View source for Leopard 2

{{Short description|German main battle tank}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{very long|words=16,000|date=December 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Leopard 2
| image              = Leopard 2 A7V 313 Bad Frankenhausen 2024.JPG
| image_size         = 300
| alt                = 
| caption            = A German Leopard 2A7V
| type               = [[Main battle tank]]
| origin             = West Germany
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = 
| is_artillery       = 
| is_vehicle         = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1979–present<ref name=TGelbart />
| used_by            = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]''
| wars               = {{Tree list}}
* [[Kosovo War]]
**[[Prizren incident (1999)|Prizren incident]]
*[[War in Afghanistan (2001–14)|War in Afghanistan]]
*[[Operation Euphrates Shield|Syrian Civil War]] 
*[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]
**[[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
{{Tree list/end}}
| designer           = [[KraussMaffei]]
| design_date        = 1970s
| manufacturer       = {{Plain list|
* [[Krauss-Maffei Wegmann|KraussMaffei]]
* [[Maschinenbau Kiel]]
* [[Rheinmetall]]<ref name="dmni">{{cite news|last1=Majumdar|first1=Dave|title=Get Ready, Russia: This European Power Has Plans For a Lethal New Tank|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/get-ready-russia-european-power-has-plans-lethal-new-tank-15251|publisher=The National Interest|date=2016-02-18}}</ref>
* [[Santa Bárbara Sistemas]]
* [[BAE Systems AB|Hägglunds AB]]
* [[Rheinmetall Air Defence|Contraves]]
* [[Hellenic Vehicle Industry]]
}}
| unit_cost          = 2A6 (secondhand): {{EU€|5.74 million}} (FY 2007)<ref>{{cite web|work=Defense update|date=2007-04-16|url=http://defense-update.com/newscast/0407/news/160407_leo2.htm|title=Canada Acquires 120 Leopard 2 Tanks from German, Dutch Surplus|access-date=2010-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231060606/http://defense-update.com/newscast/0407/news/160407_leo2.htm|archive-date=2009-12-31|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> <br />2A7+: €13–15 million (FY 2014)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://defence24.com/hungarian-leopard-mbts-unveiled-what-was-the-cost-analysis|title=Hungarian Leopard MBTS Unveiled. What was the cost? &#91;ANALYSIS&#93;|date=2020-07-07}}</ref> <br />2A8: €29 million (2023)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://defence-industry.eu/germany-to-order-18-leopard-2a8-main-battle-tanks/|title=Germany to order 18 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks|date=2023-05-24}}</ref>
| production_date    = 1979–present
| number             = 3,600<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/deutsche-panzer-fuer-katar/8371316.html|title=Deutsche Panzer für Katar|newspaper=Tagesspiegel Online|date=2013-06-19|access-date=2019-10-26|language=de}}</ref>
| variants           = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
<!-- General specifications -->| spec_label         = 
| mass               = 2A4: {{convert|55.2|t|ST||abbr=off}} <br />2A5: {{convert|59.5|t|ST||abbr=off}} <br />2A6: {{convert|62.3|t|ST||abbr=off}} <br />2A7V: {{convert|66.5|t|ST||abbr=off}}
| length             = 2A4: {{convert|9.97|m|ft|abbr=off}} (gun forward) <br />2A6: {{convert|10.97|m|ft|abbr=off}}
| part_length        = 
| width              = 2A4: {{convert|3.7|m|ft|abbr=off}} <br />2A6: {{convert|3.75|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| height             = 2A4: {{convert|2.8|m|ft|abbr=off}} <br />2A6: {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| diameter           = 
| crew               = 4
| passengers         = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge          = 
| cartridge_weight   = 
| caliber            = 
| barrels            = 
| action             = 
| rate               = 
| velocity           = 
| range              = 
| max_range          = 
| feed               = 
| sights             = <!-- Artillery specifications -->
| breech             = 
| recoil             = 
| carriage           = 
| elevation          = 
| traverse           = <!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| armour             = 2A6: 3rd generation composite; including high-hardness steel, tungsten and plastic filler with ceramic component.
| primary_armament   = 1 × [[Rheinmetall Rh-120#Rh-120 L/44 120 mm|Rh-120 L/44]] 120 mm or [[Rheinmetall Rh-120#Rh-120 L/55 120mm|Rh-120 L/55]] 120 mm [[Rheinmetall Rh-120]]<ref name= TGelbart /> (42 rounds)
| secondary_armament = 2 × [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 mm]] [[MG 3 machine gun|MG3A1]]<ref name= TGelbart /> or 2 × [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 mm]] [[FN MAG]] (4,750 rounds)
| engine             = [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] MB 873 Ka-501 [[Radiator (engine cooling)|liquid-cooled]] [[V12 engine|V12]] [[twin-turbo]] [[diesel engine]]
| engine_power       = {{cvt|1100|kW}} at 2,600 rpm
| pw_ratio           = 2A6: {{convert|17.8|kW/t|abbr=on}} <br />2A7V: {{convert|16.6|kW/t|abbr=on}}
| payload_capacity   = 
| drive              = 
| transmission       = Renk HSWL 354
| suspension         = [[Torsion bar suspension]]
| clearance          = 
| fuel_capacity      = {{Convert|1200|l|abbr=off|0}}<ref>{{Citation|last=Foss|first=Christopher F.|year=2002|title=Jane's Tanks and Combat Vehicles Recognition Guide|publisher=HarperCollins|place=New York|page=32}}</ref>
| vehicle_range      = {{Plain list|
* Road: {{cvt|340|km}}
* Cross country: {{cvt|220|km}}
* Average: {{cvt|280|km}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundeswehr.de/resource/blob/5031824/7b51f1e2b8e19099dacc615881c591a4/waffensysteme-und-grossgeraet-data.pdf|title=Weapon systems and heavy equipment in the Bundeswehr|access-date=2022-06-09}}</ref><!--<ref name=TGelbart /> -->
}}
| speed              = {{cvt|70|kph}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kmweg.com/systems-products/tracked-vehicles/main-battle-tank/leopard-2-a6/|title=Die Leistungsmerkmale des LEOPARD 2 A6M|access-date=2021-06-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=LEOPARD 2 A6 – KMW|url=https://www.kmweg.com/systems-products/tracked-vehicles/main-battle-tank/leopard-2-a6/|access-date=2021-07-01|publisher= kmweg.com}}</ref>
| guidance           = 
| steering           = <!-- For all -->
| ref                = 
}}

The '''Leopard 2''' is a [[List of main battle tanks by generation|third generation]] German [[main battle tank]] (MBT). Developed by [[Krauss-Maffei Wegmann|Krauss-Maffei]] in the 1970s, the tank entered service in 1979 and replaced the earlier [[Leopard 1]] as the main battle tank of the [[German Army|West German army]]. Various iterations of the Leopard 2 continue to be operated by the [[Bundeswehr|armed forces of Germany]], as well as 13 other European countries, and several non-European countries, including Canada, Chile, Indonesia, and Singapore. Some operating countries have licensed the Leopard 2 design for local production and domestic development.

There are two main development tranches of the Leopard 2. The first encompasses tanks produced up to the Leopard 2A4 standard and are characterised by their vertically faced [[Gun turret#Combat vehicles|turret]] armour. The second tranche, from Leopard 2A5 onwards, has an angled, arrow-shaped, turret [[Vehicle armour#Appliqué|appliqué armour]], together with other improvements. The main armament of all Leopard 2 tanks is a [[smoothbore]] [[Rheinmetall Rh-120|120&nbsp;mm cannon]] made by [[Rheinmetall]]. This is operated with a digital [[Fire-control system|fire control system]], [[laser rangefinder]], and advanced [[night vision]] and sighting equipment. The tank is powered by a [[V12 engine|V12]] [[twin-turbo]] diesel engine made by [[MTU Friedrichshafen]].

In the 1990s, the Leopard 2 was used by the German Army on [[Kosovo Force|peacekeeping operations in Kosovo]]. In the 2000s, [[Royal Netherlands Army|Dutch]], [[Royal Danish Army|Danish]] and [[Canadian Army|Canadian]] forces deployed their Leopard 2 tanks in the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–14)|War in Afghanistan]] as part of their contribution to the [[International Security Assistance Force]]. In the 2010s, [[Turkish Armed Forces|Turkish]] Leopard 2 tanks saw [[Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war|action in Syria]]. Since 2023, [[Ukraine Armed Forces|Ukrainian]] Leopard 2 tanks are seeing action in the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Russians Just Destroyed Their First Ukrainian Leopard 2 Tank|date=2023-06-09|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/06/08/the-russians-just-destroyed-their-first-ukrainian-leopard-2-tank/?sh=6ec7def175c9|work=Forbes|access-date=2023-06-10}}</ref>

==History==
===Development===
Even as the [[Leopard 1]] was entering service, the [[West Germany|West German]] military was interested in producing an improved tank in the next decade. This resulted in the start of the [[MBT-70]] development in cooperation with the United States beginning in 1963.<ref>Jerchel, p. 3.</ref> By 1967 it had become questionable whether the MBT-70 would enter service at any time in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the West German government issued the order to research future upgrade options for the Leopard 1 to the German company [[Porsche]] in 1967.<ref name="Krapke19">Krapke, p. 19.</ref>

This study was named ''vergoldeter Leopard'' ([[Leopard 1#Gilded Leopard, Eber and Keiler|Gilded Leopard]]) and focused on incorporating advanced technology into the Leopard design. The projected upgrades added an [[autoloader]], a coaxial [[autocannon]] and an independent commander's periscope.<ref name="Krapke20">Krapke, p. 20.</ref> The anti-air machine gun could be operated from inside the vehicle and a TV surveillance camera was mounted on an extendable mast. The shape of the turret and hull was optimised using cast steel armour, while the suspension, transmission, and engine exhaust vents were improved.<ref name="Krapke22">Krapke, p. 22.</ref>

====Prototype development====
[[File:Leopard 2 Prototyp PT15 T02 105mm.jpg|thumb|A Leopard 2 PT15 with 105&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun]]
[[File:Leo2Br80.jpg|thumb|A Leopard 2 prototype (1983)]]
[[File:Prototyp Leopard2 sk.jpg|thumb|The Leopard 2 T14 mod. with the modified turret housing composite armour]]

Following the end of the Gilded Leopard study in 1967, the West German government decided to focus on the ''Experimentalentwicklung'' (experimental development) in a feasibility study and to develop new components for upgrading the Leopard 1 and for use on a future main battle tank programme.<ref name="Krapke20" /> At first 25 million [[Deutsche Mark|DM]] were invested, but after the industry came to the conclusion that with such a low budget the development of the two projected [[testbed]]s was not possible, a total of 30 to 32 million DM was invested. The experimental development was contracted to the company Krauss-Maffei, but with the obligation to cooperate with Porsche for the development of the chassis and with Wegmann for the development of the turret.<ref name="Jerchel, p. 5">Jerchel, p. 5.</ref>

Two prototypes with different components were built with the aim of improving the Leopard 1 to match the firepower requirements of the MBT-70. A high first-hit probability at ranges of {{convert|2000|m}} and the ability to accurately engage targets on the move using a computerised fire control system were the main goals of the experimental development. The resulting vehicles were nicknamed ''Keiler'' ("tusker"). Two prototypes (ET 01 and ET 02) of the Keiler were built in 1969 and 1970, both of them being powered by the MB 872 engine.<ref name="Jerchel, p. 5"/>

The MBT-70 was a revolutionary design, but after large cost overruns and technological problems, Germany withdrew from the project in 1969. After unsuccessful attempts at saving the MBT-70 by conceptual changes in order to eliminate the biggest issue—the driver being seated in the turret—it became clear in late 1969 that Germany would stop the bi-national development.<ref name="Krapke22" /> The assistant secretary of the military procurement division of the [[Federal Ministry of Defence (Germany)|German Ministry of Defence]] suggested reusing as many technologies developed for the MBT-70 as possible in a further programme, which was nicknamed ''Eber'' ("boar") due to his being named Eberhardt. The ''Eber'' used a modified MBT-70 turret and hull, with the driver being seated in the hull. Only a wooden mock-up was made.

One year later, a choice was made to continue the development based on the earlier ''Keiler'' project of the late 1960s, instead of finishing the development of the ''Eber''. In 1971, the name of the design was determined as ''Leopard 2'' with the original Leopard retroactively becoming the Leopard 1, and [[Paul-Werner Krapke]] became the project officer of the Leopard 2 program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.panzertruppe.com/detailansicht/id-50-jahre-fahrzeuge-der-gepanzerten-kampftruppen.html|title=50 Jahre gepanzerte Kampftruppen|last=Hilmes|first=Rolf|website=Panzertruppe|access-date=2018-02-22|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712001316/https://www.panzertruppe.com/detailansicht/id-50-jahre-fahrzeuge-der-gepanzerten-kampftruppen.html|archive-date=2018-07-12|url-status=dead}}</ref> Originally two versions were projected: the gun-armed Leopard 2K and the Leopard 2FK, which would be armed with the XM150 gun/launcher weapon of the MBT-70.<ref name="Jerchel6">Jerchel, p. 6.</ref>

In 1971, 17 prototypes were ordered but only 16 hulls were built as the production of hull PT12 was cancelled. Ten were ordered initially before another seven were ordered. The 17 turrets were designated T1 to T17, and the hulls were designated PT1 to PT11 and PT13 to PT17. To test a larger number of components and concepts, each prototype was fitted with components not found on the other prototypes. Ten of the turrets were equipped with {{cvt|105|mm}} [[smoothbore]] guns and the other seven prototypes were equipped with a {{cvt|120|mm}} smoothbore gun.<ref name="Jerchel6" /><ref>{{cite book|last1=Hilmes|first1=Rolf|title=Kampfpanzer Entwicklungen der Nachkriegszeit|year=1983|publisher=Soldat Und Technik|isbn=9783524890012|page=27|language=de}}</ref>

Hulls PT11 and PT17 were fitted with a [[hydropneumatic suspension]] based on the MBT-70 design.<ref name="Jerchel6" /> The running gears of these two hulls had only six road wheels. Different types of [[Auxiliary power unit|auxiliary power units (APUs)]] were mounted in the prototypes. All turrets were equipped with a machine gun for air defence, except the turret mounted on PT11, where a {{cvt|20|mm}} remotely operated autocannon was mounted. With the exception of hulls PT07, PT09, PT15, and PT17, all prototypes used the MB 873 engine. The road wheels were taken from the MBT-70 and the return rollers from the Leopard 1.<ref name="Jerchel6" /> The prototypes were designed with a projected weight of [[Military Load Classification|MLC50]], which equals approximately {{convert|47.5|t}}. The welded turret utilised spaced armour formed by two steel plates.<ref name="Krapke27">Krapke, p. 27.</ref> The prototypes were equipped with an EMES-12 optical rangefinder and fire control system, which later was adopted on the Leopard 1A4.

In mid-1973 a new turret was designed by Wegmann saving {{convert|1.5|t|ST}} in weight.<ref>Jerchel, p. 7.</ref> It was nicknamed the ''Spitzmaus-Turm'' (shrew turret) due to the highly sloped front. This design was only possible with the new EMES-13 optical rangefinder, which required a base length of only {{convert|350|mm}} instead of the previous {{convert|1720|mm}}.<ref name="Krapke27" /> Based on experiences in the [[Yom Kippur War]], a higher level of protection than the prototypes' heavily sloped spaced armour was demanded in late 1973 and the Spitzmaus-Turm was never produced.<ref name="Krapke30">Krapke, p. 30.</ref>

The weight limit was increased from MLC50 to MLC60, which equals approximately {{convert|55|t}}. The T14 turret was modified to test a new armour configuration, taking on a blockier-looking appearance as a result of using vertical modules of spaced [[composite armour|multilayer armour]]. It was also used to test the new EMES-13 optical rangefinder. The modified T14 turret was designated ''T14 mod''.<ref name="Krapke30" /> and was fitted with a fully electric turret drive and stabilization system, which was developed jointly by [[General Electric]] and [[AEG Telefunken]].

==== American evaluation of Leopard 2AV and XM1 Abrams ====
In July 1973 German Federal Minister of Defence [[Georg Leber]] and his [[United States of America|US]] counterpart [[James R. Schlesinger]] agreed upon a higher degree of standardisation in main battle tanks being favourable to NATO. By integrating components already fully developed by German companies for the Leopard 2, the costs of the [[M1 Abrams|XM1 Abrams]], U.S. prototype tank developed after the MBT-70, could be reduced. A German commission was sent to the US to evaluate the harmonisation of components between the XM1 and Leopard 2.<ref name="Waffensystem" /> However, under American law it was not possible for a public bidder to interfere in a procurement tender after a contract with intention of profits and deadline was awarded to private sector companies.<ref name="Waffensystem">{{cite book|last1=Krapke|first1=Paul-Werner|title=Das Waffensystem Kampfpanzer Leopard 2|date=1984|publisher=Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift<!--|access-date=30 October 2015-->|language=de}}</ref>

[[File:Early Leopard 2 Tank Prototype at Yuma Proving Ground, 1975.jpg|thumb|right|Leopard 2 prototype tested at the Yuma Proving Ground, September 1975]]

As a result, the modification of the Leopard 2 prototypes in order to meet the US Army requirements was investigated. Following a number of further talks, a [[memorandum of understanding]] (MoU) was signed on December 11, 1974, between Germany and the US, which declared that a modified version of the Leopard 2 should be trialed by the US against their XM1 prototypes,<ref name="Krapke32">Krapke, p. 32.</ref> after the Americans had bought and investigated prototype PT07 in 1973.<ref name="Jerchel, p. 8">Jerchel, p. 8.</ref> The MoU obliged the Federal Republic of Germany to send a complete prototype, a hull, a vehicle for ballistic tests and a number of special ballistic parts to the US, where they would be put through US testing procedures for no additional costs.<ref name="Krapke33">Krapke, p. 33.</ref>

The Leopard 2AV (''austere version'') was based on the experiences of the previous Leopard 2 development. It was created in order to meet the US requirements and the latest protection requirements of the German MoD. The T14 mod turret was used as the base for the Leopard 2AV's turret, but meeting the required level of protection for the hull required several attempts until the final ballistic trials on 23 to 26 June 1976.<ref name="Krapke34">Krapke, p. 34.</ref> Following the US' preference of [[laser rangefinder]]s, the turret of prototype PT19 was fitted with a laser rangefinder developed together with the American company [[Hughes Aircraft Company|Hughes]].<ref name="Krapke3738">Krapke, pp. 37 and 38.</ref>

In comparison with the earlier Leopard 2 prototypes, the fire control system was simplified by replacing the EMES-12 optical rangefinder and removing the crosswind sensor, the air pressure and temperature sensors, the powder temperature sensor, the PERI R12 commander sight with IR searchlight, the short-range grenade launcher for use against infantry, the retractable searchlight, the spotlight, the retractable passive night vision sight, the APU and the mechanical loading assistant.<ref name="Krapke33" />

Due to the design and production of the Leopard 2AV taking more time than expected, the shipment to the US and the US evaluation was delayed. It was not possible to test the Leopard 2AV before 1 September 1976.<ref name="Krapke34"/> Despite the German wish that the Leopard 2AV and the XM1 prototypes would be evaluated at the same time, the US Army decided not to wait for the Leopard 2AV and tested the XM1 prototypes from Chrysler and General Motors beforehand.<ref name="Waffensystem" /><ref name="considerations">{{cite book|last1=Staats|first1=Elmer B.|title=Department Of Defense Consideration Of West Germany's Leopard As The Army's New Main Battle Tank|date=1977-11-28|publisher=U.S. Government Accountability Office|location=United States<!--|access-date=30 October 2015-->}}</ref>

