Modernization tank LEOPARD 2: the game and the players
Danish army LEOPARD 2A5DK tank during an operation in Afghanistan in February 2014. Denmark acquired 57 tanks LEOPARD 2A4 from stocks of the German army in 1997, later KMW upgraded 51 vehicles to the 2A5DK configuration. The Danish army currently has 36 2A5DK tanks
The Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) LEOPARD 2 tank is one of the brightest NATO tanks that came into service before the end of the Cold War. LEOPARD 2, the main battle tank (MBT), originally designed to respond to the challenges of the European operational space, in particular what was then called the internal German border, is currently operating in a variety of conditions. Those who once created and designed the car, today can certainly be very surprised that the tank is deployed in Afghanistan, Southeast Asia and Latin America.
When LEOPARD 1979 was created as a perfect tank of the Cold War era in 2, no one could have imagined that the Cold War would end, but ... it ended. And then the question arises whether Germany and the Netherlands needed all the tanks that they had, and if they didn’t need them, then what was their fate? It is logical to ask another question, if at the end of the Cold War, the need for military assets was significantly reduced, how did this affect the companies involved in the production of the LEOPARD 2 tank?
After the Cold War, LEOPARD 2 was transformed, new users acquired a tank through both direct deliveries and the purchase of surplus vehicles. As for upgrades, these were “official” upgrades and improvement programs run by users and suppliers of original systems. Also, the “new” LEOPARD 2 users had on their accounts a rather large number of their own modernization programs, as they sought to use all the capabilities of the tank in order to meet their operational needs.
First of all, it is necessary to begin the analysis of the development of the LEOPARD 2 tank modernization programs from the activities of the community of the first LEOPARD 2 operators. In the 80s, Germany began to think about its future tank needs. At that time, several possible paths were considered. First, the creation of a new car, but after careful analysis, this idea was subsequently discarded. Secondly, an option was explored to develop advanced systems that could be integrated into LEOPARD 2 as part of the modernization program. This way of further development of the tank was officially approved in 1989. Later, an experienced machine for testing components under the designation KVT, whose protection was significantly improved, appeared. This was followed by a testing machine for instruments and devices under the designation IVT, which was used as a stand for technologies such as an integrated command-information system. In 1990, the TVM1 program began, in which two cars were tested in two different configurations; At the beginning of 90, the TVM2 program was launched, in which a variant with more specific upgrades was tested. These works formed the basis of the solution that determined the modernization path, and as a result, the three operators of the LEOPARD 2 tank in October 1991 decided to choose KWS II (with significantly improved protection and other improvements), which later became known as the LEOPARD 2A5 variant.
The modernization of the LEOPARD 2 tank continued and the next step was the LEOPARD 2A6 variant, which received the 120-mm Rheinmetall L / 55 cannon, improvements in protection and other improvements. Germany decided to convert LEOPARD 225A2 5A2 tanks into 6 tanks, deliveries began in March 2001. The Dutch army modified the LEOPARD 180A2 5 tanks to the 2A6 standard, the first deliveries began in February of the 2003 year. Switzerland has also developed several modernization programs for its Pz87 tanks.
Both LEOPARD 2A5 and LEOPARD 2A6 models were successfully sold abroad. Sweden decided to adopt the LEOPARD 2, initially renting LEOPARD 160A2 tanks from Germany for 4 and giving them the designation Strv 121 (these tanks have now been returned to Germany). The Strv 122 became a tank, chosen mainly to fulfill Swedish requirements; it is based on the LEOPARD 2A5 model, which is equipped with Sweden-specific equipment. In total, the 122 tank was purchased, the 29 was manufactured in Germany and the rest in Sweden. Sweden has upgraded the Strv 10 122 tanks to the Strv 122B configuration by improving mine protection (Germany similarly redesigned the LEOPARD 70A2 tanks, which were designated 6A2M).
In March 2002, Greece, based on its needs, chose the configuration LEOPARD 2HEL; it is a variant of 2A6 with additional protection.
A total of 170 machines were ordered, of which 140 tanks were manufactured in Greece; The first deliveries took place in March 2006. In addition, Greece bought the LEOPARD 183A2 4 tank from the stocks of the German army in accordance with the contract signed in August 2005. Spain also chose LEOPARD 2A6, signing a contract in 1998 for the purchase of 219 tanks. The tanks were designated LEOPARD 2E, the first 30 vehicles were manufactured in Germany, their deliveries began in the 2003 year, the remaining vehicles were manufactured in Spain by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). Spain also bought LEOPARD 108A2 tanks from the surplus of the German army in order to fill the empty niche before entering LEOPARD 4E; These machines are designated LEOPARD 2A2E.
