Leopard 2A4SG MK. I
First appearance: 2007 year Country: Germany / Singapore
Singapore bought 96 used Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany in 2007. 66 tanks were completely restored and entered into active divisions. The remaining 30 vehicles were delivered from warehouses and used as a source of spare parts.
The changes affected radio stations. In addition, an M242 automatic cannon was installed as an auxiliary weapon, including a fixed mount on the turret roof. The cars also received a one-color livery.
In 2009, it was announced that Singapore plans to significantly modify the tanks. It was originally planned that the Leopard 2 tank will receive additional armor, a battle control system, an auxiliary power unit, a digital control system and a reinforced suspension. The possibility of purchasing new ammunition was also assessed.
Due to financial problems, most of the new components were abandoned and only a Leopard 2A4 Evolution standard reservation kit, developed by IBD, was purchased. Singapore became the first country to receive such a modernization. The deliveries of armored kits took place in 2010. The modernization provides for only passive booking, without the installation of an active protection complex.
Leopard 2A4CHL
First appearance: 2007 year Country: Germany / Chile
Chile became the first country in South America to receive Leopard 2 tanks. A total of 115 tanks were purchased for active units, plus another 25 for training and disassembly for spare parts. Tank deliveries took place in 2007-2008. The tanks have no modifications, only the engine had to be adjusted under the contract. Since Chile operates tanks at very high altitudes, the turbochargers have been modified. They received a new impeller specifically designed to improve engine performance in high altitude areas. Additional temperature sensors were installed on the engine to prevent overheating.
Leopard 2A4 + CAN
Country: Germany / Canada
In addition to 20 Leopard 2A6 tanks and two Buffel armored vehicles, Canada also bought 80 used Leopard 2NLs from the Netherlands, 14 A4 tanks from Germany and 12 Pz 87 tanks from Switzerland. The original plan was to start a gradual modernization program and slowly bring most of the tanks to a configuration close to that of the A6M. It was supposed to start with the electric drives of the tower, then to upgrade the protection and, finally, to install the main L / 55 cannon. Financial difficulties, in the end, put an end to these plans. Instead, the use and modification of the Leopard 2's fleet of tanks was tailored to the actual needs of the units. Most of the tanks are used for training purposes only, which makes most of the upgrades useless. Ultimately, only 31 tanks were upgraded to the so-called A4 + level. Modifications from the original NL configuration were mainly carried out in order to fit the tanks to the standard equipment of the Canadian army. This includes radios, smokescreen, machine guns, and small arms. In addition, the tanks are prepared for the installation of a mine plow and dozer blade.
Of the remaining Leopard 2 tanks purchased by Canada, 20 were upgraded to the Leopard 2A4M CAN standard, 12 Buffel ARVs and 18 Wisent 2 engineering vehicles. The remaining 26 tanks will be used as donors of spare parts and future upgrades.
Leopard 2A6M CAN
First appearance: 2007 year Country: Germany / Canada
Canada decided to buy Leopard 2 tanks in 2007. The main reason was the increased workload of tank crews that awaited them in Afghanistan, which they would not have been able to cope with using outdated Leopard 1 tanks. These vehicles have been in operation for many years and have already served their planned service life many years ago. Rather than following the same path as the rest of the country and using light vehicles, Canada chose to stick with German main battle tanks. The reason for this was the experience gained from operating the Leopard 1. The Leopard 2's quick availability was also taken into account, as well as its technological advantage over other competitors. In order to expedite procurement, the process has been split into two stages. At the first stage, tanks were purchased from Germany and the Netherlands, and at the second stage, the tanks were modified. The first step was to rent 20 Leopard 2A6M tanks from Germany. The vehicles were slightly modified and sent directly to Afghanistan, where they were heavily exploited.
The new tanks under the designation Leopard 2A6M CAN are almost identical to the German A6M. The most notable change was the lattice screens designed to detonate attacking shells before meeting the main armor of the tank.
Lattice armor is installed on the sides and in the rear of the hull and turret. The modules are bolted down and can be removed for repair and maintenance. Crews also use lattice screens as large storage baskets. To do this, you just need to install a metal mesh as the bottom.
In addition to the installation of lattice screens, the main armor was also upgraded. Additional armor plates were installed on the hull roof at the front around the driver's hatch. Another small modification is the protective frames around the two indicator lights.
