Despite being a good design, the Leopard 1 was already obsolete when it entered service in comparison to the Russian T-62’s main gun and armoured protection. Rheinmetall had been developing a new 120mm smoothbore during the 60’s whilst development of a replacement for the Leopard 1 had ended in favour of the joint US project called the MBT-70. Germany pulled out due to high costs in 1969 and conflicts of design, but by this stage the T-72 with increased protection and firepower compared to the T-62 had was due to enter production in Russia.
In 1970 Germany choose to base the development of a new tank on an earlier project called Experimentalentwicklung and in 1971 the project was designated the Leopard 2.
17 prototypes were built in 1971 for field-testing, mounting various cannons including the L7A3 105mm & the Rheinmetall L44 120mm, with different fire control systems. The US also received some of these prototypes and carried out field tests of various cannon and fire control systems well into 1976 whilst testing the XM1. The US Army found that both prototypes were equally matched in propulsion and firepower, but the XM1 had better armour than the Leo2's perforated armour.
The M1 went into full-scale production in 1978 & the Leopard 2 started in 1979 with main production by Krauss Maffei and MaK working as a sub contractor in lower numbers of tank production.
The Leopard 2 A0
This was the first production variant. In total 209 were built by Krauss Maffei and 171 by MaK from October 1979 until March 1982 totalling 380 of the original 1800 ordered by Germany. It was fitted with a fire control computer, a laser rangefinder, a general-purpose telescope, a panorama periscope (PERI R17) and the tower sight FERO Z18.
The Leopard 2A1
The A1 started production of 450 between March 1982 to November 1983, and a further 300 between November 1983 and November 1984. The A1 saw the introduction of a thermal gunners sight, new ammo storage racks and new fuel filters to speed up the refuelling process.
The Leopard 2A2
The A2 was not a production variant, but an upgrade project of the previous variants. It concentrated on replacing the PZB 200 sights with thermal sights, improvements to the fuel tank to speed up the refill time, a deflector plate for the periscope and changes to the towing cables positions between 1984 and 1987.
The Leopard 2A3
The A3 saw the production of a further 300 between December 1984 and December 1985 and saw the introduction of a new SEM80/90 digital radio.
The Leopard 2A4
The A4 was the most common variant of the Leopard 2. 695 were produced and by 1992 all other variants had been modified to the A4 variant, totalling 2125 Leopard 2 A4's in the West German Army. The A4 had an improved turret with flat titanium/tungsten armour, an automated fire and explosion suppression system and an all-digital fire control system.
The Leopard 2A5
The A5 (AKA KWS II) saw changes in positions of the commanders & gunners sights, but concentrated on changes to the armour. It saw add-on spaced armour to the turrets front and sides, most notably the wedge-shaped Modular Expandable Armour System at the front called MEXAS and is designed to defeat shaped charge weapons and take out the kinetic energy of APFSDS rounds. The gun mantlet had to be redesigned to accommodate the new armour and also changes were made in the composition of the main spaced armour to a high-hardness steel, tungsten and plastic filler with ceramic components. Spalding's were also fitted inside the turret to protect the crew from fragments if the armour was penetrated. The hydraulic main gun stabilisation system has been replaced with an all electrical one. The drivers hatch has been replaced with a heavier armoured one which is electronically operated to slide open.
The Leopard 2A6
The A6's (AKA KWS I) main up-grade has been the replacement of the L44 120mm smoothbore with the new longer L55, which can generate higher Kinetic Energy. A new APFSDS called the 570 DM53 (LKE II) has been developed for the new cannon and is said to be able to defeat all double-reactive armour. The L55 is 25% longer than its predecessor, providing higher muzzle velocity, which gives better range and penetration for APFSDS kinetic energy rounds. A new auxiliary engine was also added.
The Leopard 2A6M
The next variant from the A6 is the Leopard 2 A6M. This variant was developed to give better protection from land mines. The kit includes a new large belly plate attached to the underneath of the hull, new vision systems and restowage arrangements for ammunition. Replacement of the hydraulic drive with electrical and the drivers seat, which is traditionally bolted to the hull is suspended now by straps so it moves freely. Currently a low number of German A6's have been up-graded to this variant and the kit is also used on Sweden's Strv 122's (but is not re-designated as an A6).