Germany decided to officially order LEOPARD 2 in September of the 1977 of the year, intending to buy 1800 tanks. The manufacture of tanks of the first batch was divided between the KMW companies (at that time Krauss-Maffei acted as the main contractor, later Wegmann joined its structure, after which the modern company KMW was formed) and MaK (later became part of Rheinmetall). After four batches, KMW manufactured 787 tanks, and MaK 643 tanks. In December 1985, the production of the most advanced version of the LEOPARD 2A4 began. From 1979 to 1992, several serial batches were made. The Bundeswehr bought a total of LEOPARD 2125 2 tanks, all tanks were upgraded to LEOPARD 2A4 standard. From the very beginning of its appearance, the Leopard 2 was constantly upgraded to the latest standards. So, to this quantity we must add tanks made for export. The Netherlands became the first foreign customer for the LEOPARD 2 tank, signing a contract in March 1979 of the year and accepting the first shipments in the 1982 year. Total 445 tanks were purchased. Switzerland ordered LEOPARD 2 in August 1983, after which it received German 35 tanks in 1987; there he received the designation Panzer 87 (Pz87). The local production of the Pz87 tank began in December of the 1987 of the year and continued until the 1993 of the year; for the Swiss army, the 345 of the Pz87 tanks were manufactured. Based on these figures, we can talk about the manufacture of a total of X-NUMX tanks LEOPARD 2950 for three operators in the period from 2 to 1979 year; moreover, only 1993 machines were not made in Germany.
Current state of affairs
Changes in the European concept of security after the end of the Cold War made it possible to receive “peace dividends”, as defense spending declined and most of the military assets became redundant. This particularly affected the tanks. The Netherlands originally bought LEOPARD 445 2 tanks, but began selling them at the end of the 90s. In 1997, Austria ordered the LEOPARD 115A2NL former Dutch tanks 4 (they are now LEOPARD 2A4ОE), the first vehicles delivered in the 1998 year (approximately 56 remain in service). Norway received the LEOPARD 52A2NL (4A2NO) Dutch 4 tank and is currently looking at upgrading it (see below). In the Netherlands, Portugal bought LEOPARD 37A2NL (6A2PO) 6 machines. Canada bought LEOPARD 100A2NL 4 tanks in the 2007 year; We will discuss this deal later, as it had a significant impact on the subsequent development of the LEOPARD 2 tank.
In April 2011, the Netherlands Ministry of Defense announced that the LEOPARD 2 tank would be decommissioned, and the remaining vehicles would be stored, where they could be sold. In January, 2014 announced that Finland would buy LEOPARD 100A2 tanks (Leopard 6A2FI) 6 tanks, spare parts and ammunition for them under a contract worth 200 million euros from the Netherlands, 2015 to 2019 a year from the Netherlands. But due to the well-known events taking place in Europe, the Dutch army apparently intends to return to operation the remaining LEOPARD 2A6NL tanks, from which a new tank battalion consisting of approximately 17 tanks will probably be formed.
Switzerland bought 380 tanks Pz87 from 1987 to 1993 a year, but by the end of 90's, it became obvious that the Swiss would reduce their armed forces and, therefore, reduce the fleet of Pz87 tanks. It was decided to leave the 134 tank Pz87, and the remaining put in storage, sell or convert for other tasks. In 2007, the Swiss army decided to convert 12 tanks into an engineering vehicle AEV3 KODIAK; Rheinmetall and RUAG Defense took part in the project, which decided to re-make cars in Switzerland. Later in the year 2010, Switzerland sold Xhexme Pz42 machines from Rheinmetall for conversion into specialized versions, while Canada bought February 87 from Switzerland 2011 Pz12 tanks for conversion into specialized versions. In accordance with the Swiss armaments 87 armament program in Switzerland, a total of 2014 Pz96 tanks must be removed from service.
As for the 134 Pz87 tanks left in service with the Swiss army, they were upgraded by RUAG to the Pz87WE configuration. According to the modernization program Werterhaltungs (WE), from the very beginning, it was supposed to focus on increasing the level of mine protection of the hull, the tower also received additional protection for the front, sides and roof due to the installation of armor modules. New electric turret drives were installed, and the commander's periscope was replaced by a PERI-R17A2 periscope with an optimized thermal imaging channel from Airbus Defense & Space. An important addition was the Vehicle Integrated Information Navigation C2 System (VIIINACS). A remotely controlled weapon module from Autarkes Waffensystem (AWS) was also installed with a 12,7 mm M2 machine gun. During the modernization, a full range of measures was taken to reduce the signs of visibility. For other LEOPARD 2 customers, RUAG Defense offers a complete upgrade of the Pz87WE. However, the Swiss army, mainly due to financial difficulties, received only a stripped-down version of the WE modernization.
