Hungary Strengthens its Fleet of Leopard 2A7HU Tanks with New Deliveries from Germany.

Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced the reception of new Leopard 2A7HU tanks by the Hungarian army, bringing the total number of these modern combat vehicles to 24 units. This acquisition is part of the broader modernization program of the Hungarian armed forces, initiated several years ago. The latest deliveries, made on September 25 and August 28, have added five more tanks, moving Hungary closer to its goal of 48 Leopard 2A7HU tanks ordered in 2018.

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The Leopard 2A7HU, a modified version of the German Leopard 2A7 for the Hungarian army, features a 120 mm Rh120 L/55 smoothbore gun, a 7.62 mm FN MAG machine gun, and a roof-mounted 12.7 mm M2 heavy machine gun in a remote-controlled FN Herstal station (Picture source: Hungarian MoD)

These new vehicles, destined for the 11th Tank Battalion of the 1st Armored Brigade, will gradually replace the older T-72M1 tanks currently in service. This transition process is facilitated by the use of 12 Leopard 2A4 tanks, also acquired by Hungary, which serve as training vehicles for crews. The Leopard 2A7HU tanks are transported across the country via civilian convoys and are joined by other support vehicles, such as the WiSENT 2 recovery vehicle, the Leguan bridge-layer, and the Leopard 2NJ training tank.

The Leopard 2A7HU, a modified variant of the German Leopard 2A7, is distinguished by specific improvements tailored to the Hungarian army. Its primary armament consists of a 120 mm Rh120 L/55 smoothbore gun, paired with a 7.62 mm FN MAG machine gun, while a 12.7 mm M2 heavy machine gun is mounted on the roof in a remote-controlled weapon station by FN Herstal. Powered by a 1500-horsepower MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine, this 66-ton tank can reach a top speed of 70 km/h. One of the key enhancements to the Hungarian model is the reinforcement of the turret roof armor and the integration of a new fire control system with an autotracker, capable of automatically tracking a target using a thermal imaging camera.

The Hungarian army’s modernization program extends beyond these battle tanks. In addition to the Leopard 2A7HU tanks, the government also ordered five WiSENT 2 recovery vehicles, three Leguan 2HU bridge-layers, 12 Leopard 2A4 tanks for training, and 24 PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery systems in 2018. The total value of these acquisitions is estimated between 1.6 and 1.8 billion euros, with deliveries expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, in his recent statements, emphasized the importance of these acquisitions for national defense. He noted that the Leopard 2A7HU version ordered by Hungary is technologically more advanced than the models currently in service with the German army. The development of this model also contributed to the implementation of a new version, the Leopard 2A8, which is currently under development.

The introduction of these tanks is also part of a broader strategy to strengthen international alliances, particularly with Germany, the primary supplier of the Leopard 2A7HU (Picture source: Hungarian MoD)

Hungary’s decision to invest heavily in these next-generation battle tanks reflects the country’s intent to strengthen its defense capabilities in a complex geopolitical environment. Although the complete modernization of the fleet is not expected until 2028, the gradual receipt of tanks and the intensive training program for crews suggest a swift enhancement of the Hungarian armored brigade's capabilities. Ultimately, the 44 Leopard 2A7HU tanks will replace the 30 to 40 T-72M1 tanks still in service, marking a significant improvement in the operational capabilities of Hungary's armored forces.

The introduction of these tanks is also part of a broader strategy to strengthen international alliances, particularly with Germany, the primary supplier of the Leopard 2A7HU. In the future, Hungary may consider additional acquisitions, including the KF51 tank developed by Rheinmetall, as part of its long-term defense strategy.

As the transition to these new vehicles progresses, the Hungarian army continues to test and refine the use of the Leopard 2A7HU in firing exercises and maneuvers, ensuring full mastery of this advanced technology. These efforts highlight Hungary's commitment to maintaining a modern army capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.

The new deliveries of Leopard 2A7HU tanks underscore Hungary's focus on its military modernization program. These tanks, among the most advanced in the world, will play a key role in transforming the Hungarian army while enhancing its operational capabilities in the coming years.