Two new prototype hulls and three turrets were shipped to the US: PT20 mounting a {{cvt|105|mm}} rifled [[Royal Ordnance L7|L7]] gun and a Hughes fire control system, PT19 with the same fire control system but able to swap out the gun for the {{cvt|120|mm}} [[Rheinmetall]] smoothbore gun, and the PT21 fitted with the Krupp [[Atlas Elektronik]] EMES-13 fire control system and the {{cvt|120|mm}} Rheinmetall gun.<ref name="Jerchel, p. 8"/> The Leopard 2AV fully met the US requirements.<ref name="Krapke35">Krapke, p. 35.</ref> A study made by the American [[FMC Corporation]] showed that it was possible to produce the Leopard 2AV under licence in America without exceeding the cost limits set by the US Army.<ref name="Krapke35" /> Before the trials were finished, it was decided that instead of the US Army possibly adopting the Leopard 2AV, the focus was shifted to the possibilities of common components between the two tanks. FMC, after having acquired the licenses for the production of the Leopard 2AV, decided not to submit a technical proposal, as they saw little to no chance for the US Army adopting a vehicle not developed in the US.<ref name="considerations" />

The US Army evaluation showed that on the XM1 a larger portion of the tank's surface was covered by special armour (composite armour arrays) than on the Leopard 2AV.<ref name="considerations" /> Differences in armour protection were attributed to the different perceptions of the expected threats and the haste in which the Leopard 2AV was designed to accommodate special armour.<ref name="considerations" /> On mobility trials the Leopard 2AV performed equal to better than the XM1 prototypes. The [[Honeywell AGT1500|AGT-1500]] turbine engine proved to consume about 50% more fuel<ref name="SpiegelSitten" /> and the Diehl tracks had a higher endurance, while the tracks used on the XM1 prototypes failed to meet the Army's requirements.<ref name="Krapke35" /> The heat signature of the MTU diesel engine was much lower.<ref name="SpiegelSitten">{{cite news|title=Orientalische Sitten|url=http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-40941854.html|access-date=2015-12-16|publisher=Der Spiegel|date=1977-03-14|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209170007/http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-40941854.html|archive-date=2016-02-09|url-status=live}}</ref> The fire control system and the sights of the Leopard 2 were considered to be better and the {{cvt|120|mm}} gun proved to be superior.<ref name="considerations" /> The projected production costs for one XM1 tank were US$728,000 in 1976, and the costs for one Leopard 2AV were US$56,000 higher.<ref name="considerations" />

After the American evaluation of the Leopard 2AV and the US Army's decision to opt for the XM1 Abrams, both American and German sources blamed the other side. US Army test officials discovered that the PT19 Leopard 2AV prototype used for mobility trials did not contain special armour.{{refn|group=nb|name=Kelly|According to the [[United States House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations|House Armed Services Subcommittee on Armed Services Investigations]], after knocking on the PT19 Leopard 2AV prototype, a hollow sound was heard by Colonel Robert J. Sunell. German Colonel Franz Kettman acknowledged that PT19 was not fitted with any special armor. The American estimated that with the special armour the {{cvt|105|mm}} gun Leopard 2AV would have weighed {{convert|63.2|ST}} instead of {{convert|59.6|ST}}, calling into question the data collected during mobility testing.<ref name="Hollow Tank">{{cite report|author=Investigations Subcommittee of the Committee on Armed Services|title=Hearings on the Status of the Army XM-1 Tank Program|date=1977-10-18|pages=1–12|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HVCEoh4hys0C&q=test%20rig|access-date=2024-01-09}}</ref>{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=187-188}}}}

In Germany, the test conditions were criticised for being unrealistic and favouring the XM1. Instead of using actual performance data, the calculated hypothetical acceleration was used.<ref name="SpiegelSitten"/> The XM1 was found to have a slightly higher rate of fire despite having internal layouts similar to the Leopard 2AV because the XM1 prototypes were manned by professional crews, while the Leopard 2AV had to be manned by conscripts in order to prove that the Leopard 2AV was not too complicated.<ref name="SpiegelSitten"/> Firing on the move was demonstrated on flat tracks, which nullified the better [[Gun stabilizer|stabilization systems]] of the Leopard 2AV.<ref name="SpiegelSitten"/>

Germany later withdrew its tank from consideration.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=187-188}}

====Series production====
[[File:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F073468-0019, Manöver, Kampfpanzer Leopard 2.jpg|thumb|Leopard 2 tanks during a [[military exercise|manoeuvre]] in 1986]]

The decision to put the Leopard 2 tank in production for the German army was made after a study was undertaken{{when|date=September 2022}}, which showed that adopting the Leopard 2 model would result in a greater combat potential of the German army than producing more Leopard 1A4 tanks or developing an improved version of the Leopard 1A4 with 105/120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun, improved armour protection, a new fire control system and a {{convert|890|kW}} or {{convert|1100|kW}} engine.<ref name="Krapke31">Krapke, p. 31.</ref> Various changes were applied to the Leopard 2 design before the series production started in 1979.<ref name="Krapke41">Krapke, p. 41.</ref><ref name="Krapke5455">Krapke, pp. 54 and 55.</ref> The engine, transmission, and suspension were slightly modified and improved. The ballistic protection of the turret and hull was improved and weak spots were eliminated.<ref name="Krapke38"/>

The turret bustle containing the ready ammunition racks and the hydraulic system was separated from the crew compartment and fitted with blowout panels. The development of several new components was introduced to the Leopard 2 during the Leopard 2AV development and after the US testing was completed. For the series version, the Hughes-designed laser rangefinder made with US Common Modules was chosen over the passive EMES-13 rangefinder. The EMES-13 system was considered to be the superior solution, but the Hughes system was cheaper and fully developed.<ref name="Krapke38">Krapke, p. 38.</ref>

The German company Krupp-Atlas-Elektronik acquired the licence of the Hughes design and modified it to meet the needs of the German army.<ref name="Krapke38" /> The modified rangefinder received the designation EMES-15. The installation of the US AGT-1500 turbine engine in the Leopard 2 was tested by MaK.<ref name="Krapke35" /> The AGT-1500 was from the United States and required deep modifications to the Leopard 2's chassis. However, driving tests at the WTD 41 revealed a number of drawbacks such as high fuel consumption and the poor performance of the transmission including the brakes.<ref name="Krapke35" /> This project was thus terminated.

In January 1977 Germany ordered a small pre-series of three hulls and two turrets which were delivered in 1978. These vehicles had increased armour protection on the front of the hull. One of the hulls was fitted with the earlier T21 turret and was used by the German army school in [[Munster Training Area|Munster]] for troop trials until 1979.<ref>Jerchel, pp. 10 and 11.</ref> In September 1977, 1,800 Leopard 2 tanks were ordered, to be produced in five batches. The main contractor was Krauss-Maffei, but Maschinenbau Kiel (MaK) was awarded a contract for producing 45% of the tanks. The first batch consisted of 380 tanks. The delivery of six tanks was scheduled for 1979, 114 for 1980, 180 for 1981, and 300 tanks each following year.<ref name="Krapke39">Krapke, p. 39.</ref>

The first series-production tank was delivered on 25 October 1979. By 1982, all of the first batch of 380 Leopard 2 tanks had been completed. 209 were built by Krauss-Maffei (chassis no. 10001 to 10210) and 171 by MaK (chassis no. 20001 to 20172). The first production tanks were fitted with the PzB-200 [[image intensifier]] due to production shortages of the new thermal night-sight system, which was later retrofitted to the earlier models. After the original five batches, three further batches of Leopard 2 tanks were ordered, increasing the number of Leopard 2 tanks ordered by Germany to a total of 2125.<ref name="Jerchel, p. 20 and 21">Jerchel, pp. 20 and 21.</ref> The sixth batch was ordered in June 1987 and consisted of 150 tanks, which were produced between January 1988 and May 1989. The seventh batch of 100 tanks was produced between May 1988 and April 1990. The last batch for the German army totalling 75 tanks was produced from January 1991 to March 1992.<ref name="Jerchel, p. 20 and 21"/>

During its production run during the Cold War, 16 Leopard 2 tanks were being produced per month. The vehicles were produced at a slower rate in the following decades, however KMW still retained the capacity to return to such manufacturing levels should they need to be made again at a higher rate and supply chains are able to deliver sufficient materials.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/02/03/norway-wants-to-buy-dozens-of-new-leopard-2-tanks/|title=Norway wants to buy dozens of new Leopard 2 tanks|website=[[Defense News]]|date=2023-03-03|last=Gosselin-Malo|first=Elizabeth}}</ref>

==== Further improvements ====
[[File:Dutch Leopard 2A4 in Defensive Hull-down Position 1997.jpg|thumb|right|Dutch Leopard 2A4 tanks, 1997]]

While previous models only varied in detail, the Leopard 2A4 introduced a digital ballistic computer and an improved fire extinguishing system. Starting with the sixth batch, tanks were fitted with an improved armour array and new side skirts. In 1984, the German military procurement agency stated a number of requirements for a future Leopard 2 upgrade. In 1989, the ''Kampfwertsteigerung'' (combat potential improvement) programme was initiated in Germany with the delivery of first prototypes. The official military requirements were published in March 1990.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 68">{{cite book|last1=Hilmes|first1=Rolf|title=Kampfpanzer heute und morgen: Konzepte – Systeme – Technologien|date=2007-11-30|publisher=Motorbuch Verlag|location=Germany|isbn=978-3613027930|page=68|language=de}}</ref>

The KWS programme was projected to consist of three stages. The first stage replaced the [[Rheinmetall 120 mm gun#Rh-120 L/44 120 mm|Rheinmetall 120&nbsp;mm L/44]] gun barrel and the corresponding gun mount with a longer barrelled and more lethal [[Rheinmetall 120 mm gun#Rh-120 L/55 120 mm|L/55]] version.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 68" /> This stage was adopted in the form of 225 Leopard 2A6 tanks, starting in 2001 and lasting until 2005.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 70">{{cite book|last1=Hilmes|first1=Rolf|title=Kampfpanzer heute und morgen: Konzepte – Systeme – Technologien|date=2007-11-30|publisher=Motorbuch Verlag|location=Germany|isbn=978-3613027930|page=70|language=de}}</ref> Stage 2 focused on improvements of armour protection and survivability: it was adopted in the form of the Leopard 2A5, starting in 1995. The base armour of the tank was exchanged and additional armour modules were installed at the turret. The first batch of 225 Leopard 2 tanks was upgraded to Leopard 2A5 configuration between 1995 and 1998; a second batch of 125 followed from 1999 to 2002.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 69">{{cite book|last1=Hilmes|first1=Rolf|title=Kampfpanzer heute und morgen: Konzepte – Systeme – Technologien|date=2007-11-30|publisher=Motorbuch Verlag|location=Germany|isbn=978-3613027930|page=69|language=de}}</ref>

[[File:Een Leopard 2A5 gevechtstank op snelheid 1999 2155 501335.jpg|thumb|right|The Leopard 2A5 can be recognized for its angular spaced armour on the turret cheeks and 44-calibre 120 mm main gun.]]
[[File:German Army Leopard 2A6 tank in Oct. 2012.jpg|thumb|A German Army Leopard 2A6, assigned to the 104th Panzer Battalion conducting high-speed manoeuvres]]

The third stage was the planned replacement of the Leopard 2 turret by a new turret fitted with a {{cvt|140|mm}} NPzK tank gun, an autoloader, and the IFIS battlefield management system.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 68" /> The ballistic protection at the hull was to be improved.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 68" /> Originally a total requirement for 650 Leopard 2 tanks with KWS 3 was projected.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 70" /> It was never finalised, but the {{cvt|140|mm}} NPzK tank gun was tested on an older prototype. In 1995, it was decided to cancel due to changes in the political environment. The funds were redirected to the Neue Gepanzerte Plattformen (New Armoured Platforms) project of the German army. The Leopard 2A6M was developed with a kit providing enhanced protection against mines that can detonate below the hull (like mines with bending wire triggers) and [[explosively formed penetrator]] mines.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 70" /> The weight of the Leopard 2A6M is {{convert|62.5|t}}.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 71" >{{cite book|last1=Hilmes|first1=Rolf|title=Kampfpanzer heute und morgen: Konzepte – Systeme – Technologien|date=2007-11-30|publisher=Motorbuch Verlag|location=Germany|isbn=978-3613027930|page=71|language=de}}</ref>

The latest version of the tank is the Leopard 2A7, which entered service in an initial batch of 20 tanks in 2014.<ref name="Janes2A7" /> Already before the first Leopard 2A7 tank was handed over to the German Army, plans for upgrades were made.<ref name="Bundeswehr_2A7">{{cite web|author1=Alessa Weber|author2=Patricia Franke|title=Neue "Leos" für das Heer|url=http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/NYvBDoIwEET_qEsTE9GbwMWb4aDihSx0QxpL2yxbufjxtgdnknd5M_CCXI8fu6DY4NHBE4bZnqddTbshhW9J5BxtCtM2GuJROMVI8CjHPJiDJykU8mIzF0YJrGJgccUk5myUNTBUumv0sfpHf0_9rW3vh7rurk0PcV0vP2ckU98!/|website=bundeswehr.de|publisher=Bundeswehr|access-date=2016-03-29|language=de|date=2014-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406164307/http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/NYvBDoIwEET_qEsTE9GbwMWb4aDihSx0QxpL2yxbufjxtgdnknd5M_CCXI8fu6DY4NHBE4bZnqddTbshhW9J5BxtCtM2GuJROMVI8CjHPJiDJykU8mIzF0YJrGJgccUk5myUNTBUumv0sfpHf0_9rW3vh7rurk0PcV0vP2ckU98!|archive-date=2016-04-06|url-status=dead}}</ref> At this time an "extensive" increase in combat value, while retaining the original mobility of the Leopard 2, was planned.<ref name="Bundeswehr_2A7" /> The optics of the tank will also be improved.<ref name="Bundeswehr_2A7" />

In April 2015, ''[[Welt am Sonntag]]'' claimed that [[tungsten]] (wolfram) rounds used in Leopard 2 cannot penetrate the Russian [[T-90]] or the modernized version of the [[T-80]]. They also stated that the German military will develop a new improved round, but it will be exclusively developed for the Leopard 2A7.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jungholt|first=Thorsten|date=2015-04-26|title=Bundeswehr-Kampfpanzer Leopard 2 fehlt wirksame Munition|work=DIE WELT|url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article140083741/Bundeswehr-Kampfpanzern-fehlt-wirksame-Munition.html|access-date=2020-12-30|language=de}}</ref>

In 2015 Rheinmetall disclosed that it was developing a new {{cvt|130|mm}} smoothbore gun for the Leopard 2 tank and its successor.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} This gun will offer a 50% increase in performance and penetration.<ref>{{cite news|date=2021-03-05|title=Why 130 mm and not a bigger calibre?|work=EDR online|url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/why-130-mm-and-not-a-bigger-calibre|access-date=2023-03-28}}</ref> Marketing for the new gun was slated to begin in 2016.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

==== Replacement ====
The Leopard 2 first entered service in 1979, and its service life is anticipated to end around 2030. In May 2015, the German Ministry of Defence announced plans to develop a tank jointly with France as a successor to both the Leopard 2 and [[Leclerc tank|Leclerc]] tanks. Technologies and concepts will be investigated to determine what capabilities are needed in a future tank.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dw.de/germany-france-to-jointly-develop-leopard-3-tank/a-18468270|title=Germany, France to jointly develop 'Leopard 3' tank|date=2015-05-22|work=Deutsche Welle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525214308/http://www.dw.de/germany-france-to-jointly-develop-leopard-3-tank/a-18468270|archive-date=2015-05-25}}</ref> Deployment of the new tank, titled [[Main Ground Combat System]] (MGCS), will be preceded by incremental upgrades to the Leopard 2, including a new digital turret core system and situational awareness system and an [[active protection system]] (APS).<ref name="nationalinterest.org">{{cite web|url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/get-ready-russia-european-power-has-plans-lethal-new-tank-15251|title=Get Ready, Russia: This European Power Has Plans For a Lethal New Tank|website=The National Interest|date=2016-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607182023/http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/get-ready-russia-european-power-has-plans-lethal-new-tank-15251|archive-date=2016-06-07}}</ref>

A short-term lethality increase will come from a higher pressure {{cvt|120|mm}} gun firing new ammunition, expected to deliver 20 percent better performance than the [[Rheinmetall 120 mm gun|L/55]]. Mid-term efforts will focus on a Rheinmetall {{cvt|130|mm}} cannon concept offering 50 percent better armour penetration. With the Russian [[T-14 Armata]] being equipped with the [[Arena (countermeasure)|Afghanit]], an active protection system designed to mitigate the effectiveness of [[ATGM]], more importance is being placed on direct-fire weapons.<ref name="nationalinterest.org"/>

==Design==
===Protection===
[[File:Keilpanzerung Leopard 2A5.jpg|thumb|Arrowhead-shaped armour module of the Leopard 2A5]]
[[File:Leopard 2 A7 (6713938201).jpg|thumb|The turret and hull sides of the Leopard 2A7+ are fitted with additional armour modules.]]
[[File:Upgraded Leopard 2A4 SG NDP 2010.JPG|thumb|The Leopard 2SG is fitted with AMAP composite armour.]]

The Leopard 2 uses [[spaced armour|spaced]] multilayer armour throughout the design.<ref name="JanesAA06">{{cite book|first=Christopher F.|last=Foss|title=Jane's Armour and Artillery 2005–2006|publisher=Jane's IHS|page=36|date=2005|isbn=978-0710626868}}</ref> The armour consists of a combination of steel plates of different hardness, elastic materials, and other non-metallic materials.<ref name="KrapkeASMZ">{{cite book|last=Krapke|first=Paul-Werner|date=1984|title=Das Waffensystem Kampfpanzer Leopard 2|publisher=Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift ASMZ Nr. 5/1984|page=240|language=de}}</ref><ref name="HilmesKPdNK">{{cite book|last=Hilmes|first=Rolf|year=1983|title=Kampfpanzer Entwicklungen der Nachkriegszeit|publisher=Report Verlag GmbH|page=76|language=de}}</ref><ref name="KrapkeLeopardWuL">{{cite book|last=Krapke|first=Paul-Werner|date=2004|title=Leopard 2 sein Werden und seine Leistung|publisher=Books on Demand GmbH|page=60|isbn=978-3833414251|language=de}}</ref> Steel plates with high hardness and high ductility are used. The armour is a result of extensive research about the formation and penetration mechanism of shaped charge jets.<ref name="KrapkeLeopardWuL2">{{cite book|last=Krapke|first=Paul-Werner|year=2004|title=Leopard 2 sein Werden und seine Leistung|publisher=Books on Demand GmbH|page=59|isbn=978-3833414251}}</ref> The Leopard 2's armour might be based on the British [[Chobham armour|Burlington armour]], which had already been demonstrated to West Germany in 1970.<ref name="BurlingtonGermany">{{cite book|date=1970-03-10|title=Chieftain tanks: engine problems and improvements; main battle tank armour development (Burlington) proposed collaboration with Germany (DEFE 13/1369)|publisher=National Archives|url=http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C11361803|access-date=15 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107041000/http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C11361803|archive-date=2016-01-07|url-status=live}}</ref>

Later, in the mid-1970s, full details about Burlington were handed over to the West German government. The frontal arc of the Leopard 2's armour is designed to withstand large caliber kinetic energy penetrators and [[shaped charge]] projectiles.<ref name="KrapkeLeopardWuL" /> During the 1980s, it was estimated that the Leopard 2's front would resist {{cvt|125|mm}} [[armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot]] (APFSDS) rounds fired from a distance of {{cvt|1500|m}}.<ref name="KrapkeLeopardWuL2" /><ref name="ASMZ121980">{{cite book|last=Bischofberger|first=Walter|year=1980|title=Panzerwaffen : Feuerkraft und Panzerung im Vergleich|publisher=Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift ASMZ Nr. 12/1980|page=697|language=de}}</ref>

The Leopard 2A4's armour has a maximum physical thickness of {{convert|800|mm}} based on unofficial measurements and estimates made by former conscripts and professional soldiers of the German army.<ref name="Whq" /> On the Leopard 2A5 and subsequent models, the thickness is increased by the wedge-shaped armour module to {{convert|1500|mm}}.<ref name="Whq">{{cite web|url=http://www.whq-forum.de/cms/27.0.html|access-date=2012-01-03|title=waffenHQ.de: Leopard 2|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125204600/http://www.whq-forum.de/cms/27.0.html|archive-date=2011-11-25|url-status=live}}</ref>

The side and the rear of the tank protect against heavy machine guns, medium caliber rounds, and older types of tank ammunition. The side of the hull is covered by armour skirts to increase protection against projectiles and [[Rocket-propelled grenade|rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs)]]. The frontal third of the hull sides is covered by heavy ballistic skirts, while the rest of the hull sides is covered by steel-reinforced rubber skirts. For increased protection against mines, the sides of the hull floor are sloped by 45° and the floor is reinforced with corrugations.<ref name="KrapkeASMZ" />

====Secondary protection====
[[File:Leopard 2A4 Munitionsbunker Turmheck.jpg|thumb|right|Ammunition storage in a Leopard 2A4]]
The Leopard 2's design follows the concept of compartmentation. Possible sources of fire or explosions have been moved away from the crew.<ref name="KrapkeLeopardWuL" /> In the turret, the ammunition and the hydraulics are located in compartments separated from the crew. In case of a detonation, the blow-off panels on the compartment roofs will direct the explosion and fire away from the crew. The crew is also protected against [[CBRN defense|nuclear, biological and chemical]] (NBC) threats, as the Leopard 2 is equipped with a Dräger NBC overpressurization system, which provides up to 4 [[Pascal (unit)|hPA]] over-pressure inside the vehicle.<ref name=frapdoL2 />

Two groups of four Wegmann {{cvt|76|mm}} smoke mortars are mounted on either side of the turret and can be electrically fired either as single rounds or in salvos of four. They are mounted on most Leopard 2 models, with the exception of Dutch Leopard 2s, which are equipped instead with a Dutch-designed smoke mortar system with six barrels on each side.<ref name=frapdoL2 /> Swedish Stridsvagn 122 utilises French GALIX smoke dispensers, similar to the system found on the French Leclerc.<ref name="strv122-fmv" />

The Leopard 2 is equipped with a fire protection system. Four {{cvt|9|kg}} [[Halomethane|halon]] fire extinguisher bottles are installed on the right behind the driver's station. The bottles are connected to pipes and hoses and are activated automatically by the fire detection system when temperatures rise above {{convert|82|C}} inside the fighting compartment, or manually via a control panel in the driver's compartment.<ref name=frapdoL2 /> An extra {{cvt|2.5|kg}} halon fire extinguisher is stored on the floor beneath the main gun.