Like the Netherlands and Switzerland, Germany also significantly reduced the fleet of LEOPARD 2 tanks, transferring a large number of vehicles to surplus, and thus creating the current international market for the modernization of LEOPARD 2 tanks. Germany also continues to upgrade its fleet of tanks LEOPARD 2, which gives another direction of modernization.
In 2007, Chile acquired LEOPARD 140A2 4 tanks, 115 of them under the designation LEOPARD 2A4CHL were left in service with minimal modifications, while 25 tanks were purchased for spare parts. Denmark bought LEOPARD 57A2 4 tanks from Germany in 1997, of which 51 was later modified by KMW to LEOPARD 2A5DK configuration (six tanks were used as spare parts). Before being deployed in Afghanistan in 2007, some tanks in 2006-2007 underwent another modernization, and the level of protection of these tanks was increased, for example, by installing lattice screens. Today, Denmark is armed with 36 tanks LEOPARD 2A5DK.
In 2003, Finland bought LEOPARD 124A2 tank 4 from Germany; 12 was converted into support machines, 12 was disassembled for parts and 100 left in operation under the designation 2A4FI. Later in 2009, 15 2A4 tanks were also purchased from Germany for spare parts. At some point, LEOPARD 2A4FI could be upgraded, but this possibility was unlikely when Finland bought 100 LEOPARD 2A6NL tanks from the Netherlands in 2014.
Modernization of Turkish MBT
Winter running tests LEOPARD 2NG
Aselsan is the leading defense modernization company in Turkey and has previously played an important role in the main tank modernization programs (171 LEOPARD 1A1 / A4 and 170 M60A1) and armored personnel carriers (supply of uncooled thermal imagers for ACV 300X and BTR for BTR, and for the BTR, in the case of APV 60 and Armored personnel carriers (supplying uncooled thermal imagers for ACV 155 and BTV ACR 2009 and Armored personnel carriers) Aselsan has also developed a T-2 FIRTINA Turkish self-propelled howitzer fire control system. In accordance with the contract issued in 4, Aselsan received a task from the Office of the Defense Industry to install a new Tank Fire Control System (TFCS) tank fire control system, designated EAGLEEYE III and originally chosen for the third-generation Turkish tank ALTAY MBT, on MBT LEOPARD 2A4 Turkish Army. In addition to the modern TFCS, the LEOPARD 12,7A2 tanks also had a remote-controlled SARP armament module with an 4-mm machine gun and additional booking modules. The LEOPARD 2011A2 MBT prototype was planned to be used as a “debugging stand” as part of the ALTAY MBT program of the Turkish Armed Forces. Since November 4, after the completion of the installation, the prototype tank LEOPARD 2A2013 (received the designation LEOPARD 2013NG for sale for export) underwent comprehensive sea trials and firing trials, which ended in 2. In March, 4, Aselsan and RUAG signed an agreement to install the TFCS system, which successfully showed itself on the 2АXNUMX tank during firing tests, on the LEOPARD XNUMX MLU prototype.
In the 2006-2009 years, the Turkish army bought a total of 298 tanks LEOPARD 2A4 from the German army, the official contract for the purchase of another 41 + 15 (for spare parts) tanks LEOPARD 2A4 was signed in April 2010 of the year. Today, the balance of the Turkish Armed Forces includes 339 tanks LEOPARD 2A4 (including a prototype LEOPARD 2NG). Aselsan also upgraded the LMS on some LEOPARD 2A4 Turkish machines. The upgraded tank LEOPARD 2A4 took part in the Atis Serbet training (fire at will), conducted in October 2014, at the Polatli proving ground.