The Leopard 2 PSO
The newest up-grade for the A6 is the Leopard 2 PSO (short for Peace Support Operations). In short, its an urban warfare package such as the Challenger 2's Street Fighter and Abram's TUSK but with some more technical up-grades. It shares the added armour and remote weapons station. But also is equipped with a dozer blade, non lethal armaments, a search light and CCTV mounted in locations along the hull for close range surveillance, giving an improved Situational Awareness to the crew.
Combat Support Vehicles
The leopard 2 chassis is also used for combat support vehicles. Currently there is the Pionierpanzer 3 Kodiak, which is the Combat Engineer's Vehicle, the Bergepanzer BPz3 Armoured Recovery Vehicle and the Panzerschnellbrücke 2 Armoured Vehicle Launch Bridge.
Pionierpanzer 3 Kodiak CEV
Built on a mine protected Leopard 2 chassis, the Kodiak is equipped with a hinged excavator and an extendable dozer blade system which, can be exchanged by a full width mine plough. These components make the Kodiak the ideal tool for combat engineers tasked with erecting or clearing of obstacles on the battlefield. By the same token, this versatile armoured engineering system can be employed in the wake of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes or floods, its usefulness in post-war reconstruction is undeniable.
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Multifunctional combat engineering system
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MBT Leopard 2 chassis
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Hinged excavator system
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Extendable dozer system
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Two 9t capstan winches
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Mine breaching kit
Bergepanzer BPz3 ARV
Built on a Leopard 2 chassis the Büffel (AKA “buffalo”) is a state-of-the-art armoured recovery vehicle. It can be used for recovering tracked vehicles as well as for performing various maintenance tasks and clearing obstacles. Powerful yet user-friendly, the Büffel can also be deployed in a disaster relief role. Along with recovery equipment and towing gear, the Büffel is equipped to operate in an NBC environment. It has a top road speed of 68km/h and a maximum range of 650km. It is able to swap out the power packs of a Leopard 2 A5 within 35 minutes (the spare pack is carried on the Büffel) It has a two man crew, the driver sits at the front and the commander behind him. For close protection it is fitted with a MG and smoke grenade launchers.
Germany operate 75, the Dutch Army 25, Sweden 14 (designated the bgbv 120), 16 in Spain and Switzerland has 25.
Panzerschnellbrücke 2 AVLB
Built on a Leopard 2 chassis, it has 3 bridge sections which are each 9.7m long, allowing the vehicle to deploy a number of different length bridges. It launch's the bridges horizontality to avoid detection and can take anything from 5 to 10 minutes to do so, depending on the size of the bridge.
The German Army has 35 of these vehicles and the Dutch Army has 14 where it's designated Bruglegger MLC 70.
Operators by Alphabetical Order
During the 80’s the Leopard 2 was only purchased by the Netherlands and Switzerland totalling over 800. Though numerically successful, its more celebrated commercial success has been in the last ten years, with the sale of surplus reconditioned Leopard 2 A4’s formerly used by Germany and the Netherlands, which are no longer required following the end of the Cold War.
These have been sold at a reduced rate and in one case donated, to save both countries the costs involved of storing/maintaining them.
Due to the large number of L44 smoothbores (used on the Leopard 2, Abram’s & Merkava Mk 3 / 4’s), there has been a high demand for the number of 120mm rounds. This has reduced their production costs and subsequent purchase cost, which has worked as a financial incentive to purchase these reduced cost Leopard 2’s.
Austria
Leopard 2A4 - The Austrian Army purchased 114 Leopard 2A4's from the Netherlands in 1997.
Chile
Leopard 2A4CHL - The Chilean Army has purchased in 2007 140 Leopards 2A4's from Germany, which were reconditioned with some upgrades. Upgrades have included a new L55 main gun, new suspension, a roof mounted Remote Weapons Station, new sights and Battle Field Management System and improved roof and side armour to the turret.
Canada
Leopard 2A6M CAN - 20 of this variant were loaned to the Canadian armoured regiment 'Lord Strathcona's Horse' who were fighting in South Afghanistan, by Germany following criticism of its lack of support in the war on terrorsim. Canada will now keep these 20, but will give Germany 20 of the 40 A6's it purchased from the Dutch Army. The remaining 20 Dutch A6's are to be up-graded to the A6M, so the Canadian Forces will have a total of 40 Leopard 2 A6M's.