====Armour upgrades====
[[File:Leopard 2RI Yonkav 1 Kostrad, 2021.jpg|thumb|Indonesian Leopard 2RI of the 1st Cavalry Battalion with AMAP composite armour]]
Following Leopard 2's introduction into service in 1979, the armour has been gradually improved over the years. A modified version of spaced multilayer armour was introduced beginning with the 97th vehicle of the 6th production batch.<ref>{{cite book|title=Kampfpanzer LEOPARD 2 – Entwicklung und Einsatz in der Bundeswehr|page=124|first=Frank|last=Lobitz|isbn=978-3936519082|date=2009-06-20|publisher=Vollert - Tankograd Publ.|language=de}}</ref> The same batch also introduced an improved type of heavy ballistic skirts.

The Leopard 2A5 upgrade focused on increased armour protection. While upgrading a Leopard 2 tank to the Leopard 2A5 configuration, the roof covering the armour modules is cut open and new armour modules are inserted.<ref name="EuroLeopard2A5">{{cite book|last=Scheibert|first=Michael|year=1996|title=Leopard 2 A5 – Euro-Leopard 2|publisher=Podzun-Pallas-Verlag GmbH|page=60|isbn=3-7909-0576-3}}</ref><ref name="ArmorMagazineGermanyBigGun">{{cite book|last=Van Oosbree|first=Gerard|date=1998|title=ARMOR Magazine article: Germany's Big Guns|publisher=U.S. Army Armor Center|page=29|url=http://www.ciar.org/ttk/mbt/armor/armor-magazine/armor-mag.1998.mj/3leo2.pdf|access-date=2015-05-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107041000/http://www.ciar.org/ttk/mbt/armor/armor-magazine/armor-mag.1998.mj/3leo2.pdf|archive-date=2016-01-07|url-status=live}}</ref> New additional armour modules made of laminated armour cover the frontal arc of the turret. They have a distinctive arrowhead shape and improve protection against both kinetic penetrators and shaped charges.<ref name="ArmorMagazineGermanyBigGun" /><ref name="JanesAA062">{{cite book|first=Christopher F.|last=Foss|title=Jane's Armour and Artillery 2005–2006|publisher=Jane's IHS|page=33|date=2005|isbn=978-0710626868}}</ref> The side skirts also incorporate improved armour protection.<ref name="JanesAA062" /> A {{cvt|25|mm|adj=on}} thick spall liner reduces the danger of crew injuries in case of armour penetration.<ref name=frapdoL2 /><ref name="ArmorMagazineGermanyBigGun" />

The Leopard 2A7 features the latest generation of passive armour and belly armour providing protection against mines and IEDs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/46904/germany-receives-first-leopard-2a7-mbt|title=Germany receives first Leopard 2A7 MBT|website=janes.com|date=2014-12-10|access-date=2015-05-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501043922/http://www.janes.com/article/46904/germany-receives-first-leopard-2a7-mbt|archive-date=2015-05-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Leopard 2A7 is fitted with adapters for mounting additional armour modules or protection systems against RPGs.<ref>{{cite book|title=LEOPARD 2A7|publisher=Y – DAS MAGAZIN DER BUNDESWEHR (German Bundeswehr magazine)|date=March 2015|page=63}}</ref>

For urban combat, the Leopard 2 can be fitted with different packages of modular armour. The [[Leopard 2A4M CAN]], Leopard 2 PSO (Peace Support Operations) and the Leopard 2A7 can mount thick modules of composite armour along the flanks of the turret and hull, while slat armour can be adapted at the vehicle's rear. The armour modules provide protection against the RPG-7, which depending on the warhead can penetrate between {{convert|280|mm}} and {{convert|600|mm}} of steel armour.<ref name="HilmesKPzHeuteUndMorgen">{{cite book|last=Hilmes|first=Rolf|date=2007-11-30|title=Kampfpanzer Heute und Morgen|publisher=Motorbuch Verlag|page=217|isbn=978-3613027930|language=de}}</ref> The Leopard 2A6M CAN increases protection against [[rocket-propelled grenade]]s (RPGs) by including additional [[slat armor|slat armour]].<ref name="L2A6-CASR" />

Additional armour packages have been developed by a number of different companies. IBD Deisenroth has developed upgrades with [[MEXAS]] and [[Advanced Modular Armor Protection|Advanced Modular Armour Protection]] (AMAP) composite armour, the latter is being used on Singaporean and Indonesian Leopard 2 tanks. RUAG has developed an armour upgrade utilizing their SidePRO-ATR composite armour. This upgrade was first presented on the IAV 2013.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}

The Leopard 2A4M and 2A6M add an additional mine protection plate for the belly, which increases protection against mines and IEDs.<ref name=frapdoL2 />

On 22 February 2021, the German Defence Ministry agreed to acquire [[Trophy (countermeasure)|Trophy]], an [[active protection system]] of [[Israel]]i design. 17 German Army tanks will be fitted with the system, with integration planned to be completed in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eshel|first=Tamir|date=2021-02-23|title=Israel to Equip German Leopard Tanks with TROPHY APS|url=https://defense-update.com/20210223_leopard2-trophy.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=Defense Update}}</ref>  Due to logistical and technical challenges, the Bundeswehr adjusted its initial plans for integrating Trophy into 17 Leopard 2 A7A1 tanks. Testing of the first tanks is now expected to conclude by mid-2024, with operational deployment set for early 2025. These 17 units, equipped with Trophy APS, will serve as a test platform for future configurations. Insights gained from this implementation will optimize production of the Leopard 2 A8, which will integrate Trophy APS into all 123 planned units, enhancing Germany's armored capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-07 |title=Leopard 2 A7A1 MBT Now With Trophy APS: Intercept Missiles Within Milliseconds |url=https://www.grosswald.org/leopard-2-a7a1-mbt-now-with-trophy-aps-intercept-missiles-within-milliseconds/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=grosswald.org - Curated News on Geopolitics, International Affairs and Defence |language=en}}</ref>

====Armour protection estimates====
Estimated levels of protection for the Leopard 2 range from {{cvt|590|to|690|mm}} [[RHAe]] on the turret, {{cvt|600|mm}} RHAe on the glacis and lower front hull on the Leopard 2A4, to {{cvt|920|–|940|mm}} RHAe on the turret, {{cvt|620|mm}} RHAe on the glacis and lower front hull on the Leopard 2A6 against kinetic projectiles.<ref name=frapdoL2>{{cite web|url=http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/leo2.htm|title=Main Battle Tank – Leopard 2|access-date=2010-05-12|date=2009-12-12|publisher=Fabio Prado|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802143624/http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/leo2.htm|archive-date=2010-08-02|url-status=unfit}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=May 2015}}

According to a description page hosted by the [[Federation of American Scientists]], the armour of the Leopard 2A4 is believed to provide protection equivalent to {{cvt|700|mm}} armour steel (RHA) against kinetic energy penetrators and {{cvt|1000|mm}} RHA against shaped charge warheads.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/leopard2.htm|title=Battle tank Leopard 2/Kampfpanzer Leopard 2|publisher=Fas.org|access-date=2012-01-03|date=1999-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111209004055/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/leopard2.htm|archive-date=2011-12-09|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Armament===
[[File:PERI-R 17.jpg|thumb|right|A view through the panoramic PERI R17 sight]]

====Primary====
The primary armament for production versions of the Leopard 2 is the Rheinmetall {{cvt|120|mm}} smoothbore gun—the same gun later adapted for use on the M1 Abrams—in either the L/44 variant (found on all production Leopard 2s until the A5), or the L/55 variant (as found on the Leopard 2A6 and subsequent models).<ref name=frapdoL2 />

Ammunition for the gun comprises 27 rounds stored in a special magazine in the forward section of the hull, to the left of the driver's station, with an additional 15 rounds stored in the left side of the turret bustle, which is separated from the fighting compartment by an electrically operated door.<ref name=frapdoL2 /> If the turret's ammunition storage area is hit, a blow-off panel in the turret roof would direct an explosion upwards away from the crew compartment.<ref name=frapdoL2 /> However, the 27 other rounds stored in the forward section of the hull, to the left of the driver's station, do not have this protection and would cause catastrophic secondary explosions if the hull were hit. This is a weakness of the Leopard 2's design.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tank-afv.com/coldwar/West_Germany/leopard-2.php|title=West German cold war KMW Leopard 2 MBT (1978)|first=David|last=Bocquelet|website=tank-afv.com|access-date=2023-12-21}}</ref>

The gun is fully stabilised, and can fire a variety of types of rounds, such as the German DM43 APFSDS-T anti-tank round, which is said to be able to penetrate {{convert|450|mm|in|sp=us}}<ref>''Jane's Ammunition Handbook'' (subscription), [https://archive.today/20130103130425/http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jah/jah_0303.html "120&nbsp;mm DM 33A1 and DM 43A1 APFSDS-T rounds (Germany)"]. {{dead link|date=January 2011}} Retrieved 11 November 2008.</ref>{{citation needed|date=May 2024|reason=Permanent dead link, no surviving working archives}} of steel armour at a range of {{convert|2000|m|yd}},<ref name="weg tradoc 2011 p514">{{cite book|url=http://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p4013coll11/id/2089|title=Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG), Volume 1: Ground Systems|author=<!--No specific author -->|publisher=TRADOC Intelligence Support Activity|location=Fort Leavenworth, KS|date=December 2011|pages=5–14 (188)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214010624/http://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p4013coll11/id/2089|archive-date=2015-02-14}}</ref> and the German DM12 [[high-explosive anti-tank]] (HEAT).<ref>{{cite book|last=Jerchel|first=Michael|author2=Uwe Schnellbacher|title=Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank 1979–1998|publisher=Osprey|year=1998|location=Oxford, UK|isbn=1-85532-691-4|page=22}}</ref>

For the L/55 gun, a newer APFSDS-T round was introduced to take advantage of the longer barrel, the DM-53,<ref name="weg tradoc 2011 p514"/> which is said to be able to penetrate up to {{cvt|750|mm}} of RHAe armour at a range of {{cvt|2000|m}}.<ref name=frapdoL2 /> The [[bore evacuator]] and the gun's thermal sleeve of the A4 and A5, designed to regulate the temperature of the barrel, are fabricated from [[glass-reinforced plastic]]. The barrel has a chrome lining to increase barrel life.<ref name="Janes44">{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jaau/jaau0021.html|title=Rheinmetall 120&nbsp;mm L/44 smoothbore gun (Germany)|access-date=2008-11-07|work=Jane's Armour & Artillery|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220223645/http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jaau/jaau0021.html|archive-date=2009-02-20}}</ref> The main gun is capable of power elevating from +20° to −9°.<ref name="JanesTank">{{cite book|last=Foss|first=Christopher F.|title=Jane's Tank Recognition Guide|edition=4|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers|year=2006|location=Hammersmith, London|isbn=978-0-00-718326-5|page=35}}</ref>

Rheinmetall has developed an upgrade for Leopard 2 tanks to give them the ability to fire the Israeli [[LAHAT]] anti-tank guided missile through the main gun. The missile can engage targets out to a range of {{convert|6000|m|lk=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rheinmetall-detec.de/index.php?fid=4113&lang=3&pdb=1|title=Lahat Leopard 2 Upgrade|publisher=Rheinmetall Defence AG|access-date=2010-10-11|location=Germany|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103052841/http://www.rheinmetall-detec.de/index.php?fid=4113&lang=3&pdb=1|archive-date=2013-11-03}}</ref>

====Secondary====
The Leopard 2 is equipped with two machine guns, one mounted co-axially, the other an anti-aircraft mount. German models use the [[MG 3 machine gun|MG&nbsp;3]] {{cvt|7.62|mm|1}} machine gun; Dutch and Singaporean models use [[FN MAG]] {{cvt|7.62|mm|1}} machine guns; Swiss models use Swiss [[MG 51|MG 87]] {{cvt|7.5|mm|3}} machine guns.<ref name=frapdoL2/> 4,750 rounds of machine gun ammunition are carried on board the Leopard 2, of which 2,000 rounds are carried for the coaxial machine gun.<ref name="weg tradoc 2011 p513">{{cite book|url=http://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p4013coll11/id/2089|title=Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG), Volume 1: Ground Systems|author=<!--No specific author -->|publisher=TRADOC Intelligence Support Activity|location=Fort Leavenworth, KS|date=December 2011|pages=5–13 (187)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214010624/http://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p4013coll11/id/2089|archive-date=2015-02-14}}</ref> More recent variants such as the Leopard 2A7+ are capable of mounting a Remotely-Controlled Weapons Station fitted with a [[M2 Browning|Browning M2HB Heavy Machine Gun]], near the commander's hatch.

====Fire control====
The standard fire control system found on the Leopard 2 is the German EMES 15 fire control system with a dual magnification stabilised primary sight. The primary sight has an integrated neodymium yttrium aluminium garnet [[Nd:YAG laser]] rangefinder and a 120 element [[mercury cadmium telluride]], HgCdTe (also known as CMT) Zeiss [[thermographic camera]], both of which are linked to the tank's fire control computer.<ref name="ArmyTechL2">{{cite web|url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/leopard/|title=Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank, Germany|access-date=2010-05-13|publisher=ArmyTechnology.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117040254/http://www.army-technology.com/projects/leopard/|archive-date=2015-11-17|url-status=live}}</ref> A backup 8x auxiliary telescope FERO-Z18 is mounted coaxially for the gunner.<ref name=frapdoL2/>

The commander has an independent periscope, the Rheinmetall/Zeiss PERI R17 A2.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} This is a stabilised panoramic periscope sight designed for day/night observation and target identification. It provides an all round view with a traverse of 360°. The thermal image from the commander's periscope is displayed on a monitor inside the tank. Initial production tanks were not equipped with a thermal sight, due to the sight not being ready, and instead temporarily substituted the PZB 200 low light TV system (LLLTV).<ref name=frapdoL2/>

The fire control suite is capable of providing up to three range values in four seconds. The range data is transmitted to the fire control computer and is used to calculate the firing solution. Because the laser rangefinder is integrated into the gunner's primary sight, the gunner is able to read the digital range measurement directly. The maximum range of the laser rangefinder is up to {{cvt|10000|m}} with a measuring accuracy within {{cvt|10|m}} at this range.<ref name="ArmyTechL2"/> The combined system allows the Leopard 2 to engage moving targets at ranges of up to {{cvt|5000|m}} whilst itself being on the move over rough terrain.

===Propulsion===
[[File:Leopard2 Triebwerk.jpg|thumb|The Leopard 2's MB 873 Ka-501 V12 engine]]
[[File:Leopard 2A4 - Turm.jpg|thumb|right|German Leopard 2A4 with turret snorkel, 2010]]

The Leopard 2 is propelled by the [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] MB 873 Ka-501 engine. It provides {{cvt|1500|PS|MW|lk=on|1}} at 2,600 [[Revolutions per minute|RPM]] and {{cvt|4700|Nm|lb·ft}} of [[torque]] at 1,600–1,700 RPM. The MTU MB 873 Ka-501 is a four-stroke, 47.7 litre, 90° V-block 12-cylinder, twin-turbocharged and intercooled, liquid-cooled diesel engine (with multi-fuel capability). It has an estimated fuel consumption rate of around 300 litres per 100&nbsp;km on roads and 500 litres per 100&nbsp;km across the country, and is coupled to the [[Renk HSWL 354]] gear and brake system.<ref name=frapdoL2/><ref name="ArmyTechL2"/>

The Renk HSWL 354 transmission has four forward and two reverse gears, with a [[torque converter]] and is completely automatic, with the driver selecting the range.<ref name=frapdoL2/> The Leopard 2 has four fuel tanks, which have a total capacity of approximately {{cvt|1160|l}}, giving a maximum road range of about {{cvt|500|km}}.<ref name=frapdoL2/> The propulsion pack is capable of driving the tank to a top road speed of {{cvt|68|kph}} (limited to {{cvt|50|kph}} during peacetime by law), and a top reverse speed of {{cvt|31|kph}}.<ref>{{cite book|title=Leopard 2 : Main Battle Tank, 1979–1998|last=Jerchel|first=Michael|year=1998|publisher=Osprey Military|others=Schnellbacher, Uwe|isbn=9781855326910|location=London|pages=D|oclc=40544103}}</ref> The power pack can be changed in the field in 35&nbsp;minutes.<ref name=frapdoL2/> The engine and transmission are separated from the crew compartment through a fireproof bulkhead.<ref name="ArmyTechL2"/> An enhanced version of the [[EuroPowerPack]], with a {{cvt|1650|PS|MW|1}} MTU MT883 engine has been trialled by the Leopard 2.<ref name="ArmyTechL2"/>

The Leopard 2 has a [[torsion bar suspension]] and has advanced friction dampers. The running gear consists of seven dual rubber-tired road wheels and four return rollers per side, with the idler wheel at the front and [[drive sprocket]] at the rear.<ref name=frapdoL2/> The tracks are Diehl 570F tracks, with rubber-bushed end connectors, which have removable rubber pads and use 82 links on each track. For use in icy ground, up to 18 rubber pads can be replaced by the same number of [[grouser]]s, which are stored in the vehicle's bow when not in use.<ref name=frapdoL2/> The upper part of the tracks are covered with side skirts.<ref name="JanesTank"/>

The Leopard 2 can drive through water {{convert|4|m}} deep using a [[Vehicle snorkel|snorkel]] or {{convert|1.2|m}} without any preparation. It can climb vertical obstacles over one metre high.

