Why the 2A4 matters
The 2A4 introduced digital fire control, an automatic fire and explosion suppression system and improved armor. It was produced in larger numbers than any other Leopard 2 version, and after the Cold War Germany and the Netherlands sold hundreds of surplus 2A4s to Austria, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Indonesia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden (leased), Turkey and others.
How to recognize a 2A4
Look at the turret front: a 2A4 has a flat, near-vertical face, while the 2A5 and later have pointed wedge armor. The gun is the shorter L/44, so the muzzle barely clears the front of the hull.
Specifications
| Weight | 55.2 t |
| Length (gun forward) | 9.97 m |
| Width | 3.70 m |
| Height | 2.80 m |
| Main gun | Rheinmetall 120 mm L/44 smoothbore |
| Engine | MTU MB 873 Ka-501, 1,500 hp |
| Top speed | About 68–70 km/h |
| Crew | 4 |
Upgrades
Because so many 2A4s exist, a whole industry upgrades them: Poland's Leopard 2PL, Canada's 2A4M CAN, Indonesia's 2RI, Singapore's 2SG and Rheinmetall's Revolution/Evolution packages all add armor, thermal sights and modern electronics to the basic 2A4. Germany itself rebuilt many as 2A7V.
Combat record
Syria (2016–17). Turkish 2A4s fighting the Islamic State near al-Bab suffered several losses to anti-tank missiles and improvised explosives, a reminder that the 2A4's side and rear armor is thin by modern standards and that tanks need infantry support.
Ukraine (2023–). Poland delivered the first Leopard 2A4s to Ukraine in February 2023, followed by tanks from Canada, Norway, Spain and a refurbished batch funded by the Netherlands and Denmark. Ukrainian crews have added explosive reactive armor and anti-drone screens to improve protection. See Leopard tanks in Ukraine.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Leopard 2A4 still a good tank?
On its own it is outclassed by newer tanks, but upgraded 2A4s remain capable, and the basic design is still in service with many countries.
How many Leopard 2A4 were built?
It was the largest Leopard 2 production run; around 2,000 tanks were built or converted to 2A4 standard.
Which countries sent Leopard 2A4 to Ukraine?
Poland, Canada, Norway and Spain, plus a refurbished batch funded by the Netherlands and Denmark.