German soldiers complete training with most modern tank Leopard 2A7V.

As part of its ongoing training and development program, the German Army has focused on preparing the 4th Company of the 93rd Armored Training Battalion in Munster, as reported by the Bundeswehr on November 6, 2023. The goal is to develop highly skilled and cohesive tank crews capable of maneuvering and surviving effectively within the main battle tank, the Leopard 2 A7V.
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Leopard 2 A7V  engaged in complex firing exercises, alternating between static positions and moving maneuvers, across a four-kilometer deep terrain.  (Picture source: German MoD)

In the expansive ranges of the Bergen firing range, crews engaged in complex firing exercises, alternating between static positions and moving maneuvers, across a four-kilometer deep terrain. The simultaneous use of four Leopard 2 A7V tanks, representing an armored platoon, allowed for testing not only firing accuracy but also the essential coordination for combat.

Major Heiko S., the company commander, oversaw the exercise, emphasizing the importance of continuous skill improvement for young tank commanders and their crews. Despite the limited time for pre-training, especially on simulators, the crews demonstrated remarkable flexibility and adaptability, having just returned from training in the Czech Republic on the Leopard 2 A4.

The Leopard 2 A7V stands out for its advanced capabilities in both protection and firepower. Equipped with a Rheinmetall 120-millimeter L/55 smoothbore gun and capable of engaging targets up to 5,000 meters away, the tank is also fitted with state-of-the-art thermal imaging systems from Hensoldt, significantly improving target detection and identification.

The end of the exercise marks the beginning of an intensive maintenance and preparation phase for upcoming challenges. The company is preparing to collaborate with the 33rd Panzergrenadier Battalion of Neustadt am Rübenberge for a combat exercise, where the Leopard 2 A7V tanks will be tested in tactical situations alongside the Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

The intensive training that the Leopard 2 A7V crews undergo is crucial to ensure that the unit is ready to defend the country and the alliance in case of an emergency. The experience gained in Munster and Bergen is vital to ensure that the Bundeswehr remains at the forefront of military technology and efficiency, with the Leopard 2 A7V spearheading its armored power.

Originally unveiled at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in 2016, the Leopard 2A7V is a testament to Germany's continuous innovation in armored vehicles. The tank features a conventional layout with a crew of four and boasts some of the most advanced protective measures, including modular composite armor for 360° protection.

Armed with a Rheinmetall 120-millimeter L/55 smoothbore gun, the Leopard 2A7V can engage targets up to 5,000 meters away. It also has the capability to fire the DM11 High Explosive – Fragmentation – Tracer (HE FRAG-T) ammunition, designed for a variety of combat scenarios.

The Leopard 2A7V is equipped with cutting-edge thermal imagers from Hensoldt, enhancing target detection and identification. For night operations, the SPECTUS II or III optic provides the driver with superior visibility, complemented by a thermal-imaging rear drive camera.

Powered by the MB 873 diesel engine and with a modified final drive, the tank maintains impressive acceleration despite a slight reduction in top speed, tailored for increased combat weight.

The completion of the Leopard 2 A7V delivers marks a new era for the German Army, significantly enhancing its armored capabilities. With its advanced protection, firepower, and imaging systems, the Leopard 2A7V stands as a formidable force in the landscape of modern warfare, ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.