GDELS and KNDS partner for potential upgrade of Spanish Leopard 2E fleet

KNDS Deutschland, as the original equipment manufacturer and design authority of the Leopard 2, will contribute its expertise in tank design and modernisation. GDELS-SBS, Spain’s leading defence company for tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles, will provide industrial and technological capabilities to support the upgrade process.

This agreement strengthens the long-standing cooperation between the two companies, which previously collaborated on the original Leopard 2E production programme for the Spanish Armed Forces. The agreement was finalised at the end of 2024, reinforcing the commitment to enhancing Spain’s armoured capabilities.

In addition to this partnership, KNDS and GDELS have joined forces with Israeli defence company RAFAEL to form EuroTrophy, a German-based joint venture. EuroTrophy specialises in the production of the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), a battle-proven defence technology designed to enhance the survivability of armoured vehicles.

The Trophy APS has already been integrated into the new standard configuration of the Leopard 2 A8 used by the German Army. This advanced system provides increased protection against anti-tank threats and is expected to play a key role in future European armoured vehicle upgrades.