The AEV-3 KODIAK Multifunction Engineering Machine allows engineering units to successfully perform a variety of tasks. The concept of the machine is based on the modernization of the extra chassis OBT LEOPARD 2
LEOPARD 2, received the baptism of fire in Afghanistan, is in service with many countries
Poland bought its first LEOPARD 2A4 tanks in the 2002 year, it delivered the 124 tank in the LEOPARD 2A4PL version. Later in November, 2013, Poland bought another batch directly from the warehouses of the German army; these are LEOPARD 14A2 4 tanks and LEOPARD 105A2 tanks 5, which are to be delivered in the 2015 year. Prior to this, in October 2013, the Polish Ministry of Defense issued a request for proposals regarding the LEOPARD 2PL modernization program. In December, 2013 received three replies to this offer: from WZM and Rheinmetall, from Bumar and from the PCO tandem with Aselsan. Since the LEOPARD 2PL modernization process has stopped and this is most likely due to the fact that since the process of reorganization and consolidation of the Polish defense industry is in progress, this modernization will be one of many programs launched to support local industry.
One of the contracts relating to the tank LEOPARD 2 was issued in September 2014 to ZM Mesko (part of Polish Defense Holding). She received a contract for the production of 14000 120-mm high-explosive fragmentation projectiles with supplies up to 2017 year. In November, 2014 of the Year was followed by another contract for the production of 13000 armor-piercing sub-caliber tracer shells, which must also be delivered before the 2017 of the year.
In a document entitled “Future purchases of the Norwegian aircraft in 2014-2022,” released in 2014, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense determined the number of programs associated with the modernization of the LEOPARD 2 tank. The 5045 project provides for the installation of an assault bridge on the LEOPARD 2 chassis in order to replace existing bridges based on the LEOPARD 1 chassis. In total, the LEOPARD 5 AVLB bridge laying machines need 8-2, the program, which should be completed in the 2020 year, will cost from 391 to 652 million dollars. The 5049 project provides for the replacement of engineering vehicles with the chassis of the LEOPARD 1 tank with engineering vehicles based on the LEOPARD 2 chassis. Five to eight LEOPARD 2 AEV engineering vehicles are also required; this program, worth 391-652 million dollars, will be completed by 2020 year.
The largest program associated with the tank LEOPARD 2, is the project 5050 - upgrading the actual tanks LEOPARD 2. In accordance with it, it is necessary to upgrade the LEOPARD 46A2NO 4 tanks to a new configuration, including enhanced protection, new thermal sights and air conditioning. The contract must be issued by 2016, and the program must end in 2021. The upgrade program will cost from 1304 to 2608 million dollars. The procurement document states that the number of tanks being upgraded can be reduced and will be in this case less than 46 units.
The last country on our list, which led several programs to upgrade the tank Leopard 2, is Canada. Without a doubt, the country's unique activity in this area influenced the latest “official” modernization of the LEOPARD 2 for the Canadian army, which was designated LEOPARD 2A7. Canada operated LEOPARD C2 (a variant of the LEOPARD 1 tank) for many years and ultimately had to remove it from service and replace it with a wheeled artillery mount. But then Afghanistan began and it became clear that the tank plays a vital role even in conditions of asymmetrical combat operations.
This prompted Canada to launch the Tank Replacement Project, for which the LEOPARD 2007 tank was selected as the optimal solution in 2. In accordance with the 1 Stage of this project, the Canadian Army received leased 20 tanks leopard 2A6M from the German army. These tanks were prepared for combat by KMW and arrived in Afghanistan in August 2007. In addition, in order to support tanks, Canada acquired two armored recovery vehicles (BREM) BUFFEL ARV.
The 2 phase of the Tank Replacement Project began after signing in December of 2007 a contract with the Netherlands for the purchase of 80 LEOPARD 2A4NL and 20 tanks LEOPARD 2A6NL. 20 tanks 2A6NL had to be upgraded to the German standard 2A6M, and then sent to the German army in exchange for 20 tanks 2A6M, previously supplied to Canada for operation in Afghanistan. These former German tanks received the designation 2A6M CAN after additional upgrades based on the experience gained during the fighting. Later in December, the 2014, tanks in the 2A6NL version, "surfaced" as an option LEOPARD 2A7.
As a result, Canadians now have their first-class 20 LEOPARD 2A6 CAN tanks and plus 80 LEOPARD 2A4NL tanks. In fact, these tanks fall into two programs: the previously mentioned Project for the replacement of tanks and the Project to increase the mobility of the troops, providing for the receipt of such specialized vehicles as BREMs and engineering. As previously noted, Canada acquired 2011 12 Pz87 tanks from Switzerland for conversion to specialized vehicles.
