Leaked defense plan reveals that Austria wants to create a new tank battalion.

As reported by Epicenter Works on February 10, 2025, the leaked coalition negotiation protocol between Austria’s FPÖ and ÖVP outlines a detailed plan for modernizing and rearming the Austrian Armed Forces (Österreichisches Bundesheer, ÖBH). The document specifies procurement plans, equipment upgrades, and structural reforms intended to increase military spending, enhance Austria’s self-sufficiency in arms production, and adjust the nation’s air and land defense strategy. Notably, this includes acquiring additional tanks to establish a second tank battalion alongside the existing Panzerbataillon 14, which operates 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Austria currently operates 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks, acquired second-hand from the Netherlands in the 1990s, which are currently undergoing modernization to bring them to the Leopard 2A7 standard. (Picture source: Austrian MoD)

Other planned acquisitions include reconnaissance and strike drones, electronic warfare systems, satellite communications, and cyber-electronic warfare capabilities. In air defense, the FPÖ proposes withdrawing Austria from the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) to develop an independent national air defense system, whereas the ÖVP supports continued participation in ESSI. The agreement also includes infrastructure investments in barracks, maintenance facilities, and ammunition storage sites.

Austria currently operates 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks, acquired second-hand from the Netherlands in the 1990s. These tanks are undergoing modernization led by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) to bring onboard electronics to the Leopard 2A7 standard. The program includes new vision systems for the commander, gunner, and driver, digital controls, and improved fire control capabilities. However, protection and firepower upgrades are not confirmed, with the existing 120mm L44 smoothbore cannon and armor expected to remain unchanged. The first upgraded tanks are expected in 2026, with the modernization program concluding by 2028.

Unveiled in 1985, the Leopard 2A4 is a German main battle tank equipped with a digital fire-control system, a turret with spaced multilayered armor, and a 120mm smoothbore gun compatible with NATO-standard ammunition. It is powered by a 1,500-horsepower MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine, allowing a top speed of 68 km/h and an operational range of approximately 450 km. The 2A4 variant introduced a modular armor design to facilitate upgrades and maintenance.

The Leopard 2A7, which serves as the basis for Austria’s modernization program, represents an incremental upgrade focused on conventional and urban combat, featuring additional composite armor against kinetic and shaped-charge threats. It retains the 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun and includes a power supply unit for silent operation. The tank is integrated with a battlefield management system and an upgraded suspension. It remains compatible with the Leopard 2 logistics infrastructure, and is in service with several NATO member states.

The Leopard 2A7+, which could also be an option for Austria, is more tailored for urban combat, as it incorporates several modifications to increase resistance to mines, IEDs, and RPGs. Originally introduced in 2010, this variant is fitted with an advanced commander and gunner sight system with thermal imaging and supports programmable high-explosive munitions. The tank includes a remote-controlled weapon station for secondary armament and can be integrated with an active protection system. The suspension and cooling systems are adapted for various operational environments.

Finally, the Leopard 2A8, which Austria likely plans to procure according to several sources, is the latest production variant of the Leopard 2 series and would be the first fully new-built main battle tank in Austria's inventory since the Cold War. It integrates a new active protection system (the EuroTrophy) and additional armor modifications, to increase its survavibility through passive and active defense measures. It retains the 120mm L/55A1 smoothbore gun, which has been upgraded to fire kinetic and programmable munitions.

The tank also includes improved optics, a digitalized fire control system, and additional side armor, increasing its overall weight to approximately 70 tons. It is powered by a 1,600-horsepower engine and integrates an auxiliary power unit, enhanced cooling systems, and an NBC protection suite. Multiple European nations, including Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Lithuania, have placed orders for this model.