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Main Battle tanks.

Leopard 2A7A1.

The Leopard 2A7A1 is a state-of-the-art main battle tank (MBT) developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) now KNDS in Germany. It represents one of the latest iterations of the Leopard 2 series, incorporating advanced systems for enhanced protection, firepower, and mobility. Designed for modern and hybrid warfare, the Leopard 2A7A1 builds on the proven design of its predecessors while integrating cutting-edge technology, including the Israeli Trophy Active Protection System (APS). 

Country users: Germany

Description

The Leopard 2A7A1 is a heavily upgraded main battle tank aimed at maintaining operational superiority on 21st-century battlefields. Its development began in the late 2010s as part of Germany's response to the increasing threats posed by advanced anti-tank weaponry and hybrid warfare environments. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (now KNDS) worked in partnership with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Israel) to integrate the Trophy APS and improve survivability against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and modern anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). 

After rigorous development and testing phases, the Leopard 2A7A1 was officially introduced into service with the German Army (Bundeswehr) in 2023. This tank builds upon the success of the Leopard 2A7 platform, combining proven designs with advanced technology to meet the demands of high-intensity combat and operations in urban and hybrid warfare settings. Its primary missions include engaging heavily armored enemy forces, providing direct fire support to infantry, and securing dominance in contested battlefields. 

leopard 2A7A1 variants:

No variants of the Leopard 2A7A1

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Technical Data

  • Armament

    The Leopard 2A7A1 is armed with the Rheinmetall 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun, featuring an upgraded 120mm 155 A1 variant for enhanced performance. This weapon system delivers exceptional range and flexibility, compatible with NATO-standard ammunition types such as APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot) for defeating heavily armored targets, HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) for soft targets and vehicles, and programmable HE (High-Explosive) rounds for infantry and fortified structures. 

    The second armament of the Leopard 2A7A1 tank includes one coaxial 7.62mm MG3 machine gun for close defense and an optional Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) for additional firepower. The Leopard 2A7A1 also has a bank of four smoke-grenade dischargers mounted on each side of the turret, capable of creating smoke screens to obscure the tank from enemy observation and reduce the effectiveness of guided weapon systems. These features collectively enhance the tank's survivability and lethality. 

  • Design and protection

    The design of the Leopard 2A7A1 is conventional for a modern tank, with the driver at the front right side of the hull, the turret in the middle, and the powerpack at the rear. The tank features modular armor composed of advanced composite materials such as titanium, tungsten, and ceramics, providing superior protection against kinetic and chemical energy threats.  The chassis and turret of the Leopard 2A7A1 have been designed with a 360° active protection system to counter shoulder-launched anti-tank missiles. The tank is also equipped with the Trophy APS, a cutting-edge Active Protection System that uses radar to detect and neutralize incoming projectiles before they hit the vehicle, ensuring survivability against modern ATGMs(Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) and RPGs (Rocket propelled Grenades). Inside, the tank houses a four-person crew comprising the commander, gunner, loader, and driver. The interior is optimized for crew survivability, featuring energy-absorbing seats, spall liners to reduce fragmentation risks, and reinforced belly armor for protection against mines and IEDs Improvised Explosive Devices).

  • Mobility

    The Leopard 2A7A1 MBT is powered by the MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine, producing 1,500 horsepower. This robust engine enables the tank to achieve speeds of up to 60 km/h on roads and 28 km/h in reverse, depending on the final drive configuration. It features upgraded running gear, which improves reliability and stability over rugged and diverse terrains. 

    The tank's mobility is further supported by a hydropneumatic suspension system, allowing smooth and controlled operation across a range of terrains, from urban settings to open fields. Additionally, the tank is equipped with an improved cooling unit for the power pack, ensuring optimal engine performance under demanding conditions. It can traverse a forward slope of 60%, a side slope of 30%, vertical obstacles up to 1.05 meters, and ditches up to 3.0 meters. It can also ford water obstacles up to 4.0 meters deep with preparation. 

  • Combat Equipment

    The Leopard 2A7A1 is equipped with advanced systems to enhance its operational effectiveness. The tank incorporates a sophisticated fire control system, including the EMES 15 sight with thermal imaging and a laser rangefinder for accurate day-and-night operations. The tank also includes a 16 kW crew compartment cooling unit for the turret and chassis, ensuring crew comfort and system efficiency during extended operations. Other onboard technologies include Attica thermal imaging cameras for improved targeting, laser warning receivers to detect and warn of enemy laser-guided threats, and a battlefield management system for real-time communication and coordination with allied forces. Additionally, the auxiliary power unit (APU) provides 20 kW of power with stabilizing ultracapacitors, enabling silent operation of critical systems when the main engine is off.  Furthermore, the tank is equipped with an NBC protection system, ensuring crew survivability in environments affected by nuclear, biological, or chemical threats. 

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Specifications

  • Armament

    One 120mm cannon, one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and one 7.62mm machine mounted on the commander hatch

  • Country users

    Germany

  • Designer Country

    Germany

  • Combat Equipment

    EMES 15 fire control system, thermal imaging cameras, laser rangefinder, Trophy Active Protection System (APS), Attica thermal imaging cameras, laser warning receivers, auxiliary power unit (20 kW) with stabilizing ultracaps, crew compartment cooling unit (16 kW for turret and chassis), battlefield management system, 360° Local Situational Awareness System, Laser Warning System, NBC protection system.

  • Crew

    4

  • Armor

    Modular composite armor, improved mine protection, upgraded modular protection for chassis front and turret, 360° turret protection, Trophy Active Protection System (APS), reinforced belly armor, and spall liners.

  • Weight Tank

    61.5–64.3 tons (depending on configuration)

  • Speed Tank

    60 km/h forward, 28 km/h reverse

  • Range Tank

    400 km on road

  • Dimensions

    Length: 10.96 m; Width: 3.77 m; Height: 3.18 m

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Details View

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