Germany and Hungary join forces to maximize the combat effectiveness of new Leopard 2A7HU tanks.

KNDS Deutschland and the Hungarian company HM Currus Zrt. have established a joint venture, LEOPARD Hungary MRO Kft., to provide long-term logistical support for KNDS systems used by the Hungarian Armed Forces. Founded on February 20, 2025, in Gödöllő, Hungary, KNDS holds a 49 percent stake, while Currus controls 51 percent. The company will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) of Hungary's KNDS fleet, including the Leopard 2A7HU main battle tank, PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer, Wisent 2HU recovery vehicle, and Leguan bridge-layer. It will also oversee maintenance of simulation and training facilities associated with these systems.
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Hungary has pursued a military modernization program, signing a contract with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) in December 2018 for 44 new Leopard 2A7+ (A7HU) tanks, 24 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, and support vehicles. (Picture source: 1. Páncélosdandár)

Hungary has pursued a military modernization program, signing a contract with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) in December 2018 for 44 new Leopard 2A7+ (A7HU) tanks, 24 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, and support vehicles. The contract also included the lease of 12 Leopard 2A4HU tanks for training, which will remain in Hungarian ownership after the lease expires. Since December 2020, all 12 Leopard 2A4HU tanks have been stationed at the Tata Brigade, the base of the Hungarian tank force. The first Leopard 2A7HU tanks arrived in December 2023, with final deliveries expected by 2025.

The modernization includes technical support and recovery vehicles. Hungary has acquired three Leguan bridge-layers, five Wisent 2 armored recovery vehicles, and nine Bergepanzer 3 "Büffel" recovery tanks. The first BPz3 "Büffel" was delivered in September 2022, followed by crew training. On December 14, 2023, five Leopard 2A7HU tanks, a Wisent 2 recovery vehicle, and a Leguan bridge-layer were delivered.

The PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer procurement is also advancing. The 24 units ordered in 2018 will serve in the 101st Artillery Division in Tata, providing fire support to the György Klapka 1st Armored Brigade. The first reference model was received in January 2022 and returned to KMW for adjustments before mass production. The first operational unit arrived in Hungary in August 2022, with all expected by the end of 2024. A live fire test was conducted in September 2022.

Hungary's Wisent 2HU recovery vehicles have been modified for national requirements. Ordered in 2018, these vehicles support the Leopard 2A7HU and PzH 2000 fleets. The first Wisent 2HU arrived in December 2023, with two more delivered by December 2024. Hungary has also ordered demining and technical equipment sets for these vehicles.

The Leopard 2A7HU variant incorporates modifications compared to standard Leopard 2A7 models. It is equipped with an FN Herstal remote weapon station, reinforced roof protection, an upgraded fire control system with automatic target tracking, and the PERI RTWL stabilized commander's sight. The Leopard 2A7+ configuration includes digital upgrades, enhanced sustainability features, and modular protection kits. Weighing approximately 67.5 tons, it is powered by a 1,500-horsepower V-12 MTU MB 873 engine, achieving a top speed of 72 km/h and an operational range of 450 km.

Hungary has ordered 44 Leopard 2A7HU tanks, 24 PzH 2000 howitzers, 12 Leopard 2A4HU training tanks, five Wisent 2HU recovery vehicles, three Leguan 2HU bridge-layers, and nine Bergepanzer 3 "Büffel" recovery tanks. The total cost is estimated between 1.6 and 1.8 billion euros, with deliveries scheduled to conclude by 2028.

The Leopard 2A7HU tanks will replace Hungary’s T-72M1 tanks, with training supported by Leopard 2A4HU units. A Leopard 2 simulator was installed at Tata by KMW to facilitate training. The first sighting of a Leopard 2A7HU in Hungary occurred on August 22, 2023, near the Austrian and Slovakian borders, accompanied by a Bergepanzer 3 "Büffel." Some delivered units were initially used as reference models for production adjustments before permanent integration into the armed forces.