It has been fitted with cage armour around the rear and sides of both the turret & hull for added protection against RPG attack. There is some speculation as to the black box's on the rear of the turret for this variant. Some say its supposed to be air-conditioning whilst others say its Canadian communication equipment as they are lined up with the new antennae stands.
Leopard 2A4+ - The Canadian Forces have purchased an additional 95 A4's from the Netherlands. 80 of these have been upgraded with the L55, whilst the remaining 15 are used for training and spare parts.
Denmark
Leopard 2A5DK - The Danish Army purchased 51 A4's from Germany in 2000. These were upgraded to the A5 and deleivered to the Army in 2002. They had some modifications to the communications and Battle Field Management Systems added.
Finland
Leopard 2A4 - The Finnish Army purchased 114 Leopard 2 A4's from Germany. 1 got trashed in a fire, 20 have been converted into AVLB's & mine breach vehicles, 12 have been cannibalised for parts leaving an operational fleet of 91.
Leopard 2L - 10 have been converted to an AVLB carrying the LEGUAN bridge.
Leopard 2R - 10 have been converted to Heavy mine breaching vehicle. They are mounted with a plough or a dozer blade, and an automated marking system. All work has been carried out by Finnish Firm Patria.
Greece
Leopard 2A6HEL - is the Greek variant and based on the A6. The Hellenic Army has ordered 170 new, of which 140 will be built by the Greek firm ELBO. Delivery's started in 2006 and production is due to be complete by 2009, which will complement their 183 German surplus A4's.
Leopard 2A4 - 183 were purchased from Germany (as well as Leopard 1's, which they had been operating for a number of years already) in 2005.
Germany
As the original manufacturer, at its peak the German Army had 2125 Leopard 2 A4's. Many have been sold on and as of 2009, operates 408 in three models.
Leopard 2A5 - 183 are currently operated.
Leopard 2A6 - 225 have been upgraded to this model and are the back bone of the Germany Armies "crisis intervention forces".
Leopard 2A6M - In 2003, 15 of the 225 A6's were modified with the M kit. There may have been more vehicles installed with this kit since then.
Netherlands
At its peak, the Netherlands operated 445 A4's. A number were sold on to other countries the rest were upgraded to the A5.
Leopard 2A6 - 180 of its A5's were upgraded to the A6 with deliveres starting in 2003. The Royal Netherlands Army now operates 82 Leopard 2A6 and have an additional 28 Leopard 2A6 in storage plus a damaged hull.
Norway
Leopard 2A4NO - 51 A4's were purchased from the Netherlands in 2001 and are due to be upgraded to the A5.
Poland
Leopard 2A4 - 128 were supplied from Germany and are rummoured to have been donated.
Portugal
Leopard 2 A6 - 36 were purchased from the Netherlands and are were delivered between 2008 and 2009.
Singapore
Leopard 2A4 - A total of 96 were purchased from Germany. 30 are cannibalised for parts. They entered service with the Singapore Army in 2008.
Spain
Leopard 2E - The principal country to build under licence has been Spain. Spain operated a mixed tank fleet of American M48's and licence built French AMX-30E's for a number of years and was attempting to modernise its fleet with a new development program in the 80's which was cancelled in 1990 after it received 260 2nd hand M60-A3's from America.
This was a stop gap measure and Spain pressed on with negotiations with Germany to acquire the Leopard 2. In 1994 the Spanish started a new modernisation program for its military forces called Programa Coraza 2000 and in 1995 Spain signed an agreement with Germany to Licence build the Leopard 2. As part of the agreement 108 Leopard 2 A4's were leased to Spain, who will fully own them by 2016 after completing a repayment plan.
The first 30 Leopard 2E's were manufactured by Krauss-Maffei and delivered to the Spanish Army between 2003 and 2006. Originally it was planned that the tank would enter production in Spain in 1998, but it didn't start until 2003 following General Dynamics purchase of the Spanish company Santa Bárbara Sistemas who licence build the 2E and other issues with parts supplied by Spanish manufacturers.
The 2E is based on the Leopard 2 A6. It retains the L55 cannon and the MEXAS passive armour system on the nose of the turret. As the MEXAS armour was added on after production as an up-grade, its now built in during production. The thickness of the armour plate on it, the chassis front glacis, as well as the top of the turret have been thickened to provide extra protection, but has also increased the weight to an estimated 69.4 tons.
