Requirement
Despite being a good design, the Leopard 1 was already dated when it entered service in comparison to its nemesis, the Russian T-62 in term's of firepower and armoured protection. Rheinmetall had been developing a new 120mm smoothbore main gun (now known as the L44) during the 1960’s, whilst at the same time the indigenous development of a replacement for the Leopard 1 had ended in favour of the joint US project called the MBT-70. Germany eventually pulled out of the project due to high costs and conflicts of design, but by this stage the Russian T-72 which had increased levels of protection and firepower compared to the T-62 was due to enter production.
Development
In 1970 Germany choose to base the development of a new tank on an earlier indigenous project called Experimentalentwicklung and in 1971 the project was designated the Leopard 2. Germany had started the FMBT programme with the UK in 1974 for a new joint tank, but no designs were finalised nor prototype built and the project ended.
However the Germans were briefed on the new British composite Chobham armour as part of the FMBT programme but only the US signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with the UK to share its research for use on the M1 Abram’s. But it was revealed in 1976 that the early Leopard 2 models armour was also based on Chobham, thou it did not share the same technology unique to Chobham armour AKA Burlington.
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. Eventually the Rheinmetall L44 120mm smoothbore was selected as the main gun.
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 their own XM1 (which would become the M1 Abram's). The US Army found that both prototypes were equally matched in propulsion and firepower, but the XM1 Chobham armour was better than the Leo2's armour.
The 1500hp turbo-charged MTU MB 873 multi-fuelled diesel engine is coupled to the Renk HSWL 354 automatic transmission (has 4 forward & 2 reverse gears). The vehicle has a top road speed capability of 68/km/h, but is governed to 50. It has a maximum road range of about 500 km. It also uses torsion bar suspension.
Production models and upgrades
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 stand-off armour added to the turrets front and sides, most notably the wedge-shaped Modular Expandable Armour System at the front aka 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 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.
The Leopard 2A7+
The Leopard 2 offers a new standard as of mid 2010, known as the Leopard 2 A7+, which focuses on the addition of module armour stretching along the sides of the hull and turret with the features of the Leopard 2 PSO and the addition of the L55 main gun from the A6 upgrade.
A new HE round with a programmable fuse has also been developed and the overall weight of the vehicle has increased by 5 tons to a total of 67.5 tons and is reported to be able to maintain its top road speed.
AMAP™ Survivability
German firm IBD Deisenroth Engineering is an established manufacturer of modular armour and their ceramic materials. The most famous being the MEXAS module that formed the upgrade of the Leopard 2A5. The company since then has developed the "Advanced Modular Armoured Protection" system, which can be inserted with the many new ceramic materials IBD have developed. The company has been doing this development under the "Evolution Concepts" and AMAP is being used as part of upgrades for the following Leopard 2’s -
The Leopard 2A4 Evolution
Designated the Leopard 2A4 Evolution, it includes a belly plate and side modules for protection against IED & mines, added roof plates for airburst munitions, internal spald liners and active defence systems against guided anti-tank missiles. This upgrade should not be confused with the A6 or A7+ upgrade’s. Both these have the distinct frontal MEXAS wedge, where as the Evolution has more squarer rounded frontal modules with slits in them for the active defence systems.
Click here for Leopard 2A4 Evolution interactive diagram
The Leopard 2NG (Next Generation)
AKA the Leopard 2T, it is an upgrade package for the Turkish Armies Leopard 2A4's which includes the application of AMAP, upgraded optics and a new fire control system. Turkish Firm Aselsan are the principal contractors. Its reported that Finland has shown an interest in purchasing this upgrade for their Leopard 2A4's.
The MBT 122B Evolution
In a recent study program (late 2010) of the tank for the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) in Sweden, IBD Deisenroth Engineering succeeded in the development of a further improved protection dedicated to the tank. The concept is thereby designed to protect against the actual and future threats in theatre, especially in asymmetric and urban warfare. Despite the improved overall protection level of the MBT 122B Evolution, the weight increase of about 350 kg is only minimal such maintaining the high mobility of the tank.
Combat Support Vehicles
Leopard 2 CEVLeopard 2 Chassis Click here to view vehicleIn German Army Service |
Leopard 2 AVLBLeopard 2 Chassis Click here to view vehicleIn German Army Service |
Leopard 2 ARVLeopard 2 Chassis Click here to view vehicleIn German Army Service |
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
The Tank Replacement Project running in Canada will provide the nation with a long-term, sustainable tank force deployable in medium to high threat environments until 2035. This has been scheduled over 2 phases. The first kicked off in 2007. This saw the loan and support of 20 mission-ready Leopard 2A6M Main Battle Tanks and 2 Armoured Recovery Vehicles from Germany. The first borrowed tanks arrived in Afghanistan on the 16th of August 2007. An agreement was signed between the Government of Canada and The Netherlands Government on the 14th of December 2007 for the purchase of 80 used Leopard 2A4 which will be the basis for all future work in phase 2 and 20 Leopard 2A6, which were given to Germany to replace the loaned A6M’s.
