The certification trials took place at a test facility in Alcochete, Portugal, using a Leopard 2A6 tank equipped with the Rheinmetall Rh-120 mm L/55 smoothbore gun. Three ammunition types were certified: the 120 HEAT-TP training round, the 120 HE high-explosive shell, and the 120 SHARD armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) round.
BOOM ! 💥
Retour en images sur les essais des munitions de KNDS Ammo France 120 HEAT-TP, 120 HE et 120 SHARD sur LEOPARD 2A6 à Alcochète !
Ces essais se sont déroulés dans le cadre du KNDS Program Ammo, dont le principal objectif est de démontrer la compatibilité des munitions de… pic.twitter.com/KAgTFV3MRx— KNDS France (@KNDS_France) March 25, 2025
All rounds feature an advanced combustible cartridge case designed with high-efficiency, low-erosion propellant material. According to KNDS France, the ammunition is fully compatible with all NATO-standard 120mm smoothbore tank guns, complying with STANAG 4385 and ICD 120 requirements.
This means the munitions can be used across a wide range of Western tank platforms, including the Leclerc, Leopard 2, M1 Abrams, C1 Ariete, and potentially others such as the Merkava Mk. III/IV, K2 Black Panther, and Japan’s Type 90/Type 10. Certification with the Leopard 2A6 significantly enhances the competitiveness of KNDS France on the global defence market.
With the Leopard 2 being the most widely used third-generation Western main battle tank, the move positions the French manufacturer to compete for contracts with a growing number of international operators.
