The contract to upgrade tanks to the Leopard 2A7V standard was initiated in 2017. The plan at the time was to upgrade a total of 20 Leopard 2A7 tanks from the Bundeswehr’s resources, along with 16 Leopard 2A6NL tanks acquired from the Netherlands and 68 Leopard 2A4 tanks from KMW company’s storage.
The realization of this EUR 760 million contract was intended to increase the number of Leopard 2 tanks in Bundeswehr service to 328, allowing for the full equipping of six active tank battalions (each with 44 tanks) and training units.
Bundeswehr currently has 310 operational tanks because 18 Leopard 2A6 vehicles were transferred to Ukraine. Nevertheless, the implementation of the Leopard 2A7V program has strengthened the Bundeswehr’s armored forces because a few years ago they had fewer than 250 tanks.
Deliveries of new tanks began in 2019. Compared to previous tank variants, Leopard 2A7V tanks feature several improvements. They have received a new L55A1 gun, adapted for firing programmable ammunition and armor-piercing ammunition with increased armor penetration. The tanks are also equipped with new third-generation thermal imaging cameras and new communication means, allowing integration with the BMS system. The tank’s armor has also been reinforced, resulting in an increase in combat weight to approximately 66.5 tons.
As reported by Defence Industry Europe, KMW recently finalized a contract to upgrade 44 Danish tanks to the Leopard 2A7DK standard.
The latest generation of Leopard 2 family tanks currently includes Leopard 2A8 tanks, which have been ordered by Germany and Norway thus far.
Please note that the text has been translated to British English, and some elements, like measurements, have been converted to the British format.
