Turkish company BMC proposes its upgrade package for the Turkish army’s fleet of aging Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks.
BMC's upgraded Leopard 2A4 for the Turkish army (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Leopard 2 was developed by Krauss-Maffei in the 1970s for the West German Army. The tank first entered service in 1979 and succeeded the earlier Leopard 1 as the main battle tank of the German Army. It is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore cannon and is powered by a V-12 twin-turbo diesel engine. Various versions have served in the armed forces of Germany and 12 other European countries, as well as several non-European nations, including Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Singapore, and Turkey. The Leopard 2 was used in Kosovo with the German Army, and has seen action in Afghanistan with the Dutch, Danish and Canadian contributions to the International Security Assistance Force, as well as seeing action in Syria with the Turkish Armed Forces.
There are two main development batches of the tank: the original models up to Leopard 2A4, which have vertically faced turret armor, and the improved batch, namely the Leopard 2A5 and newer versions, which have angled arrow-shaped turret appliqué armor together with other improvements. All models feature digital fire control systems with laser rangefinders, a fully stabilized main gun and coaxial machine gun, and advanced night vision and sighting equipment (first vehicles used a low-light-level TV system or LLLTV; thermal imaging was introduced later on). The tank has the ability to engage moving targets while moving over rough terrain.
The most widespread version of the Leopard 2 family, the 2A4 models included substantial changes, including an automated fire and explosion suppression system, an all-digital fire control system able to handle new ammunition types, and an improved turret with flat titanium/tungsten armor. The Leopard 2s were manufactured in eight batches between 1985 and 1992. All the older models were upgraded to 2A4 standard. Until 1994, Germany operated a total of 2,125 2A4s (695 newly built and the rest modified older versions), while the Netherlands had an additional 445 tanks. The 2A4 was also license manufactured in Switzerland as the Panzer 87 "Leopard" or Pz 87. This version included Swiss-built 7.5 mm MG 87 machine guns and communications equipment and featured an improved NBC protection system. Switzerland operated 380 Pz 87 tanks.[citation needed]
After 2000, Germany and the Netherlands found themselves with large stocks of tanks that they had no need for after the Cold War. These tanks were sold to NATO or friendly armies around the world. Among these buyers of the surplus tanks were Turkey (purchasing 354 vehicles), Greece (183), Sweden (160), Chile (140), Finland (139), Poland (128), Austria (114), Spain (108), Canada (107), Singapore (96), Norway (52), Denmark (51), and Portugal (37).
Upgraded Leopard 2A4 MBTs for the Turkish army
Turkey will modernize its Leopard 2 AMTs as Leopard 2A4TR. According to the Defense Industry Presidency (SSB), Leopard 2A4 tanks, with the said modernization; Reactive Reactive Armor (ERA), High Ballistic Strength Cage Armor, Hollow Modular Add-on Armor, Close Range Surveillance System (YAMGÖZ), Laser Warning Receiver System (LIAS), SARP Remote Command Weapon System (UKSS), PULAT Active Protection System (AKS), Power Distribution Unit, ASELSAN Driver Vision System (ADİS) and Voice Alert System integrations will be realized. The modernization will include 84 Leopard 2A4 tanks, including prototypes in the first place. However, in the coming periods, all Leopard 2A4 tanks - about 350 units - will be modernized.
At IDEF 2021, BMC showcases its version of an upgraded Leopard 2A4. The engine is a V12 developing 1,500hp, electronically controlled. The automatic transmission keeps 4 forward and 2 reverse gears. Optionally, the upgraded suspension comprises automatic track tension adjustment capability. The crew remains with four members.
The firepower consists in a 120mm L44 smoothbore main gun firing the full range of ammunition compatible with the NATO STANAG 4385 standard. The gun can fire laser-guided munitions. The coaxial machine gun is in 7.62mm caliber. The tank has a remote-controlled weapon system with automatic target tracking that can be fitted with a 7.62mm or a 12.7mm machine gun and a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. The RWS can be operated from the commander’s or loader’s station.
Regarding survivability, the armor and ballistic protection system are designed in Turkey. Composite, reactive, bar armor solutions are combining high protection and low weight. The original protection level against mines is upgraded and encompasses high resistance to EIDs, including spall liner. The APS’ efficiency is enhanced thanks to a laser detection and warning system. CBRN detection and protection are enhanced too.
The upgraded tank is equipped with a C4i system, on top of a wideband software-defined networking radio.