Canada entered into a contract with KMW for 20 LEOPARD 2A4NL tanks, which were to be upgraded to 2A4M CAN configuration. It primarily provides for a significant increase in the level of defense of the tower and the hull with a special focus on protection from mines and IEDs. The L / 44 gun was abandoned, but the tower electric drives were replaced and the Canadian communications system was improved. The finalization of the first five cars was completed at the KMW plant in November 2010 of the year and redeployed to Afghanistan in January 2011. Later in July, the 2012 of the 12 LEOPARD 2A4M CAN tanks were delivered directly to Canada.
While KMW was completing its work on 2A4M CAN, in October 2010, the company Rheinmetall Canada received a separate contract for the modernization and overhaul of 42 tanks LEOPARD 2A4. In this regard, to maintain its fleet of tanks, Canada also bought LEOPARD 15A2 4 machines from Germany for spare parts. In November, a contract was issued to Rheinmetall 2011, which included alteration of eight LEOPARD 2A4 tanks into the BREM BUFFEL ARV3 option with another option on the 4 machine. In July, 2012, the company Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) received a contract from Canada worth 81,6 million euros for remaking LEOPARD 13A2 tanks into an engineering machine WISENT 4 AEV with an option for five more cars. As already noted, Canada had to replace the 2 20 LEOPARD 20A2M tanks leased from Germany for operation in Afghanistan with the 6 Dutch LEOPARD 20A2 tanks, which in turn were converted to the German configuration by KMW. However, this was just the beginning of much more significant modernization work that allowed the next generation of LEOPARD 6A2 to be created. In addition to LEOPARD 7A2M, KMW spent a lot of effort developing follow-up options, such as the LEOPARD 6 Peace Support Operations (PSO) option for peacekeeping operations, which was designed to meet the growing need for asymmetric conflicts. KMW has a close relationship with the LEOPARD 2 tank operator community, and has received constant feedback and comments from the Danish and Canadian forces in Afghanistan, armed with LEOPARD 2 tanks. In addition, KMW regularly introduced new technologies as it sought to find new customers for the LEOPARD 2 tank. All this formed the basis of the new LEOPARD 2A2 production tanks, which quite possibly can receive large contracts in the Middle East.
Canada decided to increase its engineering capabilities in the framework of the project to increase the mobility of the troops, and therefore bought the FNF X XUMUM 13 machines with the first deliveries in the 2 year. When signing the contract at 2015, Canada also placed options on five more WISENT 2012 machines.
German tank LEOPARD 2A7 during the transfer of the German army in December 2014 year
In December, the KMW company transferred the first tank LEOPARD 2014A2 to the German army in December, at the same time it was decided to upgrade all existing German tanks LEOPARD 7A2 to the standard 6A2. First, the new version of the protection levels were reduced to the standard 7A2M and then even increased, there is also the possibility of additional reservations. The information management system IFIS was installed, the internal communication was improved, a new possibility of exchanging data and voice messages with supporting tank infantry was added. An Airbus DS PERI-R6A17 commander's sight with an ATTICA thermal imager was installed, and driver and gunner observation systems were also improved. In addition, installed air conditioning and auxiliary power unit. The new version of the tank can also shoot programmable ammunition Rheinmetall DM3 HE and armor-piercing sub-caliber DM11.
Asian Leopard
In December, the Singapore Ministry of Defense announced that 2006 would buy 66 modernized LEOPARD 2A4 tanks along with LEOPARD 30A2 tanks directly from the warehouses of the German army. The tanks were to be upgraded at KMW, which, together with the local Singapore Technologies Kinetics, was to supply vehicles to the Singapore Army and carry out their maintenance. The training of crews of LEOPARD 4 tanks of the Singapore army was to be provided by the German army.
The Singapore Army sought to get modern tanks, learn how to operate and maintain them, and then build up their forces to meet the operational needs of Singapore. In this regard, the ways of modernization of the LEOPARD 2A4 Singapore fleet and the ways of acquiring specialized vehicles to support LEOPARD 2 tanks were identified. As for the specialized machines, the Singaporean army bought the BREM BUFFEL ARV, the LEOPARD 2 AVLB bridge laying machine and reportedly ordered the KODIAK AEV engineering vehicle.
By 2010, the LEOPARD 2A4 was upgraded to the new LEOPARD 2SG standard, the most notable change was the new AMAP reservation kit from IBD Deisenroth, which significantly increased protection. Other improvements include the installation of a Singapore standard communications system and a battle management system kit. However, some tanks do not have a permanently installed set of additional reservations, some of these tanks participated in the annual Panzer Strike exercises in Germany and Wallaby in Australia. As usual, Singapore is not very eager to reveal the details of the LEOPARD 2SG upgrade. It is precisely known that the Singaporean army will continue the modernization of these machines and they will remain in service for many more years.
