Leopard 2 operators
| Country | Main versions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2A6, 2A7V, 2A8 (on order) | 123 Leopard 2A8 ordered; plans announced for 75 more |
| Austria | 2A4 | Ex-Dutch tanks |
| Canada | 2A4M CAN, 2A6M CAN | Used in Afghanistan; donated 2A4s to Ukraine |
| Chile | 2A4 | Ex-German |
| Croatia | 2A8 (on order) | 44 ordered in December 2025, deliveries 2028–2030 |
| Czech Republic | 2A4, 2A8 (on order) | 2A4s via a ring swap with Germany; 44 2A8 ordered (plus 14 options) |
| Denmark | 2A7 (upgraded) | Used Leopard 2s in Afghanistan |
| Finland | 2A4, 2A6, 2R, 2L | Ex-German and ex-Dutch tanks |
| Greece | 2A4, 2HEL | One of the largest Leopard fleets in Europe |
| Hungary | 2A7HU, 2A4 (training) | 44 2A7HU ordered in 2018 |
| Indonesia | 2A4, 2RI | Ex-Dutch tanks |
| Lithuania | 2A8 (on order) | 44 ordered; first tanks for a new Lithuanian tank battalion |
| Netherlands | 2A8 (on order) | Sold its fleet by 2011, re-entered with 46 2A8 ordered in 2024 |
| Norway | 2A4, 2A8 (on order) | 54 2A8 ordered in 2023 |
| Poland | 2A4, 2PL, 2A5 | Also buying American Abrams and Korean K2 tanks |
| Portugal | 2A6 | Ex-Dutch; three donated to Ukraine |
| Qatar | 2A7Q | 62 delivered from 2015 |
| Singapore | 2SG | Upgraded ex-German 2A4s |
| Slovakia | 2A4 | Received from Germany in exchange for vehicles sent to Ukraine |
| Spain | 2A4, 2E | Licence-built 2E; donated 2A4s to Ukraine |
| Sweden | Strv 122, 2A8 (on order) | 44 2A8 ordered in January 2025 |
| Switzerland | Pz 87 (2A4-based) | Agreed to sell 25 stored tanks back to Germany in 2023 |
| Turkey | 2A4 | Saw combat in northern Syria in 2016–17 |
| Ukraine | 2A4, 2A5 (Strv 122), 2A6 | Donated by several NATO countries from 2023 |
Fleet details change often; this table reflects public reporting through October 2026.
Leopard 1 operators
The Leopard 1 has largely been retired in Western Europe but remains in service with Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Greece, Lebanon, Turkey and Ukraine, among others. Many retired tanks were bought back by German industry, which is how stocks were available to refurbish for Ukraine. Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Denmark, Canada and Australia were all major users in the past. See Leopard 1: The First Generation.
Why so many countries chose the Leopard 2
- Availability. When the Cold War ended, Germany and the Netherlands sold hundreds of surplus 2A4s at low prices, seeding fleets across Europe, South America and Asia.
- A shared user club. Operators share training, spare parts and upgrade programs, which lowers costs for everyone.
- A diesel engine. Unlike the gas-turbine Abrams, the Leopard 2 uses a diesel that is easier on fuel logistics.
- A clear upgrade path. Older tanks can be brought up to near-modern standards rather than replaced outright.
The 2A8 order wave
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered the biggest burst of tank buying in Europe since the Cold War. Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Croatia have all ordered the Leopard 2A8, many of them in joint contracts managed by Germany's procurement office. In January 2026 a single EUR 330 million contract covered Trophy active protection systems for the Lithuanian, Dutch, Czech and Croatian tanks.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries use the Leopard 2?
More than 20 countries operate or have ordered the Leopard 2, making it the most widely used Western main battle tank.
Does the United States use the Leopard 2?
No. The US Army uses the M1 Abrams. The two tanks share the same basic 120 mm gun design.
Which countries have ordered the Leopard 2A8?
Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Croatia.