Another significant improvement has been made to the radio systems. The Leopard 2's conventional antenna bases have been replaced by massive T-shaped bases, each with three antennas inserted. The left base holds two massive antennas, while the right base has one radio antenna and one small antenna for the electronic warfare system. It is used to suppress mobile communications around the car, thus blocking the detonation of improvised explosive devices by radio. Electronic components of the electronic warfare system are installed on the turret roof in flat boxes behind the commander's hatch. Finally, each antenna base carries a flat circular GPS antenna for the navigation system. Another modification is a storage box in front of the commander's hatch. It fits the C8 carbines of the crew members. Storing and using these long carbines inside the turret would be difficult for the crew.
The Leopard 2A6M CAN tank is not equipped with air conditioning for the crew and electronics. To give the crew at least some relief, they were equipped with cooling vests that suck in the air outside the car. For the electronics, a cooling fan was installed on the roof of the tower.
For service in Afghanistan, the tanks are equipped with the Barracuda camouflage system, which reduces thermal and radar signatures and serves as optical camouflage. Known from the Leopard 1AS variant, the Leopard 2A6M CAN also has an umbrella for sun protection. It is usually mounted on a pole between the two turret hatches, but it can fold up during transportation.
In order to extend their service life in Afghanistan, the tanks are equipped with a more powerful air cleaning system for the engine. She is able to handle a lot of sand and dust.
The fire control system of the Leopard 2 tank was slightly improved. In addition to armor-piercing sub-caliber and cumulative types, the Canadian tank can fire with an M1028 cluster projectile.
Several Leopard 2A6M CAN tanks were also equipped with an MCRS (Mine Clearance Roller System) anti-mine roller trawl. It consists of an intermediate plate attached to the tank body and steel rollers. Mines are disarmed by pressure and vibration. To mount the MCRS system to the chassis, mounting points and electrical connectors were added, and the headlights were removed.
Leopard 2A4M
Appearance: 2010 year Country: Germany / Canada
The Leopard 2A4M has been specially modified to meet the requirements of the Canadian armed forces. It is based on the Dutch version of the Leopard 2A4, which has been modified for a total of 20 vehicles. The tank is basically similar to the Leopard 2A6M variant, but lacks the new commander's sight and navigation equipment. The Leopard 2A4M variant has the original Peri-R17 sight, but the front of the turret has received a new armor kit. The tank also features a modified hull with additional armor for the roof, bottom and sides. The driver's seat is equipped with a thermal imager that allows the driver to drive in low light conditions.
The Leopard 2A4M comes with the same turret motors found on the A5 variant. The tower electronics have not been updated except for the installation of Canadian radios.
Due to the additional armor, the Leopard 2A4M variant weighs over 61 tons, making it the heaviest tank in the Leopard 2A4 range.
Leopard 2A4TR
First appearance: 2005 year Country: Germany / Turkey
Instead of the original plans to purchase 1,000 Leopard 2A5 tanks, Turkey decided in 2005 to purchase only 298 Leopard 2A4 vehicles that came from German warehouses. The tanks received only improved air filters. All the tanks were delivered, but the option for another 41 tanks was never exercised.
Leopard 2NG
First appearance: 2011 Country: Germany / Turkey
Leopard 2NG (Next Generation) is an upgrade kit developed by the Turkish company Aselsan. This is another project based on the Leopard 2A4 Evolution, which has the same additional booking system. Like the MVT Revolution variant, the Leopard 2NG also has the turret electronics replaced.
Let's start with the turret and cannon drives. The gunner and commander received new sights, as well as control panels. The gunner can now change the magnification of the day and night branches by x3 or x12. The commander has the same sight as the gunner, only it is housed in a rotating body at the rear of the turret.
The control panels for the commander and gunner are the same, they also have the same monocular eyepiece, buttons and displays. New control levers are also installed. The fire control system has been improved by adding temperature and crosswind sensors.
The Leopard 2NG comes with a GPS based navigation system and a battle management system. It allows you to exchange encrypted data with other departments.
The front of the turret and stern are equipped with laser detectors. If a signal is detected, the system will alert the crew automatically. She can also turn the turret in the direction of the illuminating laser beam and initiate the launch of smoke grenades. This system was originally installed on the Leopard 2 tank.
The last element worth noting is the remotely controlled weapon station on the turret roof. It is controlled either by the commander using a sight, or using a special remote control. In this case, the loader also uses the optics mounted on the weapon module.