The German Army has prioritised mobility in the Leopard 2, which has made it one of the fastest MBTs in the world.<ref name="leopard 2 mobility">{{cite book|title=The Oxford companion to military history|year=2001|publisher=Oxford University Press|pages=493, 902|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ro8YAAAAIAAJ&q=leopard+|author1=Front Cover Richard Holmes|author2=Hew Strachan|author3=Chris Bellamy|access-date=2011-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101184545/http://books.google.com/books?ei=MQ6aTYLeIIiL0QHr_-WHDA&ct=result&hl=com&id=ro8YAAAAIAAJ&dq=%22main+battle+tank%22&q=leopard+&redir_esc=y|archive-date=2014-01-01|url-status=live|isbn=9780198662099}}</ref>

Ukrainian forces have said that the Leopard 2 tank is only slightly louder than a diesel van. This lack of noise, they claim, gives them a tactical advantage during an ambush. One Ukrainian commander estimated that Russian forces only heard the Leopard 2 from {{cvt|200|m}}, during an ambush, compared to {{cvt|2|–|3|km}} for their older Soviet era tanks.<ref>{{cite news|title="Ukraine's Secret Weapon: The Whisper-Quiet Power of Leopard Tanks"|author=Jepp W.|url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ukraine-s-secret-weapon-the-whisper-quiet-power-of-leopard-tanks/ar-AA1iluh7|access-date=2023-10-18|date=2023-10-17}}</ref>

==Exports==
Germany has fielded about 2,125 Leopard 2 main battle tanks in various versions, but many were sold following [[German reunification]]. The Leopard 2 became very popular in the 1990s, when the shrinking German army offered many of its redundant Leopard 2s at a reduced price. It became successful enough in Europe that the manufacturer started calling it the ''Euro Leopard'', despite France, the United Kingdom, and Italy all operating their own MBTs. With further non-European orders, the name "''Global-Leopard''" is now used instead.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kmweg.de/10894--~PRODUKTE~kettenfahrzeuge~leopard2~leopard2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301161335/http://www.kmweg.de/10894--~PRODUKTE~kettenfahrzeuge~leopard2~leopard2.html|url-status=dead|title=Krauss-Maffei Wegmann|archive-date=2010-03-01}}</ref> Leopard 2 tanks have also been resold by original export customers, although reexport has always been conditional on consent from the German government who control the platform's export licence. Other countries have bought newly manufactured vehicles or have produced them locally under licence.

===Europe===
[[File:Leopard 2 tank in Dutch service.jpg|thumb|A Leopard 2A6 in Dutch service]]

[[Armed forces of the Netherlands|The Netherlands]] ordered 445 Leopard 2 tanks on 2 March 1979, after examining the results of the Leopard 2AV in the United States.<ref>Jerchel, p. 36.</ref> It became the first export customer of the Leopard 2 and the vehicles were delivered between July 1981 and July 1986. Dutch Leopard 2 tanks have been subsequently exported to Austria, Canada, Norway, and Portugal. In 2011 the last Dutch tank division was disbanded and their last Leopard 2 tanks were sold. Then in 2015, because of rising tensions with Russia because of [[Malaysia Airlines Flight 17]] and the [[Russian occupation of Crimea]], the Dutch army announced that they would start leasing 18 Leopard 2A6 tanks from Germany. These tanks are operated in joint German-Dutch division.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/leopard-2a6-gevechtstank|title=Leopard 2 A6-gevechtstank|trans-title=Leopard 2 A6 main battle tank|publisher=Dutch Ministry of Defense|language=nl|date=2023-04-20}}</ref> In September 2024 the Dutch army announced that they would order 46 Leopard 2A8 with 6 options.<ref name="nrc.nl">{{cite news|url=https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2024/09/03/de-landmacht-juicht-het-nederlandse-leger-krijgt-weer-eigen-tanks-a4864494|title=De landmacht juicht: Het Nederlandse leger krijgt weer eigen tanks|newspaper=NRC|language=nl|date=2024-09-03|last=Derix|first=Steven}}</ref> These will not be replacing the leased Leopard 2A6's from Germany. It is currently unknown if they will be operated in a joint German-Dutch division.

The [[Swiss Army]] decided to purchase Leopard 2 tanks over the M1A1 Abrams after trialling both tanks between August 1981 and June 1982. The Swiss decision was made in August 1983 and the funding was approved by the government in 1984.<ref>Jerchel, p. 38.</ref> Thirty-five of the tanks were delivered by Kraus-Maffei by June 1987. Eidgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte [[Thun]] started license production of 345 additional vehicles in December 1987.

[[File:Stridsvagn 122 Revinge 2019-3.jpg|thumb|A Stridsvagn 122 in 2019. This is a Swedish derivative of the Leopard 2A5.]]
After investigating the option of a locally developed replacement for the [[strv 103]] tank, [[Swedish Armed Forces|Sweden]] decided to buy a foreign tank model. The Leopard 2 Improved (Leopard 2A5 prototype) won the competition against the M1A2 Abrams and the French Leclerc. The Swedish military also evaluated the [[Soviet]] [[T-80]]U tank, but separately from the other tanks. After intensive tests from January to June 1994, the Swedish military opted for the Leopard 2.<ref name="Jerchel40">Jerchel, p. 40.</ref> The Swedish military found that the Leopard 2 Improved met their military demands by 90%.<ref name="Jerchel40" /> The M1A2 met the Swedish requirements by 86%, whereas the Leclerc met 63%. In June 1994, Sweden ordered the production of 120 modified Leopard 2A5, to be known as [[Stridsvagn 122|stridsvagn 122 (strv 122)]] in Swedish service. The strv 122 features Swedish-developed appliqué armour, a new command system, and improved electronics.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kingdom of Sweden (Modern)|url=https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/sweden-modern-nation-page/|website=Tanks Encyclopedia|access-date=2023-01-25}}</ref> Of the 120 Strv 122, 29 were manufactured in Germany by [[Krauss-Maffei Wegmann]] while the other 91 were manufactured by the Swedish firms [[Bofors]] and [[BAE Systems AB#Subsidiaries#BAE Systems Hägglunds|Hägglunds]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Projekt "Stridsvagn Ny"|url=http://www.ointres.se/projekt_stridsvagn_ny.htm|access-date=2022-05-13|website=www.ointres.se}}</ref> The first Stridsvagn 122 was delivered in December 1996. These remain in Swedish service and have received periodic upgrades.

[[File:Stridsvagn 121 (Swedish Leopard 2A4).jpg|thumb|Stridsvagn 121 (Swedish Leopard 2A4)]]
Sweden also leased a total of 160 Leopard 2A4 tanks in 1994 and 1995, known in Swedish service as Stridsvagn 121 (Strv 121), as a stopgap measure while the strv 122 were being delivered. The first Strv 121 was delivered in February 1994.<ref name="Jerchel40" /> The Strv 121 fleet was removed from active service in 2002 as a result of the [[Defence Act of 2000 (Sweden)|Defence Act of 2000]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Officerstidningen Nr3/2015|url=https://www.officersforbundet.se/globalassets/pdfer/officerstidningen/2015-2016/web_ot3_15.pdf|access-date=2024-09-02|page=24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619020722/https://www.officersforbundet.se/globalassets/pdfer/officerstidningen/2015-2016/web_ot3_15.pdf|archive-date=2020-06-19}}</ref> and mothballed by 2006.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mulcahy|first1=Paul|title=Swedish Tanks|url=https://www.pmulcahy.com/tanks/swedish_tanks.html|access-date=2023-01-25}}</ref> While most of the strv 121 tanks were returned to Germany, 18 were kept by Sweden as training aids;<ref>{{cite web|last=Lindström|first=Rickard O.|title=Brobandvagn 120|url=http://www.ointres.se/2014-04-04_brobv120.pdf|access-date=2024-09-02}}</ref> six have since been converted into [[AEV 3 Kodiak]] [[Military engineering vehicle|armoured engineering vehicle]]s, and a further six have been converted into {{ill|Leguan|de|Panzerschnellbrücke Leguan|vertical-align=sup}} [[Armoured vehicle-launched bridge|armoured bridgelayers]].<ref name="Jane's Armoured Fighting Vehicles 2019-2020 Leopard">{{cite web|url=https://janes.ihs.com/Janes/Display/JAA_0021-JAFV|title=Leopard 2 (October 2019 update)|publisher=Jane's UK Ltd|date=2019-10-16|access-date=2020-02-17}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref name="AEV Kodiak">{{cite web|url=https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern-switzerland-germany-aev-3-kodiak/|title=AEV Kodiak|publisher=Online Tank Museum|date=2019-07-18|access-date=2020-02-17}}</ref>

In January 2025 Sweden ordered a new batch of 44 Leopard 2 A8 from Germany and announced that the remaining Leopard 2 (Stridsvagn 122) would be modernised and upgraded.<ref>https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/news/2025/01/the-army-is-reinforced-with-44-new-tanks/</ref>

[[Danish Defence|Denmark]] bought 51 ex-German Leopard 2A4 tanks after the Danish military school, the [[Army Combat and Fire Support Centre|Hærens Kampskole]], recommended basing the adoption of a new tank on the Swedish army trials. The first tanks were delivered in 1998, but the upgrade to Leopard 2A5 level was already decided the next year.<ref name="DK first"/> In 2004–2006, the Danish army bought another 18 ex-German Leopard 2 tanks, six of which were upgraded to Leopard 2A5.<ref name="danishpurchase"/>

[[File:Hellenic Army Training 210520-A-HB425-453.jpg|thumb|A Greek Leopard 2A6 on a training exercise in 2021]]
In 1998, [[Hellenic Armed Forces|Greece]] held a competition to determine the main battle tank for the [[Hellenic Army]]. The Leopard 2 Improved managed to outperform the [[Challenger 2]]E, Leclerc, M1A2 Abrams, T-80U, and [[T-84]] and was chosen by the Greek officials. In March 2003, Greece ordered 170 Leopard 2 tanks, of which 140 were locally assembled.<ref>{{cite news|title=Greece, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann sign procurement contract for 170 Leopard 2 HEL MBTs|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/17030/greece-buys-170-leopard-2-tanks.html|access-date=2016-01-11|website=Defense Aerospace|date=2003-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209170008/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/17030/greece-buys-170-leopard-2-tanks.html|archive-date=2016-02-09|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank, Germany|url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/leopard/|access-date=2016-01-11|publisher=Army-Technology.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117040254/http://www.army-technology.com/projects/leopard/|archive-date=2015-11-17|url-status=live}}</ref> Greece also bought 183 Leopard 2A4 and 150 Leopard 1 tanks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Greece Signs Contracts for 183 Leopard 2s, 150 Leopard 1s|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/greece-signs-contracts-for-183-leopard-2s-150-leopard-1s-0978/|access-date=2016-01-11|work=Defense Industry Daily|date=2005-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306012909/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/greece-signs-contracts-for-183-leopard-2s-150-leopard-1s-0978/|archive-date=2016-03-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Spanish Armed Forces|Spain]] initially leased 109 Leopard 2A4 tanks, after Krauss-Maffei withdrew from the [[Lince (tank)|Lince]] development, a special lighter version of the Leopard 2 developed together with [[Santa Bárbara Sistemas]]. Before the end of the Lince tank, Spain had already rejected the M1A1 Abrams and the [[Vickers MBT Mark 4|Vickers Valiant]]. After deciding to purchase the leased tanks, Santa Bárbara Sistemas acquired the licence to locally produce 219 Leopard 2A6 tanks for the Spanish army.<ref>Jerchel, p. 42.</ref>

[[Polish Armed Forces|Poland]] received 128 Leopard 2A4 tanks from German army stocks in 2002. In 2013 Poland ordered a further 119 ex-German Leopard 2s. [[Finnish Defence Forces|Finland]] bought 124 used Leopard 2A4 tanks and six armoured bridge-layer Leopard 2L tanks from Germany in 2002 and 2003. The tanks served as replacements for the old Soviet-made [[T-55]] and [[T-72]]M1. The Netherlands resold 114 of their tanks (and one turret) to [[Military of Austria|Austria]], 80 to [[Canadian Army|Canada]] in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mindef.nl/actueel/nieuws/2007/04/20070412_verkoop_leopard.aspx|title=NEDERLAND VERKOOPT LEOPARD TANKS AAN CANADA|website=Ministerie van defensie|date=2007-04-12|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508210939/http://www.mindef.nl/actueel/nieuws/2007/04/20070412_verkoop_leopard.aspx|archive-date=2008-05-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> 52 to [[Norwegian Army|Norway]], 37 to [[Portuguese Army|Portugal]] and 100 to Finland.

In December 2018, [[Hungary]] placed an order for 44 Leopard 2A7+s and 12 secondhand 2A4s. The order coincided with the procurement of 24 Panzerhaubitze 2000, and was expected to replace Hungary's current fleet of T-72 tanks "no sooner than 2020".<ref name="StatementHungary">{{cite web|last1=Braatz|first1=Kurt|title=Krauss-Maffei Wegmann unterstützt ungarische Heeres-Modernisierung|url=https://www.kmweg.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdfs/Press_Releases/2018/Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann-unterstuetzt-ungarische-Heeres-Modernisierung_19-12-2018.pdf|website=Krauss-Maffei Wegmann|access-date=2018-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230842/https://www.kmweg.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdfs/Press_Releases/2018/Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann-unterstuetzt-ungarische-Heeres-Modernisierung_19-12-2018.pdf|archive-date=2018-12-20|location=Munich|language=de|date=2018-12-19|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="JanesHungary">{{cite web|last=Dunai|first=Peter|title=Update: Hungary orders Leopard 2 MBTs and PzH 2000 SPHs|url=https://www.janes.com/article/85369/update-hungary-orders-leopard-2-mbts-and-pzh-2000-sphs|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=2018-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221152550/https://www.janes.com/article/85369/update-hungary-orders-leopard-2-mbts-and-pzh-2000-sphs|archive-date=2018-12-21|location=Budapest|date=2018-12-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In February 2023, the [[Prime Minister of Norway|Norwegian Prime Minister]], [[Jonas Gahr Stoere]], announced that Norway would be ordering 54 new Leopard 2A7 tanks at a cost of {{Currency|19.7 billion|NOK|passthrough=yes}} with a further option for 18 vehicles to be delivered at a later date. The first Leopard 2A7s are due to be delivered by 2026, and operational by 2031. The Norwegian government had been weighing up either the Leopard 2A7 or the South Korean [[K2 Black Panther]] as a replacement for its aging Leopard 2A4 fleet.<ref>{{cite news|title=Norway to order 54 new army tanks from Germany|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/norway-order-54-new-army-tanks-germany-nrk-2023-02-03/|access-date=2023-02-04|work=Reuters|date=2023-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Treloar|first=Stephen|title=Norway to Buy 54 Leopard 2 to Replace its Aging Tank Force|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-03/norway-to-buy-54-leopard-2-to-replace-its-aging-tank-force|access-date=2023-02-04|work=Bloomberg News|date=2023-02-03}}</ref> The tanks will be designated Leopard 2A8 NOR.<ref>{{cite web|title=Norway's Leopard 2 tanks will be new 2A8 variant with active protection system|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/configuration-is-finalised-for-norways-leopard-2a8-tank-order/|publisher=Shepard|access-date=2023-06-13}}</ref>

====Transfer to Ukraine====
{{overly detailed|section|date=June 2024}}
On 2 July 2023, Ukraine had reportedly received 54 Leopard 2A4 from NATO-member countries.<ref name=forbes-20230702>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/petersuciu/2023/07/02/video-of-leopard-2a4u-main-battle-tank-in-ukraine-went-viral--did-it-reveal-too-much/|website=forbes.com|title=Video Of 'Leopard 2A4U' Main Battle Tank In Ukraine Went Viral – Did It Reveal Too Much?|first=Peter|last=Suciu|date=2023-07-02|access-date=2023-09-02}}</ref>

=====Political discussions=====
Since April 2022, in the wake of the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion]], the Ukrainian government has requested that their allies donate Western-made main battle tanks. Poland, Finland and others have all announced a willingness to contribute Leopard 2 tanks from their stocks, with around 100 tanks from various states ready to be transferred to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|title=100 Leopard tanks in 12 countries are standing by for Germany's go-ahead to be sent to Ukraine, official says|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/100-leopard-tanks-waiting-germany-permission-ukraine-scholz-2023-1?amp|work=Business Insider|author=Mia Jankowicz|date=2023-01-24|access-date=2023-01-25}}</ref> However, when Germany exported the tanks to these countries, it had made reexport conditional on a German government permit, as based on the {{lang|de|[[Kriegswaffenkontrollgesetz]]}} and {{lang|de|Außenwirtschaftsgesetz}}. Until 22 January 2023, it was unclear whether such a consent would be provided with Germany determined to avoid any perception of escalating the conflict, and wary of being labelled an aggressor.<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite news|last=Connolly|first=Kate|title=Berlin plans to send German Leopard tanks to Ukraine, according to reports|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/24/berlin-plans-to-send-german-leopard-tanks-to-ukraine-according-to-reports|access-date=2023-01-25|work=The Guardian|date=2023-01-24}}</ref> Germany has also been keen to extract an American commitment to provide its own [[M1 Abrams]] tanks, before sending German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bertrand|first1=Natasha|last2=Liebermann|first2=Oren|title=US finalizing plans to send approximately 30 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, two US officials say|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/24/politics/us-abram-tanks-ukraine/index.html|access-date=2023-01-25|work=CNN|date=2023-01-25}}</ref>

The matter was discussed at a [[2022 Ramstein Air Base meeting|conference]] of defence ministers from [[NATO]] members and allies, but no agreement was reached.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine war: 'Frank' talks as Ukraine pushes Germany for tanks|work=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64355839|date=2023-01-20|access-date=2023-01-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Solomom|first1=Erika|title=Allies Fail to Agree on Sending Tanks to Ukraine|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/20/world/europe/ukraine-germany-us-tanks.html|access-date=2023-01-21|work=The New York Times|date=2023-01-20}}</ref> The German position was heavily criticized by some of the other European governments with Poland threatening to unilaterally export their Leopards if permission from Berlin was not given.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine frustrated as Germany holds back the decision on supply of tanks|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/20/ukraine-germany-leopard-2-tanks-ramstein|date=2023-01-20|access-date=2023-01-21}}</ref> The Polish and Ukrainian governments then announced that Ukrainian soldiers would start training on Polish Leopard 2 tanks in Poland.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine defence minister says forces will train on German tanks in Poland - VOA|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-defence-minister-says-forces-will-train-german-tanks-poland-voa-2023-01-21/|date=2023-01-21|access-date=2023-01-21}}</ref> The German government also faced domestic criticism for their stance. Many critics viewed the Leopard question as symptomatic of Germany's mishandling of defence and security. In a statement that gained German media attention, political analyst [[Jessica Berlin]] referred to the then [[List of German defence ministers|Federal Minister of Defence]] [[Christine Lambrecht]] as a “clueless sock puppet”.<ref>{{cite news|title=Und wenn Olaf Scholz doch gute Gründe hat?|newspaper=Zeit Online|date=24 January 2023|url=https://www.zeit.de/politik/2023-01/panzer-debatte-leopard-ukraine-olaf-scholz-aussenpolitik }}</ref>

On 22 January 2023, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|German minister for foreign affairs]], [[Annalena Baerbock]], told French media that Germany "would not stand in the way" of any Polish decision to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine but noted that "for the moment the question has not been asked."<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-01-22|title=Germany ready to let Poland send Leopard tanks to Ukraine: foreign minister|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-ready-allow-poland-sending-leopard-tanks-ukraine-foreign-minister-annalena-baerbock/|access-date=2023-01-27|website=Politico}}</ref> Two days later, Poland made an official request for permission to transfer Polish Leopards to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Connolly|first1=Kate|title=Poland requests German permission to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/24/poland-requests-german-permission-to-send-leopard-tanks-to-ukraine|access-date=2023-01-25|work=The Guardian|date=2023-01-24}}</ref>