An agreement was signed in February 2011 between the Government of Canada and The Swiss Government for the purchase of 12 surplus Pz84’s (Licence built Leopard 2A4) which will be converted to combat support vehicles. 15 surplus Leopard 2A4’s from Germany were purchased as well.
Phase 2 includes the upgrade and conversion of the tanks, repair, and/or overhaul of major components. This has already commenced, with the upgrade of 20 Leopard 2A4’s to the Leopard 2A4M CAN and the following scheduled work -
The Repair and Overhaul of 42 Leopard 2A4 in to A4 training tanks
The conversion of 13 Leopard 2A4 MBT’s into Combat Engineer Vehicles (plus an optional 5 more conversions)
The conversion of 8 Leopard 2A4 MBT’s into Armoured Recovery Vehicles (plus an optional 4 more conversions)
The stripping down of around 8 A4’s for spare parts which are reconditioned
Fielded mission ready tanks -
The Leopard 2A6M CAN - These are the 20 loaned tanks (which are now owned by Canada) with the addition of BAR armour running along the sides and rear of the tank to give added protection from RPG-7’s and other Anti-Tank Missiles/Rockets.
The Leopard 2A4M CAN - These are reconditioned Canadian A4’s. They have a distinct new shape due to the addition of appliqué modules (just like the Leopard 2A7+) running along the sides and front of the hull and turret, which contain an unspecified composite. BAR armour then runs over the back. They also have a new armoured belly plate, which all provides the vehicle with a much higher all round level of protection and brings the vehicle up to a new generational level.
Other modifications include an all-electric digital turret, a digital central logic/main distribution system, a new commander system control unit, enhanced service brakes, an upgraded suspension and driver viewing aids. Environmental enhancements include chilled cooling vests for the crew and new camouflage nets.
5 of the new A4M CAN has been deployed between December 2010 and mid January 2011 to Afghanistan to replace some of the A6M CAN’s which now require reconditioning work.
Denmark
Leopard 2A5DK - The Danish Army purchased surplus A4's from Germany in 2000. These were over-hauled and upgraded to the A5 variant with modifications to the communications and an added Battle Field Management System. They were deleivered to the Danish Army in 2002, who now field a total of 51 and bought an additional 6 for breaking down for spare parts.
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.
The Finnish Army bought 15 more German surplus Leopard 2A4s for spare parts of existing fleet in 2009.
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.
Leopard 2A7+ - The German Army has tested the A7+ and ordered the upgrade of 50 existing tanks. Its not clear if these tanks will be either older A5, A6 or A6M’s that will receive the upgrades, but what is clear is that the upgrades will ensure that the Leopard 2 has a continual place on the modern battlefield.
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.
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.
A sad turn of events ....
On April 8, 2011 the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced the tank division will be dissolved and the remaining Leopard tanks sold due to large budget cuts. On May 18, 2011 the last tank fired the final shot at the Bergen-Hohne Training Area.
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.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabian Army has purchased 200 new build Leopard 2A7+ tanks during the summer of 2011. 40 Have already been delivered.
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.
Through out 2010, the Singapore Army is upgrading a large number of its A4’s to the new Leopard 2A4 Evolution and not the Leopard 2A6 as some publications have stated. Proof of this was visibly evident during the 2010 National Day Parade (see video) as both Leo2 A4’s and Leopard 2A4 Evolution’s participated.
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. Sweden contributed to the development of the M mine protection kit and so far ten kits have been ordered and installed on the 122.
The MBT 122B Evolution
In a recent study program (late 2010) of the tank for the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) in Sweden, IBD Deisenroth Engineering succeeded in the development of a further improved protection dedicated to the tank. The concept is thereby designed to protect against the actual and future threats in theatre, especially in asymmetric and urban warfare. Despite the improved overall protection level of the MBT 122B Evolution, the weight increase of about 350 kg is only minimal such maintaining the high mobility of the tank.
Switzerland
Pz 87 - The Swiss originally bought 35 new A4's from Germany, but then licence built a further 345. An agreement was signed in February 2011 between the Government of Canada and The Swiss Government for the purchase of 12 surplus Pz84’s.
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. All vehicles are being upgraded to the The Leopard 2NG (Next Generation) with deliveries expected to be completed in late 2011.
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.