What’s new in Canada’s upgraded Leopard 2A6MC2 Main Battle Tank?.

As noted by Jeff2146 on October 15, 2024, the German television network ARD 1 recently aired footage believed to show the first public appearance of Canada’s Leopard 2A6M C2 tanks during a tour of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) facilities. The Leopard 2A6M C2 CAN is an upgraded Canadian variant of the German Leopard 2A6 main battle tank, created by converting 20 Leopard 2A6M tanks under a $76 million contract with KMW. This overhaul includes upgrades to optics, fire control systems, and user interfaces, replacing outdated analog technology with modern components to improve their operational lifespan.
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The Leopard 2A6M C2 CAN overhaul includes upgrades to optics, fire control systems, and user interfaces, replacing outdated analog technology with modern components to improve the operational lifespan of the Leopard 2A6M CAN. (Picture source: ARD 1)

In February 2023, Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand stated that Canada plans to replace the Leopard 2 tanks sent to Ukraine, though specific timelines for these acquisitions have not been disclosed. Meanwhile, Canada is preparing to upgrade its remaining Leopard 2 tanks through a Leopard Long Term Support Contract (LTSC), which aims to keep the fleet operational until 2035.

Department of National Defence spokesperson Jessica Lamirande explained that the LTSC will include maintenance, upgrades, supply chain management, and technical support. At that time, the contract was estimated between $730 million and $1.09 billion, or approximately $44 million to $64 million per year. Canada released an Advanced Contract Award Notice in August 2022, awarding KMW a sole-source position for the LTSC, with a formal contract published on September 13, 2024, valued at $710,732,013.98.

The LTSC encompasses various Leopard 2 models within Canada’s military, including main battle tanks like the 2A4 CAN, 2A4M CAN, 2A6M CAN, and 2A6M C2 CAN, as well as Leopard 2 ARV CAN armored recovery vehicles, Leopard 2 AEV CAN engineering vehicles, and specialized equipment such as the Mine Clearing Roller System (MCRS), Track Width Mine Plow (TWMP), dozer blades, add-on armor, and slat armor.

Canada is preparing to upgrade its remaining Leopard 2 tanks through a Leopard Long Term Support Contract (LTSC), which aims to keep the fleet operational until 2035. (Picture source: ARD 1)

Maintenance responsibilities will involve systems integration, engineering, configuration and obsolescence management, depot-level inspections, and spare parts supply. The contract also specifies the provision of technical and field service representatives, who will provide in-depth support and guidance for the maintenance processes.

Additionally, Canada awarded KMW a separate contract worth $76 million in June 2022 to repair, overhaul, and convert 20 Leopard 2A6M tanks to align with the 2A4M configuration. The modifications include updating optics, fire control systems, and user interfaces with more modern components, as the existing analog technology is considered obsolete.

According to available information, the first conversion was completed and accepted by Canada in 2022, establishing a reference model for the rest of the fleet. Conversion work on the remaining 19 tanks began at FFG Canada’s Bathurst facility in spring 2023, with completion expected by the end of 2025. These upgraded tanks will be designated as Leopard 2A6M C2 CAN.

The LTSC encompasses various Leopard 2 models within Canada’s military, including main battle tanks like the 2A4 CAN, 2A4M CAN, 2A6M CAN, and 2A6M C2 CAN, as well as Leopard 2 ARV CAN armored recovery vehicles and Leopard 2 AEV CAN engineering vehicles. (Picture source: ARD 1)

As reported by Army Recognition in October 2023, modernization efforts for the Leopard 2 fleet are under consideration, with Army Lt. Col. Chloeann Summerfield indicating that further upgrades will cost over $620 million. These enhancements may include improvements to protection, surveillance, target acquisition, firepower, and mobility. Canada expects to issue a request for industry bids by 2028, with the first upgraded tanks anticipated to be operational by 2030. This modernization aims to align Canadian Leopard 2 configurations with those of NATO allies to enhance interoperability.

Financial considerations are a significant factor in the Canadian government’s plans for its tank fleet. Canada’s defense budget is already allocated toward major projects, such as the procurement of F-35 fighter jets, surface combatant ships, and P-8 patrol aircraft, limiting available funds for new tank acquisitions. Although the government announced plans to replace the tanks sent to Ukraine, no further information has been released, and financial constraints may delay this process. Canadian defense analyst Martin Shadwick has highlighted that Canada’s approach to tanks has varied over time, noting that a 2003 decision to retire the Leopard fleet was reversed in favor of lighter vehicles, only to be reinstated when tanks were deployed in Afghanistan. The future of Canada’s tank fleet remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether Canada will acquire new tanks in the immediate future.