For a long time, Indonesia was striving to modernize its armored forces and, ultimately, decided to buy LEOPARD 100 2 tanks from the surplus of the Dutch army. Then things got a little complicated, as the Netherlands reluctantly spoke about supplies, and Indonesia was also reluctant to respond to the purchase. Finally, in November 2013, the company officially announced that it had entered into a contract with Indonesia worth 213 million euros on "103 comprehensively renovated and modernized LEOPARD MBT; The order includes 42 upgraded infantry fighting vehicles MARDER 1A3 and 11 of various evacuation and engineering vehicles plus related documentation, training equipment and additional logistic support. In addition, the order includes initial deliveries of practical and conventional ammunition. ” The supply contract must pass in 2014-2016.
From the LEOPARD 103 2 tanks for Indonesia, the 42 machines in the LEOPARD 2 + configuration were delivered during the 2014 year. The rest of the 61 machine will be in LEOPARD 2RI configuration. Leopard 2 + is a limited upgrade of the LEOPARD 2A4 configuration, which included some improvements to the gun and fire control system to shoot the latest generation of ammunition, replaced the tower electric drives and installed air-conditioning system. LEOPARD 2RI is a more ambitious upgrade, which included the entire upgrade to the configuration of LEOPARD 2 + with the addition of a reservation kit based on the reservation kit of the Rheinmetall REVOLUTION option. In addition, according to the report of the German parliament 2013, the Indonesian contract provides for the supply of specialized machines, including four BUFFEL ARV (BREM), three AEV (engineering) and three AVLB (bridge laying).
Tank LEOPARD 2A6M CAN with lattice screens
Opportunities continue
As can be seen from the article there are many options for modernization that can be implemented on the tank LEOPARD 2. It should be noted right away that for those who are looking for effective tank forces, in Europe there are still quite affordable LEOPARD 2 chassis from the generation LEOPARD 2A4 and higher. Equally, these chassis available on the market offer tank operators the opportunity to replenish their fleets or convert excess chassis into specialized options, such as armored vehicles, engineering vehicles and bridge layers.
As for current upgrades, the upgrade possibilities of LEOPARD 2 are extremely diverse. First of all, it is worth noting the so-called “official” upgrades, when KMW consistently goes from 2A4 to 2A5, to 2A6 / 2A6M and, finally, to the 2A7 configuration. Indeed, the contract concluded in QNUMX of April with Qatar for the purchase of X-NUMX tanks LEOPARD 2013A62 puts KMW in a rather unique position, because it is one of the few western tank manufacturers that has received a contract for the production of tanks. KMW currently offers LEOPARD 2A7 + as an export system with a special focus on Middle Eastern operating conditions.
Thus, as for the “official” upgrades, KMW can be quite sure that at one point, in addition to 20 tanks currently being upgraded, will receive orders to upgrade the existing fleet of 205 tanks LEOPARD 2A6 / 2A6M to the German army to the configuration of LEOPARD 2A7. You can also reflect on the fact that the LEOPARD 2A7 upgrade will attract the existing operators of LEOPARD 2 tanks, especially those that already have the 2A6 version in service.
A wide range of "unofficial" upgrades tank LEOPARD 2. Take at least the company RUAG Defense and modernization of the tank Pz87WE. This time-tested solution can be one of the options for upgrading LEOPARD 2A4. In addition, the growth of financing in Switzerland will to some extent contribute to the growth of the quantity and quality of the modernization of the Pz87 tank, while the export potential may also increase. We also saw another proposal on modernization in Turkey. There, Aselsan is proposing a LEOPARD 2A4 upgrade to the LEOPARD 2 Next Generation configuration.
IBD Deisenroth has developed the Evolution retrofit kit, which seriously increases the level of protection against the full range of threats. For the LEOPARD 2SG Singapore retrofit, many elements of the Evolution kit are used. IBD protection components are also included in the LEOPARD 2 REVOLUTION retrofit kit, developed by Rheinmetall. Depending on the needs of the customer, Rheinmetall offers very wide possibilities for modernization, for example, a completely reworked tower, a new fire control system, and increased fire power. In conclusion, we can conclude that the maintenance of the combat capabilities of the LEOPARD 2 tank and its modernization on a global scale will allow us to preserve the highly profitable business for many years.
Materials used:
www.janes.com
www.kmweg.com
www.wikipedia.org
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