Other indigenise systems include the tank's command and control system, called the Leopard Information and Command Equipment AKA LINCE which is built by Spanish firm Indra. They also manufacturer and install the commanders & gunners thermal viewers. The production of the 2E has had many problems and was due to be completed by 2007, this has been extended to 2008 when the final order of 219 will have been built. Spain is also being supplied with 16 Büffel ARV's by Krauss-Maffei.
Leopard 2A4 - 108 Leopard 2 A4's were leased to Spain, who will fully own them by 2016 after completing a repayment plan as part of the licenced production of the 2E.
Sweden
Stridsvagn 121 - 160 were bought from Germany, these vehicles were adapted to Swedish conditions by Krauss Maffei and delivered to the Swedish Army from 1994 to 1995. They are no longer in service and were replaced by the Stridsvagn 122.
Stridsvagn 122 - AKA Leopard 2S, it is based on the A5 variant and 120 are in service. It is equipped with more armour including the roof against top attack ATM's, thicker crew hatch's, new French GALIX smoke dischargers, storage bins and an advanced command/control (C2) system. The C2 system comprises radio and intercom (Combat Radio, Type RA 180 for speech/computerized data, plus the LTS 90), a technical terminal for the commander, a display unit for the driver, a navigation system (POS 4) and a vehicle computer.
The C2 system offers possibilities of presenting a map with tactical information, target designation, logistic and ballistic information, plus navigational data. Information transfer from one vehicle to another is carried out digitally. Stridsvagn 122B - Sweden contributed to the development of the M mine protection kit and so far ten kits have been ordered and installed on the 122, which is designated the 122B.Switzerland
Pz 87 - The Swiss originally bought 35 new A4's from Germany, but then licence built a further 345.
Pz 87WE - The improved armour included a belly plate like that of the Leopard 2A6M's mine protection kit, thicker armour on the front glacis and titanium alloy on the turret. The smoke grenade launchers have also been redesigned. The turret is electrically driven as is the Leopard 2A5. The driver has a rear view camera and the loader has an independent weapons station. The fire control system is the Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH PERI-R17A2. A remote weapons station containing a fully stabilized MG 64 50. calibre machine gun has also been added.
Turkey
Leopard 2A4 - 298 were suppllied from Germany in 2005.
Combat History
Germany deployed their Leopard 2A5's as part of the contribution to the KFOR international peacekeeping force in Kosovo. One was recorded contributing to a gunfight between Peacekeepers and a Yugo with two armed men in it (see video below). Canada had been using their improved Leopard 1's, designated the C2 in Afghanistan. However They did lease from the German Army 20 Leopard 2A6M's, which were modified with A/C. In one reported incident, one vehicle was struck by an IED on the 2nd of November 2007. There were some nasty rumours floating that the vehicle was destroyed, but Canadian Forces since dismissed this and that the crew survived. The Danish Army has also been operating its Leopard 2A5DK's in Afghanistan. On the 25th of July 2008, a vehicle hit an IED. It travelled 200m's but sadly the driver lost his life due to his injuries despite assistance from Danish Army Medics. The Leopard 2 has served in operations supporting troops of other nations including British Forces in Afghanistan who have commended the crews and vehicles.
TankNutDave's Final Thoughts ....
Many people claim that the Leopard 2 is the best Main Battle Tank, however with it celebrating its 30th birthday, its not an easy claim to make, where as the more appropriate question should be, which leopard 2 is the best? and put that forward for the title. If you review pictures on the site you can clearly see the Leopard 2A6's of the German Army are less well armoured compared to the Leopard 2A6 HEL of the Greek Army. The Chilean Leopard 2A4CHL has greater firepower than Denmark’s Leopard 2A5DK, however theirs is better armoured than the Leopard 2A4CHL. What is clear is that the Leopard 2 series has overall greater mobility than other MBT's also developed with the focus on Firepower and Mobility to ensure survivability, such as the M1A1/A2 Abrams. It could then be argued that the Leopard 2A6, with its longer main gun is therefore a superior MBT than the Abrams who have shorter main guns.
The Leopard 2 could be around for many years to come. As the development of the Russian T-95 is finished and due to enter production and we are still waiting to see its calibre of main gun and protection, the modular armour of the Leopard 2 and the completed development of the KWS III, which was mounting a 140mm main gun, should ensure the upgradeability of existing models to a Leopard 2 model capable of defending against this new threat.