On 24 January ''[[Der Spiegel]]'' reported that the [[Chancellor of Germany|German Chancellor]], [[Olaf Scholz]], would the following day, officially announce the transfer of an undisclosed number of German Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, beginning with 14 Leopard 2A6s from the active [[Bundeswehr]] inventory.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tanks for Ukraine: Germany to send Leopard 2s and allow others to export – reports|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64391272|agency=BBC News|date=2023-01-24|access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref> The German government would also give permission to any country seeking to reexport Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.<ref name="Hickmann">{{cite news|last=Hickmann|first=Christoph|date=2023-01-24|title=(S+) Krieg in der Ukraine: Deutschland schickt Leopard-Panzer|language=de|work=Der Spiegel|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/krieg-in-der-ukraine-deutschland-schickt-leopard-panzer-a-e2dde871-88d0-4cf5-8aae-482d58fd850f|access-date=2023-01-24|issn=2195-1349}}</ref> These reports were formally confirmed by the German government on 25 January.<ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite news|last1=Oltermann|first1=Philip|last2=Roth|first2=Andrew|title=Germany announces it will supply Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/25/germany-leopard-2-tanks-ukraine|access-date=2023-01-25|work=The Guardian|date=2023-01-25}}</ref>

It was also reported that [[Boris Pistorius]], the [[List of German defence ministers|German defence minister]], was encouraging Leopard-operating states to start training Ukrainian personnel in their use.<ref name="The Guardian"/>

The German decision to provide and approve the provision of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine came after U.S. President [[Joe Biden]] decided to provide Ukraine with M1 Abrams tanks, as Germany insisted on moving in coordination with its allies. The decision to provide M1 Abrams tanks had previously been opposed by the [[United States Department of Defense|Pentagon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Inside Washington's about-face on sending tanks to Ukraine|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/25/inside-washingtons-about-face-on-sending-tanks-to-ukraine-00079560|access-date=2023-01-27|website=Politico|date=2023-01-25}}</ref>

On 15 February 2023, Pistorius expressed his frustration at Germany's allies in their announcement of any donations of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, saying it had "not been exactly breathtaking, to put it mildly." Since the change in German position on exports, only Poland had matched the German promise to provide 14 tanks - the two largest donations from a single country.<ref name="Financial Times">{{cite news|last1=Chazan|first1=Guy|last2=Foy|first2=Henry|title=Germany chides allies for delays in delivering tanks to Ukraine|url=https://www.ft.com/content/49233164-d28b-4d7d-868c-88e642e28e0b|access-date=2023-02-15|work=Financial Times|date=2023-02-14}}</ref>

=====Germany=====
On 25 January 2023, the German government confirmed that it would make 14 Leopard 2A6 (a company-strength number) available for Ukraine and would give authorisation to European partners to reexport their vehicles.<ref name="theguardian.com"/> The goal is for European Leopard 2 operators to provide two battalions worth, or 88 tanks, to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|date=2023-01-25|title=German Chancellor Olaf Scholz agrees to provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 battle tanks|work=ABC|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-25/germany-us-agree-to-provide-ukraine-with-advanced-battle-tanks/101894198|access-date=2023-01-25}}</ref>

According to the German government, the tanks will be delivered to Ukraine after training Ukrainian service personnel. This process would take up to three months. Some tanks are held by the [[Bundeswehr]], others by the Leopard manufacturer [[Rheinmetall]]. The latter has said they could be ready to be dispatched by March 2023. However, they also warned that some vehicles held in long-term storage would require extensive refurbishment and updating before they could be considered suitable for combat in Ukraine.<ref name="Hickmann"/><ref name="The Guardian"/> On 26 January, Pistorius, the German minister of defense, stated that the tanks would be delivered in late March or early April.<ref>{{cite news|title=Deadly Russian missiles hit Ukraine power facilities|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230126-deadly-russian-missiles-hit-ukraine-power-facilities|access-date=2023-01-26|work=France 24|date=2023-01-26}}</ref> On 24 February 2023, the German Department of Defence confirmed Germany would increase its Leopard 2A6 contribution from 14 to 18, thus providing 1 full tank battalion together with the contributions of Portugal and Sweden.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Verteidigungsministerium|author-link=|user=Verteidigungsministerium|number=1629136976505892865|date=2023-02-24|title=Germany to provide 4 additional Leopard 2A6|language=en|access-date=2023-02-24|link=https://twitter.com/BMVg_Bundeswehr/status/1629136976505892865?s=20|quote='Verteidigungsminister Pistorius hat entschieden, weitere vier #Kampfpanzer #Leopard2 A6 aus Beständen der Bundeswehr an die #Ukraine abzugeben. Damit erhöht 🇩🇪 die Anzahl der gelieferten Panzer von 14 auf 18 & stellt zusammen mit 🇵🇹 & 🇸🇪 insgesamt ein 🇺🇦 Bataillon zur Verfügung.'|ref=}}</ref>

On 27 March 2023, Germany delivered 18 Leopard 2A6 tanks to Ukraine with two accompanying armoured recovery vehicles and necessary spare parts.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pitel|first1=Laura|title=First German Leopard 2 tanks delivered to Ukraine|url=https://www.ft.com/content/2f3f301d-8de7-426a-94fa-8bb398ffe232|access-date=2023-03-27|work=Financial Times|date=2023-03-27}}</ref>

On 28 March 2023, the security board of the [[National Council (Switzerland)|Swiss National Council]] recommended that 25 Leopard 2 in storage should be sold to the German manufacturer Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann so that Germany can replace some of its own tanks now serving in Ukraine. As of this day, Switzerland keeps 96 Leopard 2 in storage. As the tanks' sale requires [[Decommission (ship)|decommissioning]], the Bundeswehr waits for approval by the Swiss parliament.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kehrtwende: Deutschland soll 25 Panzer kaufen dürfen|url=https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/kriegsmaterial-fuer-die-ukraine-kehrtwende-deutschland-soll-25-panzer-kaufen-duerfen|date=2023-03-27|access-date=2023-04-02|publisher=Swiss Radio and Television SRF|language=de}}</ref>

On 27 September 2023, the Swiss parliament has voted to decommission 25 Leopard 2 tanks, allowing them to be sold back to Germany. Germany has given assurances that ex-Swiss tanks will not be sent to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|author=John Revill|date=2023-09-27|title=Swiss to sell back Leopard II tanks to help restock after Ukraine donations|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/swiss-sell-back-leopard-ii-tanks-help-restock-after-ukraine-donations-2023-09-27/|access-date=2023-09-27}}</ref>

=====Poland=====
Poland welcomed the German decision to allow the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, with the Polish government announcing on 25 January it would transfer 14 Leopards to Ukraine from a total Polish stock of 247, in addition to a further 50–60 Soviet-era tanks.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Easton|first1=Andrew|title=Poland says it is ready to send 14 Leopard tanks to Ukraine|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-64396659?pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:91846f35-da18-45f4-a960-7d18b6acfa59|access-date=2023-01-25|work=BBC News|date=2023-01-25}}</ref> On 24 February 2023, the first 4 Leopard 2A4 tanks from Polish stocks were delivered to Ukraine. These are the first Leopard 2 tanks to be operated by Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|title=Poland delivers first Leopard tanks to Ukraine – DW – 02/24/2023|url=https://www.dw.com/en/poland-delivers-first-leopard-tanks-to-ukraine/a-64809432|access-date=2023-02-24|work=DW|date=2023-02-24|language=en}}</ref>

=====Canada=====
On 26 January 2023, the Canadian [[Minister of National Defence (Canada)|Defence Minister]], [[Anita Anand]], announced that Canada would be sending four Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine, with the potential for more to follow. These vehicles were reportedly 'combat ready.' Canada will also provide appropriate training to Ukrainian forces who will go on to operate these tanks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Aiello|first=Rachel|title=Canada sending 4 tanks to Ukraine and deploying soldiers to train, defence minister says|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/canada-sending-4-tanks-to-ukraine-and-deploying-soldiers-to-train-defence-minister-says-1.6247335|access-date=2023-01-26|work=CTV News|date=2023-01-26}}</ref> The first Canadian Leopard 2 tanks had arrived in Poland on 5 February, to allow Ukrainian troops to begin training.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kyiv says new attacks are being planned by Moscow|url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/02/05/canadian-leopard-2-tanks-en-route-to-ukraine-as-troops-prepare-for-suspected-moscow-attack|access-date=2023-02-15|work=euronews|date=2023-02-05|language=en}}</ref> On 24 February, the Canadian [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]], [[Justin Trudeau]], announced that Canada would be sending a further four Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine along with one armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) and 5,000 rounds of ammunition.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canada sending four more battle tanks, ammunition to Ukraine|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/canada-sending-four-more-battle-tanks-to-ukraine-1.6288251|access-date=2023-02-24|work=CTV News|date=2023-02-24}}</ref>

=====Czech Republic=====
On 20 January 2023, the Czech Defense Ministry issued a statement that the media reports indicating the Czech Republic and Slovakia were willing to give up their Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine were false, and that rumors that the Czech Republic would receive American Abrams tanks in exchange for Leopards were also false.<ref>{{cite web|title=The agreement on Leopard tanks applies to the Czech Republic|url=https://mocr.army.cz/informacni-servis/zpravodajstvi/dohoda-o-tancich-leopard-pro-cr-plati-241773/|access-date=2023-02-26|website=Ministry of Defense of Czech Republic|date=2023-01-20|language=cs}}</ref> As of December 2022, both countries had only received one Leopard 2A4 each from Rheinmetall as part of Germany's ''Ringtausch'' program in exchange for them delivering older Soviet equipment to Ukraine, while the remaining Leopard 2A4s are still being refurbished (expected to be delivered throughout 2023).<ref name="idnes.cz">{{cite web|title=Armáda převzala první z německých Leopardů. Zda koupí další, ukáže studie|trans-title=The army took delivery of the first of the German Leopards. The study will show whether they will buy more|website=iDNES.cz|url=https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/nato/leopard-armada-praslavice-cernochova-ukrajina-tank.A221220_202604_zpr_nato_inc|date=2022-12-21|language=cs}}</ref>

=====Denmark=====
While it was reported in the international press that Denmark had signalled that it could contribute a number of tanks,<ref name="Forbes"/> there was no official indication from the Danish Government that any Danish Leopard 2s would be sent to Ukraine. Of the Danish inventory of 44 tanks, 14 were deployed to Estonia as part of [[NATO Enhanced Forward Presence|NATO EFP]], with a further number receiving upgrades at the German manufacturers.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jungersen|first1=Rasmus|last2=Tørnqvist|first2=Tim|title='Vi sender ikke alt afsted': Danske Leopard-kampvogne bliver endnu ikke sendt til Ukraine|url=https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/vi-sender-ikke-alt-afsted-danske-leopard-kampvogne-bliver-endnu-ikke-sendt-til|trans-title='We are not sending everything': Danish Leopard tanks are not yet being sent to Ukraine|access-date=2023-01-28|work=DR|publisher=Danish Broadcasting Corporation|language=da|date=2023-01-19}}</ref> Some Danish opposition politicians voiced support for a transfer of Danish tanks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bugge|first=Mathilde|title=Partier åbner for at sende Danmarks bedste kampvogne til Ukraine|url=https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/partier-aabner-sende-danmarks-bedste-kampvogne-til-ukraine|trans-title=Parties open to send Denmark's best tanks to Ukraine|access-date=2023-01-28|work=DR|publisher=Danish Broadcasting Corporation|date=2023-01-25|language=da}}</ref> Unlike those considered by other countries, the Danish Leopards are of the new 2A7 standard, which would represent some logistic and mechanical challenges compared to the other variants.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hvis alle sender kampvogne, bliver det et gedemarked, siger militæranalytiker|trans-title=If everyone sends tanks, it will be a goat market, military analyst says|url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/udland/2023-01-31-hvis-alle-sender-kampvogne-bliver-det-et-gedemarked-siger-militaeranalytiker|date=2023-01-31|website=TV2|access-date=2023-02-03|language=da}}</ref> Denmark instead announced on 7 February that it was jointly purchasing 100-178 Leopard 1A5 tanks with Germany and the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine to Get as Many as 178 Leopard 1 Tanks From EU Allies|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-07/germany-denmark-netherlands-to-send-kyiv-178-leopard-1-tanks|access-date=2023-02-26|work=Bloomberg|date=2023-02-07}}</ref> Denmark also announced on 20 April 2023 that they would jointly finance with the Netherlands the purchase and refurbishing of 14 Leopard 2A4 for Ukraine from private industry stocks.<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-04-20|title=Danmark og Nederlandene indgår samarbejde om donation af Leopard 2-kampvogne til Ukraine|url=https://www.fmn.dk/da/nyheder/2023/danmark-og-nederlandene-indgar-samarbejde-om-donation-af-leopard-2-kampvogne-til-ukraine/|website=Danish Ministry of Defense|language=da}}</ref>

=====Finland=====
Finland had suggested before the German decision on reexport, that it could supply Ukraine with a limited number of Leopard 2 tanks. [[President of Finland|The Finnish President]], [[Sauli Niinistö]], warned that "the number of tanks [to be sent to Ukraine] cannot be large, since Finland borders on Russia and is not part of NATO [yet]."<ref>{{cite news|last=Sorgi|first=Gregorio|title=Finland could deliver Leopard tanks to Ukraine, its president says|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/finland-leopard-2-tanks-ukraine-sauli-niinisto-nato-defense/|access-date=2023-01-25|work=Politico|date=2023-01-12}}</ref> On 23 February Finland announced it will give three of its six Leopard 2R breaching tanks to Ukraine.<ref name="mtvuutiset.fi">{{cite web|date=2023-02-23|title=Suomi luovuttaa Ukrainalle kolme Leopard 2 -raivausvaunua: "Etulinjan vehkeitä – varma taistelukentän työjuhta"|url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/suomi-luovuttaa-ukrainalle-kolme-leopard-2-raivausvaunua/8639832|access-date=2023-02-24|website=mtvuutiset.fi|language=fi}}</ref> The donation of the remaining three was announced a month later.<ref>{{cite web|title=Finland donates defence materiel assistance to Ukraine including more of mine-clearing Leopard 2 tanks|url=https://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases_and_news/press_release_archive/2023/finland_donates_defence_materiel_assistance_to_ukraine_including_more_of_mine-clearing_leopard_2_tanks.13477.news|date=2023-03-23|access-date=2024-04-20|website=Ministry of Defence|language=en}}</ref>

=====Greece=====
On 25 January 2023 it was reported that Greece was one of the countries that had indicated it would supply Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-01-25|title=Explained: Ukraine Will Get Leopard Tanks, What Happens Next?|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/11499|access-date=2023-02-26|website=Kyiv Post|language=en}}</ref> On 29 January 2023 it was erroneously reported that approximately 14 Leopard 2 tanks would be provided, though it was unclear if it would be the 2A4 or 2A6 HEL variant.<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-01-29|title=Greece to send Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine|url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/01/29/greece-to-send-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine/|access-date=2023-02-26|website=Greek City Times|language=en}}</ref> However, on 31 January, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis clarified that Greece would not supply any Leopard tanks to Ukraine, arguing "they are absolutely necessary for our defense posture."<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-01-31|last1=Take|first1=Sayumi|last2=Sharp|first2=Andrew|title=Greek PM slams Turkey for 'sitting on the fence' over Ukraine war|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/Greek-PM-slams-Turkey-for-sitting-on-the-fence-over-Ukraine-war|access-date=2023-02-26|website=Nikkei Asia}}</ref> [[2023 Pentagon document leaks|Leaked Pentagon documents]] revealed that Greece was preparing to donate five of its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, though Greek defense minister Nikolaos Panayiotopoulos reiterated later in April his government's opposition to tank deliveries to Ukraine, making confirmation of the delivery uncertain.<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-04-25|title=Ukrainian Tankers Would Love To Get Their Hands On Ex-Greek Leopard 2A6HELs. Politics Might Disappoint Them|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/04/25/ukrainian-tankers-would-love-to-get-their-hands-on-ex-greek-leopard-2a6hels-politics-might-disappoint-them/?sh=4d0d48bd2f18|first=David|last=Axe|website=Forbes}}</ref>

=====Netherlands=====
The Netherlands was considering Ukrainian requests for Leopard 2 tanks, with [[Prime Minister of the Netherlands|Prime Minister]] [[Mark Rutte]] suggesting that the [[Dutch government]] could purchase tanks from other countries and donate them.<ref>{{cite news|title=Netherlands considering providing Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks|url=https://nltimes.nl/2023/01/25/netherlands-considering-providing-ukraine-leopard-2-tanks|access-date=2023-01-25|work=NL Times|date=2023-01-25}}</ref> There were also some discussions about Netherlands purchasing the 18 Leopard 2A6 tanks they lease from Germany. No refusal was made from Germany to sell them as no formal request to buy them was made; both countries agreed that they were critical to the operations of the joint German-Dutch military unit. However, the Netherlands agreed to supply ammunition for Leopard tanks and announced it had not abandoned its intention to contribute to the tank initiative, while also noting it was helping to purchase Leopard 1A5 tanks with Denmark and Germany.<ref>{{cite news|title=Netherlands says still supports tank deliveries for Ukraine|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/netherlands-says-still-supports-tank-deliveries-ukraine-2023-02-15/|date=2023-02-15|website=Reuters|access-date=2023-02-26}}</ref> The Netherlands later announced it was jointly financing with Denmark the purchase and refurbishing of 14 Leopard 2A4 for Ukraine from private industry stocks, with delivery expected in early 2024.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|date=2023-04-20|title=More Leopards for Ukraine: Denmark, Netherlands to send 14 tanks|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/denmark-netherlands-to-donate-14-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine/|website=Politico}}</ref>

=====Norway=====
On 25 January 2023, Norway pledged to donate spare Leopards to Ukraine with reports speculating that between four and eight of its 36 Leopard 2A4 tanks would be sent.<ref name="Forbes">{{cite news|last=Axe|first=David|title=Leopard 2 Tanks From All Over Europe Are Heading To Ukraine As German Resistance Collapses|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/01/24/leopard-2-tanks-from-all-over-europe-are-heading-to-ukraine-as-german-resistance-collapses/|access-date=2023-01-25|work=Forbes|date=2023-01-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Norway considering sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine: Media|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/01/25/Norway-considering-sending-Leopard-2-tanks-to-Ukraine-Media-|access-date=2023-01-25|work=Al Arabiya News|date=2023-01-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Gjerstad|first1=Tore|last2=Melgård|first2=Marie|title=Opplysninger til DN: Norge kan gi Ukraina opptil åtte stridsvogner|trans-title=Information to DN: Norway can give Ukraine up to eight tanks|url=https://www.dn.no/politikk/stridsvogner/krigen-i-ukraina/opplysninger-til-dn-norge-kan-gi-ukraina-opptil-atte-stridsvogner/2-1-1392690|access-date=2023-01-25|work=[[Dagens Næringsliv|DN]]|date=2023-01-24|language=no}}</ref> Norwegian defence minister [[Bjørn Arild Gram]] said in an interview with Norwegian public television [[NRK]]: "Norway and the government support the donation of battle tanks to Ukraine. Norway will take part," but did not specify how many would be sent.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gambino|first1=Lauren|last2=Smith|first2=David|title=US joins Germany in sending tanks to Ukraine as Biden hails 'united' effort|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/25/us-m1-abrams-biden-tanks-ukraine-russia-war|access-date=2023-01-26|work=The Guardian|date=2023-01-25}}</ref> On 14 February 2023, Gram announced that 8 Norwegian Leopard 2 tanks and 4 Leopard 1 derived "special purpose vehicles" would be handed over to Ukraine. The special purpose vehicles turned out to be a mix of 3 NM189 AEVs and 1 NM217 ARV.<ref>{{cite news|title=Norway details Leopard 2 donation to Ukraine|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/norway-donating-tank-package-to-ukraine/|access-date=2023-02-15|work=Shephard}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Norway with comprehensive tanks-package to Ukraine|date=2023-02-14|url=https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/brusselnyhet/id2963053/|website=Norwegian Government|access-date=2023-03-02|quote=The decision to donate Leopard 2-tanks and special purpose tanks has been made after close dialogue with both the Chief of Defence and other European countries.}}</ref> In February 2023, Norway ordered 54 Leopard 2A7 tanks (later changed to 2A8 variant) to be delivered from 2026, with a further option for 18 vehicles if necessary.

