KNDS holds a 49% stake in the venture, while Currus has a 51% majority share. The joint venture is expected to provide long-term logistical support for Hungary’s KNDS military systems, which include Leopard 2 battle tanks, PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery, Wisent recovery vehicles, and Leguan bridge layers. The company will also maintain training simulators and related facilities.
“The basis of our joint venture lies in the close and successful cooperation we have achieved with our Hungarian customer over the last five years,” said Hubert Dassinger, Co-Managing Director of LEOPARD Hungary MRO. “We are proud that one of our key customers trusts us to support its KNDS fleet together with our Hungarian industrial partner Currus in a long-term approach.”
The foundation of LEOPARD Hungary MRO follows negotiations between KNDS and HM Currus that began in December 2023. The venture aims to develop Hungary’s domestic capability to maintain and operate its recently acquired fleet of 90 armoured vehicles, ensuring long-term operational readiness.
Managing Director Márton Kertész highlighted that German expertise will be instrumental in transferring technical knowledge to Hungarian specialists. While German experts have been present in Hungary for initial maintenance services, their role will gradually decrease as Hungarian teams take over operations. The maintenance activities will be carried out at the Tata-based 1st Armoured Brigade and Currus facilities in Gödöllő.
Hungarian Defence Forces have expressed satisfaction with the Leopard 2A7 tanks, considered among the most modern in the world. While their failure rate is low, they require regular software updates and spare parts to maintain operational efficiency. The new joint venture ensures these needs will be met in alignment with Hungarian Defence Forces’ procurement strategies.
The founding document of LEOPARD Hungary MRO was signed by Márton Kertész and Hubert Dassinger, alongside MoD Currus Ltd CEO Lieutenant General Attila Géza Takács and KNDS Beteiligungs GmbH Managing Director Ralf Ketzel. The partnership marks a significant step in strengthening Hungary’s defence infrastructure while fostering deeper German-Hungarian industrial cooperation.
