leopard 2 tanks to be upgraded to A8 standard. |
Specifications
Notes | ||
---|---|---|
Crew | 4 | |
Rolling Rubber Wheels | 7 | |
Dimensions | ||
Main Gun Caliber | 120 millimeter | |
Power | ||
Power | 1,600 hp |
Gear
ATGM & RPG Countermeasures | ||
---|---|---|
TROPHY | 1 | |
Large Caliber Cannons | ||
L55A1 | 1 | |
Projectiles | ||
DM 11 | ||
DM 12A2 | ||
DM 63 | ||
EKE | ||
Weapon Stations | ||
FLW 200 | 1 |
News

The Royal Dutch Armed Forces will once again have their own LEOPARD 2 main battle tanks. At the Bernardkazerne in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, the German Federal Office of

KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme and Thales signed the articles of association for MGCS Project Company GmbH on Thursday 23 January 2025 in Paris in

Sweden has commissioned KNDS Germany to deliver a total of 44 LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tanks to the army.

On behalf of the Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence (DMA), the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service

Czech Republic commissions Rheinmetall to supply further Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks Order also includes extensive logistics and ammunition package Order volume around

Kiev will receive older, Yugoslavian-made armor, the Croatian Defense Ministry has announced Croatia will send dozens of its older tanks and infantry fighting vehicles

The list also contains weapons that were already transferred to Kiev over the past month BERLIN, October 18.

KNDS awarded Thales a contract to deliver compact, programable and scalable High-Power Solid-State Power Distribution Boards (SSPDB) for the Leopard 2 A8 platform.
KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG has been commissioned by Public Services and Procurement Canada on behalf of the Department of National Defence to support the LEOPARD 2 main

Second ring swap with the Czech Republic to support Ukraine Order value in the low three-digit million euro range Rheinmetall supplies 14 Leopard 2A4s and a Buffalo
KNDS is the leader of the main battle tank (MBT) in Europe with the LEOPARD 2 A8 and the Leclerc XLR.

The Swedish procurement agency (FMV) has commissioned Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG (KMW) with modernising its fleet of LEOPARD 2 main battle tanks.
Photo Gallery
December 2024

Leopard 2 A4 main battle tank
August 2024

Leopard 2 A4 main battle tank
February 2016

Poland upgraded Leopard 2 A4 tank
January 2015

Leguan bridge layer on Leopard 2 chassis
December 2014

German Army Leopard 2 A7 tank
Notes
State Latest Known holdings/Original Procurement
Com - Date of Commissioning
Decom - Date of Decommissioning
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