=====Portugal=====
When the German government changed its position on the reexport of Leopard 2 tanks, it was reported that the Portuguese government was preparing to send four of their Leopard 2A6 tanks to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gonçalves|first=Francisco J.|title=Portugal prepara envio de quatro tanques para a Ucrânia|trans-title=Portugal prepares to send four tanks to Ukraine|url=https://www.cmjornal.pt/mundo/detalhe/portugal-prepara-envio-de-quatro-tanques-para-a-ucrania|access-date=2023-01-25|work=Correio da Manhã|date=2023-01-25|language=pt}}</ref> On 4 February, [[Prime Minister of Portugal|Prime Minister]] [[António Costa]] confirmed that Portugal would send Leopards to Ukraine, but did not confirm the number of vehicles set to be delivered. It is understood that Portugal is working with Germany to obtain the necessary parts to repair inoperable tanks in its inventory of 37 Leopard 2 tanks, but it has been widely reported by local media that most are inoperable. Costa expressed hopes that Portuguese tanks would be delivered by March 2023.<ref>{{cite news|title=Portugal to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine, PM says|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/portugal-send-leopard-tanks-ukraine-pm-says-2023-02-04/|access-date=2023-02-04|work=Reuters|date=2023-02-04}}</ref> On 14 February, it was reported that Portugal had earmarked three Leopard 2A6 tanks for donation to Ukraine.<ref name="Financial Times"/> All three were confirmed donated on 27 March together with the 18 German Leopard 2A6.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|date=2023-04-27|title=Answering The Call: Heavy Weaponry Supplied To Ukraine|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/04/answering-call-heavy-weaponry-supplied.html|website=Oryx}}</ref>

=====Slovakia=====
On 25 January 2023, Slovakia announced it was not considering the transfer of any of its Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine, but were willing to provide T-72 tanks if other allies replaced them with other tanks. The reason cited for this was that Slovakia had only received 1 of the 15 Leopard tanks it was promised as part of Germany's ''Ringtaush'' program, which it was getting in exchange for supplying Ukraine with 30 Soviet-era infantry fighting vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|title=Slovakia does not plan to supply Ukraine with Leopard 2, but ready to provide T-72 instead|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/01/25/7386530/|access-date=2023-02-15|work=Ukrainska Pravda|date=2023-01-25}}</ref>

=====Spain=====
On 4 June 2022 it was reported that Spain was considering providing 40 of its 53 retired Leopard 2A4 tanks stored in Zaragoza.<ref>{{cite news|title=España, dispuesta a entregar a Ucrania misiles antiaéreos y carros de combate Leopard|trans-title=Spain, ready to deliver anti-aircraft missiles and Leopard tanks to Ukraine|url=https://elpais.com/espana/2022-06-05/espana-dispuesta-a-entregar-a-ucrania-misiles-antiaereos-y-carros-de-combate-leopard.html|access-date=2023-03-24|work=El Pais|last=González|first=Miguel|date=2022-06-05|language=es}}</ref> On 8 June German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denied receiving any formal request from Spain for an export permit for Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|title=Germany to boost military mission in Lithuania|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-scholz-pledges-boost-military-mission-lithuania-2022-06-07/2022-08-02/|access-date=2023-03-24|work=Reuters|date=2022-06-08}}</ref> However it was later confirmed on 10 June by the Spanish defense minister they were considering the transfer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spain mulls whether to send high-tech tanks to Ukraine|url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20220610-spain-mulls-whether-to-send-high-tech-tanks-to-ukraine|access-date=2023-03-24|work=France24|date=2022-06-10|language=en}}</ref> On 12 June, anonymous government sources told Der Spiegel that the Scholz government blocked any transfer of Leopard tanks to Ukraine, arguing this "would constitute a departure" from an informal NATO decision not to provide Western tanks at that time.<ref>{{cite news|title=Was wurde aus den spanischen Panzerlieferungen?|trans-title=What became of the Spanish tank deliveries?|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/news-olaf-scholz-russland-ukraine-waffenlieferungen-afd-a-10bbf76f-bc59-4d16-ae68-11ba716dacf1|access-date=2023-03-24|work=Der Spiegel|last=Amann|first=Melanie|date=2022-06-10|language=de}}</ref> By 2 August, Spain officially backtracked on its decision, arguing the tanks at Zaragoza were in "deplorable condition" and that it could not send any.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spain says its mothballed German-made tanks in no fit state to send to Ukraine|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-says-its-mothballed-german-made-tanks-no-fit-state-send-ukraine-2022-08-02/|access-date=2023-03-24|work=Reuters|date=2022-08-02}}</ref>

The Spanish government was later reported to be considering to send an unconfirmed number of Spanish Leopard 2E tanks to Ukraine in January 2023 following a meeting of the [[Ukraine Defense Contact Group]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=González|first1=Miguel|title=España se suma al plan europeo para entregar tanques Leopard a Ucrania|trans-title=Spain joins the European plan to deliver Leopard tanks to Ukraine|url=https://elpais.com/espana/2023-01-25/espana-se-suma-al-plan-europeo-para-entregar-tanques-leopard-a-ucrania.html|access-date=2023-01-25|work=El Pais|date=2023-01-25|language=es}}</ref> On 14 February the Spanish defence minister [[Margarita Robles]] confirmed Spain was providing training to 55 Ukrainian tank crew members and technicians on the Leopard 2.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2023-02/ukraine-ueberblick-norwegen-panzer-nato-ramstein-bachmut|title=Norwegen will Panzer liefern, Ramstein-Treffen ohne neue Zusagen|trans-title=Norway wants to deliver tanks, Ramstein meetings without new commitments|newspaper=Die Zeit|language=de|date=2023-02-14|last1=Eydlin|first1=Alexander}}</ref> On 22 February, Robles also confirmed that Spain was in the process of preparing six Leopard 2A4 tanks for delivery to Ukraine by late March or early April.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spain to send six 2A4 Leopard tanks to Ukraine -defence minister|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-send-six-2a4-leopard-tanks-ukraine-defence-minister-2023-02-22/|access-date=2023-02-22|work=Reuters|date=2023-02-22}}</ref> On 5 February 2023, it was reported that at least 11 of the 53 tanks stored at Zaragoza had been drawn out of storage to be refurbished and upgraded to have "the same lethality" as modern versions of the Leopard 2 before being sent to Ukraine. Five were sent to the [[Santa Bárbara Sistemas]] plant in [[Alcalá de Guadaira]] and six had already been moved to Seville for diagnostics and repairs. The Ministry of Defence had not published the contracts for the retrofits out of secrecy. It was unclear however if ammunition would be supplied with the tanks as Spain only has 9 rounds for each of its Leopard 2E tanks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.epe.es/es/internacional/20230205/espana-reforzara-letalidad-tanques-leopard-guerra-ucrania-82519615|title=España reforzará la letalidad de sus tanques Leopard antes de enviarlos a Ucrania|trans-title=Spain will reinforce the lethality of its Leopard tanks before sending them to Ukraine|last=Fernández|first=Juan José|date=2023-02-05|website=el Periódico de España|language=es|access-date=2023-02-23}}</ref> On 23 February Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed during a visit to Kyiv that Spain was sending at least 10 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.<ref name="politico.eu">{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/finland-helsinki-russia-ukraine-war-to-send-three-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine/|title=Politico: Spain, Finland to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine|date=2023-02-23|access-date=2023-02-23}}</ref>

=====Sweden=====
Sweden began considering Ukrainian requests for Leopard 2 tanks in January 2023 and did not rule out contributing its Strv 122 at a later stage.<ref>{{cite news|last=Oscarsson|first=Tea|title=Tyskland bekräftar: Leopard 2 till Ukraina|trans-title=Germany confirms: Leopard 2 to Ukraine|url=https://www.svd.se/a/q1kp8e/efter-leopard-2-kan-sverige-skicka-stridsvagn-122|access-date=2023-01-25|work=Svenska Dagbladet|date=2023-01-25}}</ref> On 24 February, the [[Minister of Defence (Sweden)|Swedish minister of defence]] [[Pål Jonson]] announced that Sweden would be providing 10 Strv 122 tanks to Ukraine.<ref name="Pål Jonson">{{cite tweet|author=[[Pål Jonson]]|author-link=|user=PlJonson|number=1629117599513550848|date=2023-02-24|title=[The Swedish PM] and I just announced that Sweden is joining the Leopard 2 tank coalition.|language=en|access-date=2023-02-24|link=https://www.twitter.com/PlJonson/status/1629117599513550848|quote=Sweden will give up to 10 Leopard 2 A5 main battle tanks to Ukraine.|ref=}}</ref>

===Beyond Europe===
In 2005, [[Turkish Armed Forces|Turkey]] ordered 298 Leopard 2 tanks from German army stocks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Germany to Sell 298 Leopard 2 Tanks to Turkey|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/germany-to-sell-298-leopard-2-tanks-to-turkey-01473/|access-date=2016-01-11|publisher=defenseindustrydaily.com|date=2005-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122093943/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/germany-to-sell-298-leopard-2-tanks-to-turkey-01473/|archive-date=2016-01-22|url-status=live}}</ref> The Leopard 2 was chosen in 2001 after successfully competing one year earlier in the Turkish army trials against the [[T-84#T-84-120 Yatagan|T-84 Yatagan]], Leclerc and a version of the M1A2 Abrams fitted with a German MTU diesel engine. Turkey wanted to buy 1,000 Leopard 2 tanks in 1999, but the German government rejected the deal.

[[Singapore Armed Forces|Singapore]] bought 96 Leopard 2 tanks from Germany in 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=Asian Tiger Ordering Leopards|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/asian-tiger-ordering-leopards-02864/|access-date=2016-01-18|publisher=defenseindustrydaily.com|date=2006-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201033039/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/asian-tiger-ordering-leopards-02864/|archive-date=2016-02-01|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chilean Army|Chile]] bought 172 ex-German Leopard 2A4 tanks and 273 [[Marder (IFV)|Marder 1A3]] [[Infantry fighting vehicle|IFVs]] in 2007.

[[File:Ranpur Leopard 2A4 melaksanakan Latihan Taktis Tingkat Kompi sebagai latihan pemantapan kemampuan bertempur, Grati, Pasuruan 17-09-2021.jpg|thumb|An Indonesian Army Leopard 2A4+ of the 8th Cavalry Battalion]]
[[Indonesian National Armed Forces|Indonesia]] ordered 103 Leopard 2 tanks and 42 Marder 1A3 IFVs in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hardy|first1=James|title=Rheinmetall confirms Indonesian Leopard 2 contract|url=http://www.janes.com/article/29983/rheinmetall-confirms-indonesian-leopard-2-contract|access-date=2016-01-11|publisher=Jane's IHS|date=2013-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201002810/http://www.janes.com/article/29983/rheinmetall-confirms-indonesian-leopard-2-contract|archive-date=2016-02-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> At first, the export of heavy weapons to Indonesia was not allowed by the German government, due to the questionable human rights record of Indonesia. 61 of the 103 Leopard 2 tanks will be upgraded by Rheinmetall to the Leopard 2RI standard, based on Rheinmetall's ''Revolution'' modular upgrade concept.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Foss|first1=Christopher F.|title=Leopard migrates eastward|url=http://www.janes.com/article/39370/leopard-migrates-eastward-es14e2|access-date=2016-01-11|publisher=Jane's IHS|date=2014-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071434/http://www.janes.com/article/39370/leopard-migrates-eastward-es14e2|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Qatar Armed Forces|Qatar]] ordered 62 Leopard 2A7 tanks and 24 [[Panzerhaubitze 2000]]s in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Foss|first1=Christopher F.|title=Leopard ready to prowl in Qatar|url=http://www.janes.com/article/49181/leopard-ready-to-prowl-in-qatar-idx15vp|access-date=2016-01-10|publisher=Jane's IHS|date=2015-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219015316/http://www.janes.com/article/49181/leopard-ready-to-prowl-in-qatar-idx15vp|archive-date=2015-12-19|url-status=dead}}</ref> The delivery of the tanks started in late 2015 and the first tanks were displayed on a military parade in December 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Binnie|first1=Jeremy|title=Qatar parades new equipment|url=http://www.janes.com/article/56846/qatar-parades-new-equipment|access-date=2016-01-11|publisher=Jane's IHS|date=2015-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107040959/http://www.janes.com/article/56846/qatar-parades-new-equipment|archive-date=2016-01-07|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Combat history==

===KFOR===
[[File:Slt Elefant.jpg|thumb|A German Leopard 2A4 being unloaded from a [[SLT 50 Elefant]] tank transporter in Kosovo, July 2002]]
Starting on 12 June 1999, 28 Leopard 2A5 tanks were deployed to Kosovo by the German Army as part of the [[Kosovo Force]] (KFOR). The vehicles of Panzerbataillon 33 and 214 were sent from [[North Macedonia]] to [[Prizren]]. They were used for patrols, protecting checkpoints and bases as well as part of the [[show of force]]. On 13 June 1999, two members of the [[Serbia]]n paramilitary [[Prizren incident (1999)|started firing]] from inside a [[Fiat 125p]] car at one of the checkpoints in Prizren and both were killed by return fire. A Leopard 2A5 was located at the checkpoint, but it could not participate in the fighting as it was only partially crewed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,27113,00.html|title=Kosovo: Schießerei am deutschen Kontrollpunkt|trans-title=Kosovo: shooting at German checkpoint|website=Spiegel Online|date=1999-06-14|language=de|access-date=2016-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510014656/http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/kosovo-schiesserei-am-deutschen-kontrollpunkt-a-27113.html|archive-date=2013-05-10|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 26 June 1999, a Leopard 2A5 fired four warning shots above the town of [[Orahovac, Kosovo|Orahovac]].<ref name="Lobitz EuE">{{cite book|first=Frank|last=Lobitz|title=Kampfpanzer Leopard 2. Entwicklung und Einsatz in der Bundeswehr|trans-title=Leopard main battle tank 2. Development and German Army Service|publisher=Tankograd Publishing – Verlag Jochen Vollert|year=2009|page=229 et seq|language=de|isbn=978-3-936519-08-2}}</ref> From late 2000 to early 2001, the tanks were replaced by the Leopard 2A4 model. Leopard 2A4s were deployed to North Macedonia in 2001 as part of the NATO intervention. The tanks served to protect Bundeswehr logistic sites in North Macedonia. Until their return in 2004, the Leopard 2 tanks were stationed at the Austrian-Swiss camp "Casablanca".<ref name="Lobitz EuE" />

===IFOR/SFOR===
The Dutch contingent in [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]] operated Leopard 2 tanks.<ref>Jerchel, p. 37.</ref> Dutch Leopard 2A4s and Leopard 2A5s were stationed at the NLD bases at [[Bugojno]], [[Novi Travnik]], [[Sisava]], [[Kneževo, Bosnia and Herzegovina|Knezevo]], [[Maslovare]] and [[Šujica, Tomislavgrad|Suica]].{{citation needed|date=August 2013}}

===ISAF/OEF===
In October 2003, Canada was planning to replace its [[Leopard C2]]s with wheeled [[Stryker Mobile Gun System]]s. However, operational experience in [[Afghanistan]] and in particular during [[Operation Medusa]], convinced the [[Canadian military]] of the usefulness of maintaining a tank fleet.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tanks for the Lesson: Leopards, too, for Canada|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/tanks-for-the-lesson-leopards-too-for-canada-03208/#choices|work=Defense Industry Daily|date=December 2006|access-date=2009-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113205328/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/tanks-for-the-lesson-leopards-too-for-canada-03208/%23choices/|archive-date=2013-01-13|url-status=live}}</ref> Leopard C2s were deployed to [[Kandahar]] in December 2006,<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen|last=Priestley|title=In to Action – Canadian Leopard C2 tanks and the TLAV M113A3s in Combat|url=http://www.casr.ca/ft-leopard-tank.htm|publisher=[[Canadian American Strategic Review]]|date=2008-10-08|access-date=2009-01-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100109063605/http://casr.ca/ft-leopard-tank.htm|archive-date=2010-01-09}}</ref> but they were by then almost 30 years old, and were nearing the end of their operational life. The Canadian government decided to borrow 20 Leopard 2A6s and three [[armoured recovery vehicle]]s from Germany for rapid deployment to Afghanistan. In late August 2007, the first Leopard 2s were airlifted into Afghanistan to equip [[Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Brian|last=Corbett|title=Canada's new main battle tank—Leopard 2|url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/community/mapleleaf/vol_10/vol10_27/1027_07.pdf|publisher=The Maple Leaf|date=2007-09-19|access-date=2009-01-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225074757/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/community/mapleleaf/vol_10/vol10_27/1027_07.pdf|archive-date=2009-02-25}}</ref>

In an assault on 2 November 2007, a Leopard 2A6M hit an [[improvised explosive device]] (IED) and survived without casualties: "My crew stumbled upon an IED (improvised explosive device) and made history as the first (crew) to test the (Leopard 2A6) M-packet. It worked as it should", wrote a Canadian officer in an email to German defence officials.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2378441|title=Germany gets a thank-you from Canadian IED survivor|publisher=Grand Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune|date=2007-12-06|access-date=2010-10-27|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729174700/http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2378441|archive-date=2012-07-29}}</ref> Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff General [[Rick Hillier]] denied reports that a Leopard 2 tank that was struck by an IED was a write-off, insisting that the tank has been repaired and is once again in use. "The Taliban have been engaged with some of the new Leopard 2 tanks in several ambushes" and that as a result the [[Taliban]] "learned some very harsh lessons" and lost the battle in question "very quickly and very violently."<ref>{{cite news|first=Alan|last=Freeman|title=Tank hit by IED back in service: Hillier|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/tank-hit-by-ied-back-in-service-hillier/article20406656/|publisher=[[The Globe and Mail]]|date=2007-12-08|access-date=2008-07-31|location=Toronto}}</ref>

In October 2007, Denmark deployed Leopard 2A5 DKs in support of operations in southern Afghanistan. The Danish tank unit, drawn from the first battalion of the ''[[Jydske Dragonregiment]]'' (Jutland Dragoons Regiment),<ref name=CASRDK1>{{cite web|url=http://www.casr.ca/ft-leopard-2a5-denmark.htm|title=The Danish Army is Prepared to Deploy Tanks to Helmand Province|access-date=2009-01-09|last=Priestley|first=Stephen|date=May 2007|publisher=[[Canadian American Strategic Review]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216170241/http://www.casr.ca/ft-leopard-2a5-denmark.htm|archive-date=2008-12-16}}</ref> was equipped with three tanks and one [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 armoured personnel carrier]], with an armoured recovery vehicle and another tank kept in reserve.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/multi/2007/071121b-afghan-stories/video/071121b-01.wmv|title=Danish tanks arrive in Afghanistan|access-date=2008-12-15|publisher=[[NATO]]|date=2008-11-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218111409/http://www.nato.int/multi/2007/071121b-afghan-stories/video/071121b-01.wmv|archive-date=2008-12-18|url-status=live}}</ref> The Danish version of the Leopard 2A5 is fitted with Swedish-made Barracuda camouflage mats that limit the absorption of solar heat, thus reducing infrared signature and interior temperature.<ref name=CASRDK1 /> It also has a conventional driver's seat bolted on the floor of the tank, whereas in the Canadian 2A6M (as part of the mine-protection package) the driver's seat has been replaced by a "dynamic safety seat",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europaeische-sicherheit.de/Ausgaben/2008/2008_01/Umschau/2008,01,umschau.html|title=LEOPARD 2 bewährt sich gegen IEDs|access-date=2009-01-07|date=January 2008|publisher=Europäische Sicherheit|language=de|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111052006/http://www.europaeische-sicherheit.de/Ausgaben/2008/2008_01/Umschau/2008,01,umschau.html|archive-date=2009-01-11}}</ref> which is a parachute-harness like arrangement that the driver wears around his hip. This way, the driver does not have any contact with the hull except on the pedals and is out of the shockwave area of exploding land mines or IEDs.