To address maintenance needs, Canada has increased the use of contracted Field Service Representatives (FSRs) from KMW since 2018, allowing for specialized technician support at Army facilities across the country. Additionally, adjustments to the training and management of Canadian technicians are intended to strengthen maintenance capabilities and ensure sufficient technical support during periods of increased demand. The Canadian Army has emphasized that these changes are part of broader efforts to maintain the operational readiness of the Leopard 2 fleet, with the LTSC anticipated to play a critical role in sustaining the tanks until their projected end-of-service date in 2035.

The Leopard 2A6M CAN C2 seems to retain the weaponry of the Leopard 2A6M CAN, which is armed with a Rheinmetall L55 120mm smoothbore gun and two 7.62mm machine guns. (Picture source: ARD 1)

Currently, Canada operates 74 Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in three main variants: 34 Leopard 2A4 tanks designated for training, 20 upgraded Leopard 2A4M tanks, and 20 Leopard 2A6M tanks. Additionally, 52 older Leopard 1C2 tanks remain in storage. In addition to these tanks, the Canadian Army has around 30 recovery and engineering vehicles, including 5 Buffalo Armoured Engineering Vehicles (AEVs) and 18 Wisent 2 vehicles, as well as 12 BPz-3 Büffel Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs). With 8 tanks donated to Ukraine and 15 Leopard 2A4 tanks now deployed to Eastern Europe as part of NATO’s bolstered presence since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, questions have arisen about the readiness and condition of Canada’s remaining tanks.

National Defence spokesperson Dan Le Bouthillier emphasized that Leopard 2 tanks, like other heavy vehicles, require extensive maintenance and inspections. On average, these tanks spend about 30% of their time in maintenance, which includes scheduled inspections. In response to reports that Canada was allegedly cannibalizing certain tanks to maintain others, Le Bouthillier clarified that such practices are only permitted under specific and urgent circumstances, with authorization from local commanders. He noted that no Leopard 2 tanks have been permanently decommissioned to support other units.

Canada's defense policy contends with limited defense spending and a complex security environment. In 2023, the defense budget was about 1.38% of GDP, below NATO’s 2% target. However, Canada ranks seventh in NATO for absolute defense spending, with some modest increases in outlays planned. Plans include doubling its NATO Enhanced Presence Battlegroup in Latvia by 2026 and committing more than $1.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine, along with continuing training under Operation Unifier.

Currently, Canada operates 34 Leopard 2A4 tanks designated for training, 20 upgraded Leopard 2A4M tanks, and 20 Leopard 2A6M tanks. (Picture source: Canadian MoD)

The Leopard 2A6M CAN is a Canadian version of the German Leopard 2A6 main battle tank, deployed in 2007 to address operational needs in Afghanistan. Canada initially assessed its Leopard C2 tanks but determined that they were insufficient for the region's conditions, particularly due to a lack of air conditioning, which impacted crew performance. Consequently, Canada arranged for the German Bundeswehr to loan twenty Leopard 2A6 tanks, which were then modified by KMW to include mine protection and other adjustments to meet Canadian Army requirements. This deployment aimed to enhance vehicle protection and provide a more suitable platform for Canadian forces in Afghanistan's demanding operational environment.

The Leopard 2A6M CAN includes several modifications unique to this variant. Enhancements consist of a mine protection package to reinforce the tank's underside, specific communications and anti-IED jamming equipment mounted on the turret, and stand-off slat armor for additional defense. An air conditioning unit and cooling vests were later added to reduce heat strain on the crew, alongside Saab Barracuda camouflage mats to decrease heat absorption by 50 percent. The initial twenty tanks were on loan from Germany, configured with MG3 machine guns, while subsequent tanks, procured from the Netherlands, were integrated with C6 GPMGs for consistency with Canadian forces. Upon returning to Canada in 2011, features like ECM boxes and slat armor were removed, yet the Canadian Army retained and continues to modify these tanks.

In terms of specifications, the Leopard 2A6M CAN is equipped with a 1,500-horsepower MTU diesel engine and RENK transmission, enabling a top speed of 68 km/h and a range of 550 km on roads. It is armed with a Rheinmetall L55 120mm smoothbore gun, with a wide range of elevation, and two 7.62mm machine guns. The tank, weighing 62.3 tons in combat, can traverse obstacles up to 1.1 meters high and 3 meters wide. Other features include modular and composite armor, NBC protection, and options for additional modular armor. These characteristics contribute to the tank’s operational capabilities in various combat scenarios.

The Leopard 2A6M CAN is a Canadian version of the German Leopard 2A6 main battle tank, deployed in 2007 to address operational needs in Afghanistan. (Picture source: Canadian MoD)