Austrian Army gets Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks modernized by KNDS.

In a ceremony attended by Defense Minister, Klaudia Tanner, the first Austrian Leopard 2A4 main battle tank was officially transferred to Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), a member of KNDS with Nexter Defence Systems. The initiative aims to update the tank to modern technological and defense standards, thereby modernizing the 2A4 fleet to the 2A7 version.
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Austrian Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank (Picture source: Austrian Armed Forces)

Originally manufactured in 1984 and acquired from the Dutch Army in 1996, the Austrian Leopard 2A4 tanks are ready for a complete overhaul. Publicly announced in February 2023, the Austrian government has committed to upgrading all its Leopard 2A4s to the A7 version. As part of the "Mission Forward" initiative, 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks will then be modernized, with an estimated budget of around 240 million euros.

Formed in 2015, the KNDS joint venture marked a crucial moment in the unification of the European defense industry. The collaboration between KMW and Nexter has led to a European defense conglomerate capable of competing globally, facilitating joint R&D and coordinated exports. The main advantage of this partnership lies in resource sharing, collaborative R&D, and effective management of large projects. It also allows Europe to present a united front in terms of ground combat technologies.

The Leopard 2A4, a product of German engineering, has long been a cornerstone in the arsenals of many countries. Originating in Germany, this main battle tank has been adopted by a wide range of nations, including Austria, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine.

At the core of its firepower is a 120 mm/L55 smoothbore gun. This gun is complemented by a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and another anti-aircraft 7.62 mm machine gun mounted on the loader's hatch.

In terms of protection, the tank is equipped with standard-spaced multilayer armor, offering robust defense against a range of ballistic threats. What sets it apart is the reinforced armor on the front turret, designed to withstand direct hits from powerful armaments. Additionally, the interior of the turret is fitted with spall liners to protect the crew from shrapnel in case the armor is penetrated.

Weighing 62 tonnes in combat conditions, the tank can reach a maximum road speed of 72 km/h, with a range of 500 km.

German Leopard 2A7 Main Battle Tank (Picture Source: German MoD )

Adopted by countries such as the Czech Republic, Germany, Qatar, and Hungary, the Leopard 2A7 features the same 120 mm L55 smoothbore gun as the 2A4, complemented by a wide range of secondary weapons. These include a 12.7 mm machine gun, a 40 mm grenade launcher, and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun. The tank's firepower is further enhanced by its computerized firing control system.

The tank features a modular concept for protection against IEDs and mines. Additionally, it is equipped with an all-around protection kit that shields it against anti-tank weapons, mines, and IEDs. Despite its impressive weight of 67,500 kg, the Leopard 2A7 can reach a maximum road speed of 72 km/h, the same speed as the 2A4 in spite of its higher weight. The tank also has an operational range of 450 km, 50 km less than its predecessor.

The Leopard 2A7 is equipped with a multitude of accessories that include a 360° near-field surveillance system, a searchlight for better visibility, and an auxiliary power unit that allows for silent mode operation. The tank also has an infantry telephone box for communication with disembarked troops and a specialized cooling system for electronic components and the crew.

The differences between the Leopard 2A4 and the Leopard 2A7 are not just technical adjustments. They reflect design choices that could have implications for the types of missions to which each version is best suited. The 2A7 appears to be designed with particular attention to versatility and survivability in varied combat environments. The 2A4, while effective in many contexts, may require upgrades to address some of the specific challenges posed by contemporary conflicts.

The modernization of the Austrian 2A4 tanks thus brings a significant addition to the Austrian Army and at a lower cost than if they were to purchase new tanks.