Eurosatory 2024 sees launch of Rheinmetall's new Panther Evo Upgrade hybrid tank.

On June 17, 2024, at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition, Rheinmetall introduced the Panther Evo Upgrade, a new hybrid main battle tank. As previously reported by Army Recognition, this model combines the chassis of the Leopard 2A4 with the turret of the KF51 Panther, which includes a 130mm gun. This new tank could serve as an upgrade for existing Leopard 2 fleets or compete with other tanks such as KNDS's Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0.
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As previously reported by Army Recognition, the new Panther Evo Upgrade combines the chassis of the Leopard 2A4 with the turret of the KF51 Panther, which includes a 130mm gun. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Panther Evo Upgrade utilizes the turret from the KF51 Panther, which offers an extensive array of weaponry. Its primary weapon, the 130mm Rheinmetall Future Gun System (FGS), is reported to exceed the performance of standard 120mm NATO guns, offering a 50% longer effective range, implying engagement distances potentially over 4 kilometers. The FGS includes an autoloader capable of a rate of fire of about 11.25 rounds per minute, aided by conveyor-based magazines that hold ten rounds each. During tests, the autoloader fired three rounds in 16 seconds. The FGS is capable of firing various munitions, including Kinetic Energy (KE) rounds such as Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) for penetrating armor, Programmable Airburst Ammunition for infantry and light vehicles with programmable fuses, and Practice Projectiles for training. These features enable the Panther Evo Upgrade to engage a wide spectrum of threats on the battlefield.

The tank is also equipped with a 12.7mm coaxial machine gun, intended for use against infantry, light vehicles, and other soft targets. This machine gun is coaxially mounted, meaning it is aligned with the main gun and integrated into the same targeting systems, allowing the crew to switch between the main and secondary armaments efficiently. The 12.7mm machine gun provides additional firepower for scenarios where the main gun's use is either unnecessary or impractical, thus broadening the engagement capabilities of the tank.

Furthermore, the KF51 Panther supports configurations for Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS), such as the Rheinmetall Natter RCWS armed with a 7.62mm machine gun. These systems are designed for close-in defense and anti-drone operations, adding a critical layer of protection against emerging threats. The Natter RCWS can elevate from -15° to +85°, allowing for a wide range of targeting angles, including aerial threats. This flexibility helps ensure the Panther Evo Upgrade can defend itself against various close-range and airborne threats, enhancing its overall battlefield survivability.

The KF51 Panther is also equipped with HERO 120 loitering munitions, which extend its strike capabilities. These munitions enable the tank to engage targets beyond direct line-of-sight, providing precision strikes at extended ranges. The HERO 120 can be launched from the tank to hit high-value targets, offering indirect fire support and complementing the direct fire capabilities of the main gun. This integration allows the Panther Evo Upgrade to engage a broader range of targets, including those concealed or located at a distance, thereby increasing its operational effectiveness and versatility in different combat scenarios.