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Thales Power Solutions Selected by KNDS for Leopard 2A8 MBT Enhancement.
In an effort to enhance the power management of its Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, On 15 October 2024, KNDS has awarded Thales a contract to supply advanced High-Power Solid-State Power Distribution Boards (SSPDB). This collaboration marks a significant step forward in integrating cutting-edge power technology into one of the world’s most renowned tank platforms. With a primary focus on robust, smart power distribution, Thales will provide a scalable solution that supports overcurrent and short-circuit protection, which is essential for the operational integrity and performance of protected vehicles in demanding environments.
Several countries have committed to procuring the Leopard 2A8 as part of their efforts to modernize armored capabilities, reflecting significant interest in this upgraded MBT. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The SSPDB developed by Thales brings compact and programable power management tailored to meet the stringent requirements of military vehicles. Rated at up to 160 amps per channel, these multi-channel boards incorporate current, temperature, and voltage sensing capabilities. This design ensures not only enhanced safety but also provides flexible power management through pre-programmed profiles or real-time selections, adapting to diverse mission requirements. Such flexibility enables the Leopard 2 A8 to maintain peak performance across varying operational conditions, offering intelligent power distribution in high-stakes scenarios.
The first units are scheduled for delivery as early as the third quarter of 2024, a testament to the agile collaboration between KNDS and Thales. This rapid adaptation demonstrates the combined technical expertise of both teams, enabling a swift response to the Leopard 2 A8's complex power management needs. By 2027, Thales plans to deliver hundreds of SSPDBs under the KNDS contract, leveraging its established customization, manufacturing, and testing protocols for power systems.
With more than 20 years of experience in power system development for protected vehicles, Thales has a strong global reputation. Martin Bernhardsgrütter, Country Director of Thales Switzerland, highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership with KNDS, affirming the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and advanced solutions for military applications. Thales has developed a robust product line in power systems for armored vehicles, integrating the latest advancements in technology to ensure that each solution meets the evolving needs of modern defense operations.
The Leopard 2A8 SSPDB project represents an important collaboration between KNDS and Thales, focusing on the critical aspects of size, weight, and power (SWaP) to optimize system performance while meeting the Leopard 2 A8’s demanding mission requirements. As power management becomes increasingly crucial in modern armored vehicles, the KNDS and Thales partnership is poised to make a substantial impact on the operational capabilities of this main battle tank.
This flexibility allows the Leopard 2 A8 to sustain optimal performance under diverse operational conditions, providing smart power distribution in critical scenarios (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Leopard 2A8, showcased in its production model at Eurosatory 2024, is the latest iteration in the Leopard 2 main battle tank (MBT) series developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall. Building on the Leopard 2A7+ platform, this advanced MBT integrates improvements in armor, firepower, and systems integration. Key enhancements include an omnidirectional observation system, strengthened suspension, additional engine cooling capacity, an optional laser radiation warning system, and a remote-controlled weapon station equipped with a machine gun.
The Leopard 2A8’s primary weapon is an upgraded 120 mm/L55 A1 smoothbore gun, delivering higher muzzle velocities and enhanced accuracy. This cannon supports various types of ammunition, including the DM11 programmable round, which is effective across a range of target types. The secondary armament comprises a coaxially mounted 7.62 mm MG and a 76 mm grenade launcher. Powered by a 1,500 hp engine, the Leopard 2A8 reaches speeds of up to 65 km/h and has an operational range of around 400 kilometers.
In terms of protection, the Leopard 2A8 features multi-layered armor with steel, tungsten, composite fillers, and ceramic elements, reinforced by the EuroTrophy Active Protection System (APS) for 360-degree defense against incoming projectiles. The turret and hull benefit from enhanced armor, mine protection, and APS capabilities to counter threats from anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. Accommodating a four-man crew, the tank is outfitted with advanced optics, a fire control system, third-generation thermal imaging, a laser rangefinder, and a ballistic computer for high-precision targeting.
Several countries have committed to procuring the Leopard 2A8 as part of their efforts to modernize armored capabilities, reflecting significant interest in this upgraded MBT. Germany’s Federal Acquisition Office, along with Norway, Italy, and the Czech Republic, has placed orders, with deliveries slated between 2026 and 2031. This procurement surge underscores the Leopard 2A8’s strategic importance in strengthening Europe’s armored warfare capabilities.