In January 2008, Danish tanks halted a flanking manoeuvre by Taliban forces near the [[Helmand River]] by providing gunfire in support of Danish and British infantry from elevated positions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.casr.ca/ft-leopard-2a5-denmark-2.htm|title=Danish Leopard tanks in supporting action in Helmand Province: Can Open Government be measured by a Military Press Release?|access-date=2008-07-31|last=Stephen|first=Priestley|date=January 2008|publisher=[[Canadian American Strategic Review]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930180306/http://www.casr.ca/ft-leopard-2a5-denmark-2.htm|archive-date=2008-09-30}}</ref> On 26 February 2008, a Danish Leopard 2 was hit by an explosive device, damaging one track. No one was injured and the tank returned to camp on its own for repairs.<ref>{{cite news|first=Eckart|last=Lohse|title=Leopardenjagd am Hindukusch|url=https://www.faz.net/s/RubDDBDABB9457A437BAA85A49C26FB23A0/Doc~E74D84BBBF12B478BBD4C7901BB39BF59~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html|publisher=[[Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung]]|date=2008-03-16|access-date=2008-07-31|page=6|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704212849/https://www.faz.net/s/RubDDBDABB9457A437BAA85A49C26FB23A0/Doc~E74D84BBBF12B478BBD4C7901BB39BF59~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html|archive-date=2008-07-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first fatality suffered by a crew operating a Leopard 2 happened on 25 July 2008. A Danish Leopard 2A5 hit an IED in [[Helmand Province]]. The vehicle was able to continue {{cvt|200|m|ft}} before it halted.<ref name="Royal Danish Army">{{cite web|url=http://forsvaret.dk/HOK/Nyt%20og%20Presse/ISAF/Pages/Statusoverfredagensbegivenheder.aspx|title=Status over fredagens begivenheder – Afghanistan: Alle danske soldater er nu tilbage i deres respektive lejre i Helmand provinsen|access-date=2008-07-31|publisher=[[Royal Danish Army]]|date=2008-07-25|language=da|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091017063251/http://forsvaret.dk/HOK/Nyt%20og%20Presse/ISAF/Pages/Statusoverfredagensbegivenheder.aspx|archive-date=2009-10-17}}</ref> Three members of the four-man crew were able to escape even though wounded, but the driver was stuck inside. Onsite treatment by Danish medics could not save him. The vehicle was towed to [[Forward Operating Base]] (FOB) Attal and then later to FOB Armadillo for investigation and possible redeployment. During the same contact with Taliban forces, a second tank was caught in an explosion but none of the crew were wounded.<ref name="Royal Danish Army"/>

Beginning on 7 December 2008, Leopard 2 tanks took part in [[Operation Red Dagger]], firing 31 rounds in support of Coalition troops as they recaptured [[Nad Ali District]]. A press release from the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|British Ministry of Defence]] praised the tank's fire accuracy and mobility, claiming the Leopard 2 was a decisive factor in the coalition's success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/InPicturesOpRedDaggerStrikesInHelmand.htm|title=In Pictures: Op Red Dagger strikes in Helmand (mod.uk)|access-date=2009-01-10|archive-date=2009-01-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107225202/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/InPicturesOpRedDaggerStrikesInHelmand.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Turkish intervention in Syria===
Turkey operates 354 Leopard 2A4 tanks. Initially using other tank types including upgraded [[M60 tank|M60s]], in December 2016 Turkey deployed a number of Leopard 2A4s to the [[Syrian Civil War]] against [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIS) as part of [[Operation Euphrates Shield]].{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} Initially, three of the Turkish Leopard 2A4s operating in Syria were destroyed or damaged by ISIS using anti-tank missile systems (possibly [[9K111 Fagot|Fagot]] or [[9M113 Konkurs|Konkurs]] anti-tank guided missiles obtained from [[Syrian Army|Syrian]] or [[Iraqi Army]] captured stocks).{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} In mid-December 2016, two 2A4 tanks were captured by ISIS [[Battle of al-Bab|near al-Bab city]] in Syria during Euphrates Shield operations. [[Amaq News Agency]] posted video of vehicles claimed to be captured Leopard 2A4s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/claims-capture-two-tanks-after-killing-70-turkish-troops-syria-845385252|title=Islamic State: We captured Turkish tanks in Syria battle|agency=Middle East Eye|date=2016-12-22|access-date=2017-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226221245/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/claims-capture-two-tanks-after-killing-70-turkish-troops-syria-845385252|archive-date=2016-12-26|url-status=live}}</ref>

By late December 2016, ISIS had captured or incapacitated 10 Leopard 2A4s. These were damaged by anti-tank weapons, IEDs, or other unknown causes.<ref name="bmpd.livejournal.com">{{cite web|title=Турецкие потери в технике в Сирии|work=BMPD|date=2016-12-25|language=ru|url=http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2343546.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227172433/http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2343546.html|archive-date=2016-12-27|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.focus.de/politik/videos/schwachstelle-entdeckt-verluste-in-syrien-ein-deutscher-panzer-mythos-wird-jetzt-zerstoert_id_6487678.html|title=Er galt als unzerstörbar: In Syrien wird ein Panzer-Mythos zerstört|work=Focus|language=de|date=2017-01-12|access-date=2017-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113110948/http://www.focus.de/politik/videos/schwachstelle-entdeckt-verluste-in-syrien-ein-deutscher-panzer-mythos-wird-jetzt-zerstoert_id_6487678.html|archive-date=2017-01-13|url-status=live}}</ref> Additional ISIS propaganda images and video depicting several completely destroyed Leopards, some with their [[Jack-in-the-box effect|turrets blown off]], were published in January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|author=Leith Fadel|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-army-suffers-heavy-casualties-failed-east-aleppo-offensive/|title=Turkish Army suffers heavy casualties in failed east Aleppo offensive|work=Al-Masdar News|date=2017-01-20|access-date=2017-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120205256/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-army-suffers-heavy-casualties-failed-east-aleppo-offensive/|archive-date=2017-01-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> The 'turret blown off' effect was potentially caused by a quirk of the Leopard's design, with only 15 rounds being stored in blow-out panel compartments (27 other rounds stored in the forward section of the hull, to the left of the driver's station, they were cause to catastrophic secondary explosions).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tank-afv.com/coldwar/West_Germany/leopard-2.php|title=West German cold war KMW Leopard 2 MBT (1978)|first=David|last=Bocquelet|website=tank-afv.com|access-date=2023-12-21}}</ref>

Tanks which suffered the worst damage may have been destroyed by airstrikes in order to prevent capture but sources generally state that the damage was caused solely with anti-tank missiles or [[SVBIED|car bombs driven by suicide bombers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2017/02/12/battle-al-bab-verifying-turkish-military-vehicle-losses/|title=The Battle for Al-Bab: Verifying Euphrates Shield Vehicle Losses – bellingcat|date=2017-02-12|access-date=2017-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215134435/https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2017/02/12/battle-al-bab-verifying-turkish-military-vehicle-losses/|archive-date=2017-02-15|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://defense-watch.com/2017/01/20/photos-destroyed-turkish-leopard-2a4-tanks-northern-syria/|title=Photos: Destroyed Turkish Leopard 2A4 tanks in northern Syria|website=defense-watch.com|date=2017-01-20|access-date=2017-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218134955/http://defense-watch.com/2017/01/20/photos-destroyed-turkish-leopard-2a4-tanks-northern-syria/|archive-date=2017-02-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In January 2017, the German newspaper ''Die Welt'' reported that ISIL fighters used [[9M133 Kornet]] anti-tank missiles to destroy six Leopard 2 tanks used by the Turkish military in Syria.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article161078829/IS-Kaempfer-zerstoeren-den-deutschen-Panzer-Mythos.html|title=Syrien: Leopard-2-Verluste kratzen am deutschen Panzer-Mythos|first=Gerhard|last=Hegmann|newspaper=Die Welt|date=2017-01-12|language=de|via=www.welt.de|access-date=2017-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116180108/https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article161078829/IS-Kaempfer-zerstoeren-den-deutschen-Panzer-Mythos.html|archive-date=2017-01-16|url-status=live}}</ref>

At least eight Leopard 2 MBT have been destroyed according to photographic reports.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/germanys-leopard-2-tank-was-considered-one-the-best-until-it-24234|title=Germany's Leopard 2 Tank Was Considered One of the Best (Until It Went to Syria)|date=2018-01-28|access-date=2019-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422033359/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/germanys-leopard-2-tank-was-considered-one-the-best-until-it-24234|archive-date=2019-04-22|url-status=live}}</ref>

Turkey also confirmed the use of Leopard 2A4 tanks during the [[Turkish military operation in Afrin]] to the German government. These tanks were designed during the Cold War to fight against Soviet tanks in Europe, not counterinsurgencies against guerrillas, where the primary risk is improvised explosive devices and anti-tank missiles. These tanks were retired from German usage when sold to Turkey.<ref name="Turkey's Leopard 2 Tanks Are Get">{{cite web|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/turkeys-leopard-2-tanks-are-getting-crushed-syria-95396?amp|title=Turkey's Leopard 2 Tanks Are Getting Crushed in Syria|date=2019-11-09|access-date=2023-01-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://de.reuters.com/article/deutschland-t-rkei-panzer-idDEKBN1FI1R2?il=0|title=Türkei bestätigt der Bundesregierung Einsatz von Leopard-Panzern|work=DE|access-date=2018-01-29|language=de-DE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130091236/https://de.reuters.com/article/deutschland-t-rkei-panzer-idDEKBN1FI1R2?il=0|archive-date=2018-01-30|url-status=dead}}</ref>

There is a belief that the Turkish purchase of Leopard 2A4s from Germany was subject to the condition that they were not to be used against Kurdish separatists. Prior to 2016, the Leopard 2A4s were kept in northern Turkey. Once the German government discovered that the Leopard tanks were being used against Kurdish forces, planned upgrades to make them “less vulnerable to explosives” were halted. Ultimately Turkey was forced to upgrade the Leopard 2A4s with domestic components, including a possible replacement of the original turret with that of the Turkish [[Altay main battle tank]].<ref name="Turkey's Leopard 2 Tanks Are Get"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42820151.amp|title=Syria war: Germany suspends upgrade to Turkey tanks|date=2018-01-25|access-date=2023-01-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/10/18/turkey-upgrades-its-tanks-puts-altays-turret-on-leopard-2a4/|title=Turkey upgrades its tanks, puts Altay's turret on Leopard 2A4|date=2022-10-18|access-date=2023-01-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/how-one-of-worlds-most-powerful-main-battle-tanks-leopard-2-were-decimated-by-isis-in-syria/?amp|title=How One Of World's Most Powerful Main Battle Tanks 'Leopard 2' Was Decimated By ISIS In Syria|date=2021-06-16|access-date=2023-01-21}}</ref>

===Russo-Ukrainian War===
[[File:Image 672f3877042689.93532945.jpg|thumb|Leopard 2A4 in service with the Ukrainian [[33rd Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)|33rd Mechanized Brigade]]. The tank has been modified with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor.]]
[[File:UA Leopard 2A6 05.jpg|thumb|Ukrainian Leopard 2A6]]
In April 2023, during training of a Ukrainian crew a Leopard 2A4 was damaged with its turret being completely dislodged from the hull. The crew was reported as fine.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nikolov|first1=Boyko|date=2023-04-18|title=Must see: Ukrainians broke Leopard, they detached the tank turret|work=bulgarianmilitary|url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2023/04/18/must-see-ukrainians-broke-leopard-they-detached-the-tank-turret/|access-date=2023-09-02}}</ref> In July 2023, a Leopard 2A4 was modified to carry Kontakt-1 ERA on the sides of the hull and the turret. It was also shown with rubber screens attached to the turret and gun mantel.<ref name=forbes-20230702/><ref>{{cite twitter|user=OSINTua|number=1675097032447479808|title=It happened. Enjoy.|access-date=2023-07-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=2023-07-01|title=Leopard 2A4 With Reactive Armor: It Actually Exists|url=https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/leopard_2a4_with_reactive_armor_it_actually_exists-7181.html|website=en.defence-ua.com|access-date=2023-09-02}}</ref><ref name=defblog-20230701>{{cite news|url=https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-soldiers-adding-extra-protection-to-their-leopard-2-tanks/|website=defence-blog.com|title=Ukrainian soldiers adding extra protection to their Leopard 2 tanks|first=Dylan|last=Malyasov|date=2023-07-01|access-date=2023-09-02}}</ref>

Beginning in June 2023, Ukraine deployed Leopard 2s during the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]] against Russia in preparation for their [[2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive|2023 counteroffensive]]. During Ukrainian attacks in [[Zaporizhzhia Oblast]] on 8 June 2023, a Russian artillery strike on a Ukrainian vehicle column at Novopokrovka destroyed at least one Leopard 2A4 tank.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/06/08/the-russians-just-destroyed-their-first-ukrainian-leopard-2-tank/?sh=2271aa5275c9|title=The Russians Just Destroyed Their First Ukrainian Leopard 2 Tank|work=[[Forbes]]|access-date=2023-06-08}}</ref> Additionally, more Russian drone footage from the same day and days after showed four Leopard 2A6 tanks and three Leopard 2Rs damaged or destroyed south the road of [[Mala Tokmachka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/06/27/25-tanks-and-fighting-vehicles-gone-in-a-blink-the-ukrainian-defeat-near-mala-tokmachka-was-worst-than-we-thought/?sh=69525a037918|title=25 Tanks And Fighting Vehicles, Gone In A Blink: The Ukrainian Defeat Near Mala Tokmachka Was Worst Than We Thought|work=Forbes|first=David|last=Axe|date=2023-06-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629074507/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=www.forbes.com|archive-date=2023-06-29}}</ref>

On 28 August 2023, Russia's Defense Minister [[Sergey Shoigu]] claimed that Russian forces had destroyed or damaged all 16 Leopard 2A4 tanks supplied to Ukraine by Poland and Portugal.<ref name="Alarabiya">{{cite news|title=Russia destroyed all Leopard tanks supplied to Ukraine by Poland, Portugal: Shoigu|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/07/03/Russia-destroyed-all-Leopard-tanks-supplied-to-Ukraine-by-Poland-Portugal-Shoigu#:~:text=Russian%20forces%20destroyed%2016%20German,Sergey%20Shoigu%20claimed%20on%20Monday.|access-date=2023-09-01|work=Al Arabiya|date=2023-07-03}}</ref>

On October 30, 2023, a video showed one Strv 122 tank being hit and penetrated by a 9M133 Kornet. The crew was seen escaping/abandoning a destroyed vehicle.<ref>{{cite web|last=Axe|first=David|title=Another Leopard 2 Down! Russia Is Destroying Ukraine's Best Tanks At An Accelerating Rate.|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/30/another-leopard-2-down-russia-is-destroying-ukraines-best-tanks-at-an-accelerating-rate/|access-date=2023-11-16|website=Forbes}}</ref>

On 4 October 2023, according to [[Forbes]], Ukrainian forces managed to recover at least one Strv 122 and send it for repair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/04/ukrainian-troops-recovered-one-of-their-damaged-strv-122-tanks-in-time-for-the-tank-to-meet-the-president/?sh=274c78a47b4b|website=Forbes.com|author=David Axe|title=Ukrainian Troops Recovered One Of Their Damaged Strv 122 Tanks—In Time For The Tank To Meet The President|access-date=2023-10-18}}</ref>

As of 7 July 2024, according to the [[Oryx (website)|Oryx blog]], at least 21 Ukrainian Leopard 2s were destroyed according to photos and videos (six Leopard 2A6, one Strv 122, ten Leopard 2A4/2A4V, one Leopard 2R, three Bergepanzer-3); while another 24 Ukrainian Leopard 2s of various models were confirmed damaged to various degrees or abandoned by their crews: 11 Leopard 2A4/2A4V with 6 of them being abandoned, five Leopard 2A6 with two of them being abandoned, six Strv 122 with five of them being abandoned and two damaged Leopard 2R.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-ukrainian.html|website=oryxspioenkop.com|title=Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine|access-date=2023-09-02}}</ref>

On 22 October 2024, Leopard 2A4 of the [[33rd Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)|33rd Mechanized Brigade]] reportedly engaged and destroyed two Russian Armoured Personnel Carriers according to social media footage<ref>{{cite web |title=Exclusive: Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 Destroys Two Russian APCs in Under a Minute Showcasing Precision and Power |url=https://armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/conflicts-in-the-world/russia-ukraine-war-2022/exclusive-ukrainian-leopard-2a4-destroys-two-russian-apcs-in-under-a-minute-showcasing-precision-and-power |website=armyrecognition.com |access-date=24 October 2024 |language=en-gb}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=November 2024}} in [[Kurakhove]] sector, [[Pokrovsk]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=net |first1=Censor. |title=Ukrainian crew of German Leopard 2A4 tank shoots at Russian column of armoured vehicles in Kurakhove sector. |url=https://censor.net/en/video_news/3516115/nimetski_tanky |website=censor.net |access-date=24 October 2024}}</ref>

On 11 November 2024, at least one Leopard 2A4 of the [[33rd Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)|33rd Mechanized Brigade]] engaged a Russian armored column near Dalnje, just south of [[Kurakhove]], allegedly destroying two Russian tanks, an armored personnel carrier and damaging several other vehicles. The Russian column was led by two “[[turtle tank]]s” fitted with bulky anti-drone armor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=A Ukrainian Leopard 2 Tank Met A Russian Armored Column Head-On—And Wrecked It |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/11/13/a-ukrainian-leopard-2-tank-met-a-russian-armored-column-head-on-and-wrecked-it/ |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=November 2024}}

==Variants==
{{overly detailed|section|date=June 2024}}

===Leopard 2===
[[File:Zwei Leopard 2A5 beim durchqueren eines Gewässer.ogv|thumb|Two [[German Army]] Leopard 2A5s demonstrate their [[Deep wading|deep-wading]] capabilities.]]
The baseline Leopard 2, sometimes informally called the "A0" to differentiate it from later versions, was the first series manufactured version. The vehicles were manufactured from October 1979 until March 1982, altogether 380 vehicles. 209 were built by Krauss Maffei and 171 by MaK. The basic equipment consisted of electrical-hydraulic stabiliser WNA-H22, a fire control computer, a laser rangefinder, a wind sensor, a general-purpose telescope EMES 15, a panorama periscope PERI R17, the gunner's primary sight FERO Z18, on the turret roof as well as a computer-controlled tank testing set RPP 1–8. 200 of the vehicles had a low-light enhancer (PZB 200) instead of thermal imaging. Two chassis served as driver training vehicles.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

===Leopard 2A1===
Minor modifications and the installation of the gunner's thermal sight<ref name=TGelbart>{{cite book|last=Gelbart|first=Marsh|title=Tanks: main battle and light tanks|year=1996|publisher=Brassey's UK|pages=109–10|isbn=978-1-85753-168-8|oclc=36171829}}</ref> were worked into the second batch of 450 vehicles Leopard 2, designated the A1. Krauss-Maffei built 248 (Chassis Nr. 10211 to 10458) and MaK built 202 (Chassis Nr. 20173 to 20347). Deliveries of the ''2A1'' models started in March 1982 and ended in November 1983. The two most notable changes were the modification of the ammunition racks to be identical to those in the M1A1 Abrams, and redesigned fuel filters that reduce refuelling time.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

