What is a Leopard tank?
A family of German main battle tanks. The Leopard 1 entered service in 1965 and the Leopard 2 in 1979. The Leopard 2 is the most widely used Western tank today.
Who makes Leopard tanks?
KNDS Deutschland, formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, builds the Leopard 2. Rheinmetall makes the main gun and much of the ammunition.
Why is it called the Leopard?
Germany named its post-war armored vehicles after predators, a tradition carried over from earlier German tanks such as the Tiger and Panther. Other examples include the Marder, Puma and Gepard.
How many Leopard 2 tanks exist?
Roughly 3,600 Leopard 2s have been built since 1979, and new 2A8 production is adding to that.
How many countries use the Leopard 2?
More than 20 countries operate it or have it on order.
What is the newest Leopard tank?
The Leopard 2A8, ordered by Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Croatia.
Is there a Leopard 3?
Yes, in development since 2025. Also called the Leopard 2AX, it is expected to have a 130 mm gun and an unmanned turret, with production in the early 2030s.
How much does a Leopard 2 cost?
About €29 million for a new 2A8 tank alone (2023 estimate), and roughly €30–34 million per tank in recent contracts that include support.
How fast can a Leopard 2 go?
About 68–70 km/h on roads.
How heavy is a Leopard 2?
From 55 tonnes (2A4) to the mid-60s (2A7V and 2A8).
What gun does the Leopard 2 have?
A Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore, in L/44 or longer L/55 versions.
How many crew does a Leopard 2 have?
Four: commander, gunner, loader and driver.
Did Ukraine get Leopard tanks?
Yes. Ukraine received Leopard 2A4, Strv 122 and 2A6 tanks from several countries from 2023, plus over 100 refurbished Leopard 1A5s.
Is the Leopard 2 better than the Abrams?
They are closely matched. The Leopard 2 has a more fuel-efficient diesel engine; the Abrams has more combat experience and a gas-turbine engine.
Can I buy a Leopard tank?
Not a working one. Occasionally demilitarized Leopard 1s are sold to collectors or museums under strict rules.