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
AustriaActive 114/114
CanadaActive 54/80 ex-Dutch Leopard 2 A4 main battle tanks
ChileActive 220 ex-German Army Leopard A4 main battle tanks
CzechiaActive 43 ex-German tanks delivered in May 2022 (15) and from 2024 to 2026 (14). Another 14 tanks to be delivered by 2026.
DenmarkRetired - 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
FinlandActive 120/139
GermanyRetired - No Longer Operational 0/1,200
GreeceActive 114/183 ex-German Army tanks
HungaryActive 12/12 ex-German Army tanks
IndonesiaRetired - No Longer Operational 103 ex-German Army upgraded tanks ordered in December 2012. Converted to MBT Revolution.
NetherlandsRetired - No Longer Operational 5/?
NorwayActive ?
PolandActive 128/142 ex-German Army. To be upgraded to MBT Revolution Leopar 2PL
PortugalRetired - No Longer Operational 38 ex-Dutch Army Leopard 2 tanks. Upgraded to Leopard 2 A6 variant.
SlovakiaActive 15 Transferred from Germany before the end of 2022 (15)
SpainRetired - No Longer Operational 54/108 Transferred to Ukraine in June 2022
SwedenRetired - No Longer Operational 0/160
SwitzerlandActive 134/344
TurkiyeActive 298/339
UkraineActive 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 L441
Projectiles
DM 11
DM 12A2
DM 63
Vehicle Engines
MB 873 Ka-5011



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
DenmarkRetired - No Longer Operational 57/57 Upgraded Leopard 2 A4s
GermanyActive 358/500
PolandActive 105/105 ex-German Army tanks
SwedenActive 110/120 To be updated to A8 standard by 2027 (66)
UkraineActive 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 L441
Projectiles
DM 11
DM 12A2
DM 63
Vehicle Engines
MB 873 Ka-5011



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
CanadaRetired - No Longer Operational 0/20 ex-Dutch tanks?
FinlandActive 80/60 ex-Dutch Army
GermanyActive 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
GreeceActive 170
NetherlandsRetired - No Longer Operational 0/180
PolandActive 142 Upgraded tanks from Leopard 2 A4 standard
PortugalActive 37 ex-Dutch tanks acquired in 2008 (37)
SpainActive 223/223 Spain has ordered 219 Leopard 2Es plus four training tanks
UkraineActive 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 L551
Projectiles
DM 11
DM 12A2
DM 63
Vehicle Engines
MB 873 Ka-5011



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
CanadaActive 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
GermanyActive 15/15 Canada borrowed 20 Leopard 2 A6/M tanks and two recovery vehicles from the German Army in 2007
SwedenRetired - 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 L552
Projectiles
DM 11
DM 12A2
DM 63
Vehicle Engines
MB 873 Ka-5011



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
CzechiaPlanned 50 Plans for the acquisition of 50 tanks revealed in May 2022. TBD.
GermanyRetired - 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.
HungaryActive 44 Tanks (44) ordered in December 2018
QatarActive 62
Saudi ArabiaCancelled 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
Gear
ATGM & RPG Countermeasures
TROPHY1
Large Caliber Cannons
120mm L551
Projectiles
DM 11
DM 12A2
DM 63
Vehicle Engines
MB 873 Ka-5011
Weapon Stations
FLW 2001



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
IndonesiaActive 103
PolandActive 142
SingaporeActive 154 These tanks were modified to Leopard 2 MBT Revolution modular upgrade
TurkiyeActive ?
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 L441
Projectiles
DM 11
DM 12A2
DM 63
Vehicle Engines
MB 873 Ka-5011



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
DenmarkActive 44/44 Upgraded Leopard 2A5
GermanyActive 79/205
UkraineActive 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
TROPHY1
Large Caliber Cannons
L55A11
Projectiles
DM 11
DM 12A2
DM 63
EKE
Vehicle Engines
MB 873 Ka-5011
Weapon Stations
FLW 2001



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
CzechiaPlanned 77 Negotiations to complete in 2024 for 77 tanks
GermanyPlanned 123 Ordered in 2023 (18) and 2024 (105)
ItalyCancelled 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.
LithuaniaPlanned 44
NetherlandsPlanned 46 Netherlands ordered 46 (46+6) tanks in May 2025
NorwayPlanned 54
SwedenPlanned 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
TROPHY1
Large Caliber Cannons
L55A11
Projectiles
DM 11
DM 12A2
DM 63
EKE
Weapon Stations
FLW 2001

News

Wednesday, 14 May, 2025
Netherlands Places Order for 46 Leopard 2 A8 Main Battle Tanks to Equip a New Battalion

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

Friday, 24 January, 2025
KNDS, Rheinmetall and Thales Sign Agreement on MGCS Armored Vehicle Family Development

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

Thursday, 9 January, 2025
Sweden Ordered 44 New Leopard 2 A8 Main Battle Tanks in Late 2024 and Upgrade of 66 Existing Tanks to A8 Standard

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

Friday, 20 December, 2024
Lithuanian Army Orders 44 Leopard 2 A8 Main Battle Tanks

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

Wednesday, 11 December, 2024
Czech Republic Orders 14 ex-German Army Leopard 2 A4 Main Battle Tanks

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

Tuesday, 29 October, 2024
Croatia to Supply 30 M-84 Tanks and 30 M-80 Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine

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

Friday, 18 October, 2024
Germany to Send New Weapons Package to Ukriane Including AIM-9L Missiles and 4,000 Kamikaze Drones

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

Tuesday, 15 October, 2024
Leopard 2 A8 Main Battle Tanks to Get High-Power Solid-State Power Distribution Boards from Thales

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.

Tuesday, 17 September, 2024
KNDS to Provide Logistics Support for Canadian Leopard 2 Tanks Through 2031

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

Monday, 12 August, 2024
Germany to Send 14 Additional Leopard 2 A4 Tanks and One Buffalo Armored Recovery Vehicle to the Czech Republic by Early 2026

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

Monday, 17 June, 2024
KNDS Unveils ADT 140 Unmanned Turret for Future MGCS Main Battle Tank

KNDS is the leader of the main battle tank (MBT) in Europe with the LEOPARD 2 A8 and the Leclerc XLR.

Monday, 6 November, 2023
Swedish Army to Modernize 44 Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks by 2026

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

Notes

* Prime Contractor
State Latest Known holdings/Original Procurement
Com - Date of Commissioning
Decom - Date of Decommissioning

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙

Copyright © 2003-2025 deagel.com website. All rights reserved.