Leopard 2A7 and 2A7V

Origins

Experience in Afghanistan showed that the biggest threat to tanks there came from below and from the sides: mines, roadside bombs and short-range rocket-propelled grenades. Germany's answer was the 2A7. The first 20 were converted from 2A6M tanks and handed over in December 2014. A much larger upgrade, the 2A7V ("V" for verbessert, improved), converted older 2A4 and 2A6 tanks from 2020 onward.

Key improvements

• Protection. Extra armor modules on the hull and turret sides and a stronger hull floor against mines and roadside bombs.
• Gun and ammunition. The L/55A1 gun handles higher-pressure ammunition and programmable high-explosive rounds (DM11) that can be set to burst over trenches or inside buildings.
• Sights. Modern thermal imagers for commander and gunner.
• Power. An auxiliary power unit runs the electronics without the main engine, and air conditioning keeps electronics and crew working in hot climates.
• Urban features. Provision for a remote weapon station and other systems for fighting in built-up areas.

Leopard 2A7V specifications

Export versions

• Leopard 2A7HU (Hungary): 44 ordered in 2018, delivered from 2023.
• Leopard 2A7Q (Qatar): 62 tanks delivered from 2015, based on the 2A7+ export demonstrator.
• Denmark: upgraded its 2A5DK fleet to a 2A7 standard.
• Norway initially announced a 2A7 order in 2023 before switching it to the 2A8.

Frequently asked questions