Development of the Leopard 2NG variant was completed in 2011. Since Turkey did not purchase the Leopard 2 any further, but began developing its own MBT Altay, it is unlikely that many upgrade kits were sold. The Leopard 2NG adds new technologies to older tanks, but it does not have the same capabilities as the Leopard 2 Revolution model. You should also be skeptical about Aselsan's experience in modernizing a German tank. At the moment, there are no foreign customers for this modernization kit.
Leopard 2A7 + QAT
First appearance: 2015 year Country: Germany / Qatar
In 2009, the German government approved the delivery of 36 used Leopard 2A4 tanks to Qatar. Already at that time, the Leopard 2A4 was not the last version of the tank and, ultimately, the project was never implemented. Instead, it was decided to buy 62 Leopard 2A7 + tanks. This is the newest variant of the Leopard 2 family and Qatar will be the first operator. The delivery of the tanks began in 2015. All vehicles are new and have not been tested in combat in other armies.
Leopard 2A4ID
First appearance: year 2013 Country: Germany / Indonesia
Indonesia tried to buy 100 Leopard 2A6 tanks from the Netherlands, but the deal was canceled due to massive protests in the country of tulips. Then Indonesia turned to face Germany and in 2013 Indonesia officially entered the Leopard 2 user club. A total of 105 tanks were ordered, which will be delivered in 2014-2020. The tanks will be delivered under the indexes Leopard 2A4 + and Leopard 2RI.
The first step was the delivery of two tanks, which took part in the military parade in October 2013. These tanks were in the Pz 87 variant and were purchased from the presence of the Swiss army. They were not finalized, but only repainted. The snow traps were removed from the tanks, but their attachment points were left. The tanks also retained the attachment points for the machine gun barrels on the right side of the turret, but the mufflers on the engine were removed. The tanks also have new radios that can be identified by the new large antennas.
Leopard 2A4 + Rl
First appearance: year 2014 Country: Germany / Indonesia
Indonesia has ordered 103 Leopard 2 tanks, and the first batch will consist of 42 tanks in the so-called Leopard 2A4 + variant. The tanks will be based on the Leopard 2A4 variant, but with some additional modifications. The most important change is the turret and cannon electric drives, replacing the hydraulic drives. This significantly reduces the risk of injury to crew members as well as energy consumption. Also, a certain volume is released in the tower, which is now occupied by the air conditioning system. However, no auxiliary power unit was reportedly installed.
The new cannon has received new recoil devices that allow it to fire the latest 120-mm armor-piercing feathered sub-caliber projectiles. The fire control system has also been improved in order to be able to fire new programmable high-explosive fragmentation ammunition. In place of the loader, an additional control panel was installed.
Additional armor was not installed, this remained the privilege of only the Leopard 2RI variant.
Leopard 2RI
First appearance: 2016 year Country: Germany / Indonesia
The Leopard 2RI is essentially a Leopard 2A4 + RI with additional armor modules. The 61 purchased tanks are similar to the A4 + RI variant, but differ in the armor modules shown on the MVT Evolution model at Eurosatory 2014. They have additional armor modules on the front and sides of the hull and turret, as well as lattice screens around the stern. The tank is also equipped with additional mine protection.
Leopard 2 Tank for training driver mechanics
Country: Germany
In order to ensure the educational process of the mechanics-drivers of Leopard 2 tanks, a special version was developed. In general, it is based on the experience of a similar version of the Leopard 1 tank and is used only in training centers.
The hull is basically identical to the hull of a regular tank, but has new mounts for the turret. The tower itself has nothing to do with the tower of the Leopard 2 tank. It resembles a truck cab, inside which there are seats for an instructor and two soldiers. All controls are similar to those of a serial tank and the instructor can take control if necessary.
Instead of the main cannon, a small metal tube is installed. Additional weights on the sides of the tower imitate the missing mass and provide the mobility of the tank declared according to the performance characteristics.
Leopard 2 NL Tank for training driver mechanics
Country: Germany / Netherlands
The tank in the Leopard 2NL variant was used to train Dutch mechanized guides. The vehicle is similar to the German version, but does not have a cannon layout. This tank is also used by the Austrian army.
Leopard 2E Escuela
First appearance: 2003 year Country: Germany / Spain
The driver training tank used by the Spanish army received the designation Leopard 2E Escuela. Its body is identical to that of the Leopard 2E variant. The armament turret has been replaced by a small cockpit, similar to that of a Dutch driver training tank.