A third batch of 300 Leopard 2, 165 by Krauss-Maffei (Chassis Nr. 10459 to 10623) and 135 by MaK (Chassis Nr. 20375 to 20509.), was built between November 1983 and November 1984. This batch included more minor changes that were later retrofitted to the earlier 2A1s.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

===Leopard 2A2===
This designation was given to upgraded vehicles of the first batch of Leopard 2s, brought up to the standard of the second and third batches. This modernisation gradually replaced the original PZB 200 sights in the first batch with thermal sights for the EMES 15 as they became available. The upgrade included the fitting of filler openings and caps to the forward hull fuel tanks to allow separate refuelling. There was an addition of a deflector plate for the periscope and a large cover plate to protect the existing NBC protection system. The tank was given new five metre towing cables with a different position. The programme began in 1984 and ended in 1987. The third, fourth and fifth batches, which were produced during this period, had the same features. The modernised first batch can be recognised by the circular plate covering the hole where the crosswind sensor for the fire control system was removed.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite book|last1=Jerchel|first1=Michael|last2=Schnellbacher|first2=Uwe|title=Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank 1979–1998|year=1998|publisher=Osprey|location=New York|isbn=978-1-85532-691-0|pages=17–18}}</ref>

===Leopard 2A3===
The fourth batch of 300 vehicles, 165 by Krauss-Maffei (Chassis Nr. 10624 to 10788) and 135 by MaK (Chassis Nr. 20510 to 20644), was delivered between December 1984 and December 1985. The main change was the addition of the SEM80/90 digital radio sets (also being fitted to the Leopard 1 at the same time), and the ammunition reloading hatches being welded shut. Even with these minor changes the new batch was known as the ''2A3''.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

===Leopard 2A4===
[[File:Bezoek Hare Majesteit de Koningin aan Nederlandse troep in Seedorf en omstreken , Bestanddeelnr 933-7361.jpg|thumb|right|Early Dutch Leopard 2 tanks in 1986]]
The most widespread version of the Leopard 2 family, the 2A4 models included more substantial changes, including an automated fire and explosion suppression system, an all-digital fire control system able to handle new ammunition types, and an improved turret with flat titanium/tungsten armour. The Leopard 2s were manufactured in eight batches between 1985 and 1992. All the older models were upgraded to 2A4 standard. Until 1994, Germany operated a total of 2,125 2A4s (695 newly built and the rest modified older versions),{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} while the Netherlands had an additional 445 tanks. The 2A4 was licensed and manufactured in Switzerland as the '''Panzer 87 "Leopard"''' or '''Pz 87'''. This version included Swiss-built {{cvt|7.5|mm|3}} MG 87 machine guns and communications equipment and featured an improved NBC protection system. Switzerland operated 380 Pz 87 tanks.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

After 2000, Germany and the Netherlands found themselves with large stocks of tanks that they had no need for after the Cold War. These tanks were sold to NATO or friendly armies around the world. Among these buyers of the surplus tanks were Turkey (purchasing 354 vehicles), Greece (183), Sweden (leased 160), Chile (140), Finland (139), Poland (128), Austria (114), Spain (108), Canada (107), Indonesia (103), Singapore (96), Norway (52), Denmark (51), and Portugal (37).<ref name=sipri_pub>{{cite web|url=http://portal.sipri.org/publications/pages/transfer/trade-register|title=Sipri: Trade Registers|work=sipri.org|access-date=2015-04-01|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423140358/http://portal.sipri.org/publications/pages/transfer/trade-register|archive-date=2014-04-23}}</ref>

[[File:Leopard 2A4 Austrian sights.jpg|thumb|upright|An Austrian Leopard 2A4 gunner's sights]]
The ''Pz 87WE'' (''WertErhaltung'') is a planned Swiss modification and upgrade of the Pz 87.<ref name="KLeopard">{{cite news|first=Stefan|last=Liess|title=Leopard 2|date=2007-07-22|publisher=Kampfpanzer.de|url=http://kpz.axlbox.de/servlets/sfs;jsessionid=18966A1AD99684AFF90F809734FBFD8D?s=rquu2hgS7kjI7CT3y&t=/contentManager/selectCatalog&i=1158408897725&b=1158408897725&l=0&e=UTF-8&ParentID=1164791614897&intro=1&CustomerID=0&startRow=0&active=no&cards=1|access-date=2008-04-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420172440/http://kpz.axlbox.de/servlets/sfs|archive-date=2008-04-20}}</ref> The modification significantly improves protection through the addition of the Leopard 2A6M's mine protection kit, thicker armour on the front glacis, and a turret equipped with a Swiss-developed armour package using titanium alloy. The turret roof armour is improved and the smoke grenade launchers are redesigned. Further improvements enhance survivability and combat capabilities, such as a turret electric drive similar to the Leopard 2A5, a driver rearview camera, an independent weapons station for the loader, and enhanced command and control systems. The fire control system is upgraded, using the Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH PERI-R17A2 fire control system. A remote weapons station containing a fully stabilised [[M2 Browning machine gun|Mg 64]] {{cvt|0.5|in|mm}} machine gun is fitted to the tank.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

The Swiss company RUAG offered an upgrade package for '''Pz 87''' main battle tanks to meet a possible requirement of the Swiss Army for improved protection. It is fitted with a new modular composite armour package. Armour modules can be tailored to provide enhanced protection against a specific threat. Damaged modules can be easily replaced in field conditions. Upgraded tanks are less vulnerable to direct hits, anti-tank missiles, RPG rounds, mines, and IEDs. The vehicle received new sensors such as a sniper detection sensor and a laser warning receiver.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/tanks/ruag_leopard_upgrade.htm|title=RUAG Leopard 2 Upgrade - Main battle tank|access-date=2022-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606002935if_/http://www.military-today.com/tanks/ruag_leopard_upgrade.htm|archive-date=2022-06-06|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/iav_2013_news_coverage_report_pictures_video/ruag_introduces_a_new_leopard_2_a4_armor_upgrade_at_iav_2013_international_armoured_vehicles.html|title=RUAG introduces a new Leopard 2 A4 armor upgrade at IAV 2013 International Armoured Vehicles &#124; IAV 2013 News coverage report pictures video &#124; Defence and security military exhibition 2013|publisher=Armyrecognition.com|date=2013-02-06|access-date=2022-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619042123/https://www.armyrecognition.com/iav_2013_news_coverage_report_pictures_video/ruag_introduces_a_new_leopard_2_a4_armor_upgrade_at_iav_2013_international_armoured_vehicles.html|archive-date=2022-06-19|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2021, the two prototypes with add-on armour were handed to the [[Swiss Military Museum|Militär- und Festungsmuseum Full-Reuenthal]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Zwei Schweizer Prototypen des Kampfpanzers Leopard 2|url=https://www.festungsmuseum.ch/zwei-schweizer-prototypen-des-kampfpanzers-leopard-2/|website=Militär- und Festungsmuseum Full-Reuenthal|language=de|access-date=2023-04-05}}</ref>

[[File:Indonesian Army Leopard tanks.jpg|thumb|Indonesian Leopard 2RIs during a parade]]
The Indonesian Army operates the ''Leopard 2 Republic Indonesia'' or ''Leopard 2RI'', an upgraded variant based on Rheinmetall's MBT Revolution upgrade for the Leopard 2A4 tank. The upgrade includes AMAP armour from IBD Deisenroth and Rheinmetall Chempro, improved fire control systems, and battlefield management and situational awareness systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://armyrecognition.com/may_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/leopard_2a4_tanks_for_indonesia_will_be_fitted_with_the_revolution_urban_warfare_package_12505163.amp.html|title=Leopard 2A4 tanks for Indonesia will be fitted with the Revolution urban warfare package|website=armyrecognition.com|date=2016-05-25|access-date=2022-04-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130192539/https://armyrecognition.com/may_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/leopard_2a4_tanks_for_indonesia_will_be_fitted_with_the_revolution_urban_warfare_package_12505163.amp.html|archive-date=2022-11-30|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=ARG|url=http://www.military-today.com/tanks/revolution.htm|title=Revolution - Main battle tank|access-date=2022-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520084318if_/http://www.military-today.com/tanks/revolution.htm|archive-date=2022-05-20|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

The ''Pz 87–140''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://img144.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=13657_pz87_140_122_51lo.jpeg#|title=Pz 87–140 image|access-date=2014-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024533/http://img144.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=13657_pz87_140_122_51lo.jpeg|archive-date=2014-11-29|url-status=live}}</ref> is an experimental variant of the Swiss Pz 87 with a {{cvt|140|mm}} gun and additional armour, which was later used on the newer production variants.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

The ''Leopard 2A4CHL'' is the upgraded Chilean version of the Leopard 2A4 ordered by Chile in 2007. Upgrades include new electronics, sighting, and information systems meant to elevate the Leopard 2A4's networking capability to be equal to that of the Leopard 2A6, a new suspension system, and the upgrading of the tank main gun to the L/55 smoothbore cannon used on the Leopard 2A6. Other upgrades are remote weapon stations over the gunner and commander hatches fitted with the MG3 and [[HK GMG]]. The Leopard 2A4CHL has improved roof and side turret armour and can be uplinked with Chile's battlefield control network.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}

[[File:MSPO 2012 (18).jpg|thumb|right|A Leopard 2A4 in [[Canadian Army]] configuration, including [[Saab Barracuda]] thermal armour]]
[[File:Leopard 2A4 Austria 6.JPG|thumb|right|A Leopard 2A4 of the [[Austrian Armed Forces]]]]
The [[Leopard 2A4M CAN|''Leopard 2A4M CAN'']] is the upgraded Canadian version of the Leopard 2A4 acquired from the Royal Netherlands Army surplus. The Leopard 2A4M CAN is specially designed for the war in Afghanistan, based on experience gained by Leopard 2 operators. The first 20 were delivered in October 2010. Five were deployed to Afghanistan at the end of 2010 and operated until July 2011, when combat operations stopped.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/tanks-for-the-lesson-leopards-too-for-canada-03208/|access-date=2010-10-12|title=Tanks for the Lesson: Leopards, too, for Canada|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621072607/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/tanks-for-the-lesson-leopards-too-for-canada-03208/%23choices|archive-date=2008-06-21|url-status=live}}</ref> Of the other 2A4s acquired, 11 were converted for training use (nine A4s, two A4Ms). In February 2011, Canada bought 12 2A4s/Pz 87 from Switzerland for the 'Force Mobility Enhancement' project which, along with the remaining unused ex-Dutch tanks, saw 18 converted to [[Military engineering vehicle|Armoured Engineering Vehicles]] and 4 converted to [[Armoured Recovery Vehicles]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/force-mobility-enhancement.html|title=Force mobility enhancement|date=2018-12-13|access-date=2020-11-27}}</ref> Canada has also purchased 15 2A4s from Germany as Logistic Stock Vehicles (for spare parts).

The ''Leopard 2NG'' (''Next Generation'') is a privately funded Turkish upgrade by [[ASELSAN]] that includes the application of AMAP, upgraded optics, completely overhauled turret mechanics, and a new fire control system on the work since 1995 and to be delivered by late 2011, which is intended to be used on the new Altay MBT. It was developed without an order from the Turkish Army, but might meet the requirements for the modernization of the Turkish Leopard 2A4s.<ref name="JanesNG">{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065929677&channel=defence&subChannel=land|title=Upgraded Leopard 2 MBT set for firing trials|author=Foss, Christopher|publisher=[[Jane's Information Group]]|access-date=2011-06-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914173954/http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065929677&channel=defence&subChannel=land|archive-date=2012-09-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> The old powerpack and the L/44 gun barrel are kept, but the combat weight is increased to {{cvt|65|t}}.<ref name="JanesNG" /> According to Turkish news sources, Finland was interested in getting the Turkish upgrade package to modernise their fleet of Leopard 2A4s. However, in 2015, Finland purchased 120 2A6 vehicles from the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radikal.com.tr/Default.aspx?aType=RadikalYazar&ArticleID=1028157&Yazar=MURAT%20YETK%DDN&Date=10.11.2010&CategoryID=98|title=Bakanın ağzından savunma ihalelerinde rüşvet kuşkusu|publisher=Radikal|date=2010-11-09|access-date=2010-12-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Bakanın ağzından|url=http://www.aktifhaber.com/savunma-ihalelerinde-rusvet-skandali-352580h.htm|title=Savunma İhalelerinde Rüşvet Skandalı 09 Kasım 2010 17:08|publisher=Aktifhaber|date=2009-11-30|access-date=2010-12-28|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111091245/http://www.aktifhaber.com/savunma-ihalelerinde-rusvet-skandali-352580h.htm|archive-date=2010-11-11}}</ref>

The Leopard 2 hull was used for the [[Vickers MBT Mark 7|Vickers Mk 7]] main battle tank, which featured a British-designed turret, where some of the innovations later were incorporated into the Challenger 2 design.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}

In December 2015, [[Bumar-Labedy]] signed an agreement with German Rheinmetall Landsysteme Gmbh concerning the technological support of the [[Polish Land Forces#Equipment and modernization|Polish modernization program for Leopard 2A4 tanks]]. The company will design, document, and execute six prototypes. The first upgraded Leopard 2PLs have arrived in Poland in June 2020, with all 142 tanks to be delivered by 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=Armoured breakthrough|date=2020-05-28|url=https://www.defence24.pl/pancerny-przelom-leopardy-z-gliwic-ida-do-wojska-analiza}}</ref> The upgrades include third generation night vision systems (production of the Warsaw PCO), new additional armour modules and anti-splash lining, removal of flammable components (turret drive system and main propulsion system), installation of the new fire protection system, modernization of the tank's integrated monitoring and testing equipment, the possibility of using new types of ammunition (programmable DM-11 and DM-63), and an auxiliary generator set (APU). Construction of all 142 units will be completed by the end of 2020.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}

Turkey is planning to modernize its Leopard 2A4 MBTs as ''Leopard 2A4TR'' with the T1 Modernization Package.{{clarify|date=January 2022}} According to the Defense Industry Presidency, Leopard 2A4 tanks will be modernized with; Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), T1 Reactive-Passive Armour, High Ballistic Strength Cage Armour, Hollow Modular Add-on Armour, Close Range Surveillance System (YAMGÖZ), Laser Warning Receiver System (LIAS), SARP Remote Controlled Weapon System (UKSS), PULAT Active Protection System (AKS), a new power distribution unit, ASELSAN Driver Surveillance System (ADİS) and voice alert system integrations. The modernization programme is to be completed in two batches. The programme will start with 84 Leopard 2A4 tanks in the first batch and the remaining tanks will be modernized within the 2nd batch. A total of 334 tanks (including prototypes) are planned to be upgraded with the T1 modernization programme. The new modernized Leopard 2A4 that was presented at the [[BMC (Turkey)|BMC]] factory was fitted with an [[Altay (main battle tank)|Altay]] [[MKE 120 mm tank gun|turret]], which is armed with one {{cvt|120|mm}} 55 caliber smoothbore gun designed and manufactured by the Turkish Company [[Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation|MKE]], based on a technology transfer from [[Hyundai Rotem]] of South Korea. A remote-controlled weapon station is mounted on the top of the turret which is armed with a {{cvt|12.7|mm}} caliber heavy machine gun.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/bmc-84-adet-leopard-2a4-modernize-edecek/|title=BMC to modernize 84 Leopard 2A4s|date=2021-02-07|access-date=2021-02-07|website=savunmasanayist.com|language=tr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.c4defence.com/Archive/quiet-modernisation-for-turkish-leopard-2-tanks/10326/1|url-status=dead|title=Quiet Modernisation for Turkish Leopard 2 Tanks|work=c4defence.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028193559/http://en.c4defence.com/Archive/quiet-modernisation-for-turkish-leopard-2-tanks/10326/1|archive-date=2020-10-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://militaryleak.com/2020/09/18/turkish-army-to-receive-leopard-2a4-with-roketsan-t1-reactive-passive-armor/|title=Turkish Army to Receive Leopard 2A4 with Roketsan T1 Reactive-Passive Armor|date=2020-09-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/idef_2021_news_official_online_show_daily_media_partner/idef_2021_bmc_proposes_upgrade_for_leopard_2a4_mbt.html|title=IDEF 2021: BMC proposes upgrade for Turkish army Leopard 2A4 MBT|website=armyrecognition.com|date=2021-08-18|access-date=2022-06-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/turkey_unveils_new_leopard_2a4_main_battle_tank_upgrade_fitted_with_altay_tank_turret.html|title=Turkey unveils new Leopard 2A4 main battle tank upgrade fitted with Altay tank turret|website=armyrecognition.com|date=2021-01-26|access-date=2022-06-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/leopard-2a4-modernizasyonu-yeni-gelismeler/|title=Leopard 2A4 Modernizasyonu Yeni Gelişmeler|website=SavunmaSanayiST|date=2020-01-23|access-date=2022-06-24}}</ref>

====Leopard 2A4V====
On 1 September 2023, video on social media showed Ukrainian crews with 30 Leopard 2A4 upgraded with Kontakt [[Reactive armour#Explosive reactive armour|ERA]] and [[T-80|T-80U]] style rubber screens, called "Leopard 2A4V" by observers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/09/02/30-ukrainian-leopard-2a4-tanks-assembled-in-one-field-a-reminder-that-ukraine-still-has-most-of-its-leopard-2s/|website=forbes.com|title=30 Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 Tanks Assembled In One Field—A Reminder That Ukraine Still Has Most Of Its Leopard 2s|first=David|last=Axe|date=2023-09-02|access-date=2023-09-02}}</ref> This followed previous sightings in Ukraine of a Canadian supplied Leopard 2A4 upgraded with [[Kontakt-1]] ERA.<ref name=forbes-20230702/><ref name=defblog-20230701/>

===Leopard 2 Marksman===
[[File:Kalustoesittely_itsenäisyyspäivä_2015_17_Leopard_2_Marksman.JPG|thumb|A Leopard 2 Marksman of the Finnish Army]]
{{Main|Marksman anti-aircraft system}}

Finland has modernised its Marksman [[SPAAG]] vehicles by replacing the original T-55AM chassis with a newer Leopard 2A4 chassis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000002811544.html|title=Armeija ottaa vanhojen Marksman-vaunujen tykkitornit uuteen käyttöön|last=Huhtanen|first=Jarmo|date=2015-03-25|website=hs.fi|publisher=Helsingin Sanomat|access-date=2015-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419013744/http://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000002811544.html|archive-date=2017-04-19|url-status=live}}</ref> The upgraded Marksman vehicles were scheduled to enter service with the Finnish Army in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://puolustusvoimat.fi/wcm/a2748e00495d6be1a9e0a98833fba23b/Toimintanaytoksen_materiaalitiedot_5+8+2015.pdf?MOD=AJPERES|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005155147/http://www.puolustusvoimat.fi/wcm/a2748e00495d6be1a9e0a98833fba23b/Toimintanaytoksen_materiaalitiedot_5%2B8%2B2015.pdf?MOD=AJPERES|title=MAAVOIMIEN LIIKKUVUUDEN JA TULIVOIMAN ROLL OUT PANSSARIPRIKAATISSA 5.8.2015 – Esiteltävä kalusto|publisher=Finnish Defence Forces|language=fi|date=2015-08-05|archive-date=2015-10-05|access-date=2017-12-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> The new Leopard 2 chassis greatly improves mobility compared to the older T-55AM chassis, both on- and off-road. The Leopard 2 chassis is larger, providing a more stable firing platform for the Marksman turret to operate from.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weaponsystems.net/weaponsystem/EE03%20-%20Marksman.html|title=Marksman|author=<!--Not stated-->|website=weaponsystems.net|access-date=2017-12-02|quote=The Leopard 2 chassis also provides a much increased mobility over the older T-55AM chassis, both on roads and in the field.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112062530/http://www.weaponsystems.net/weaponsystem/EE03%20-%20Marksman.html|archive-date=2017-01-12|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Leopard 2 Imp===
[[File:Leo 2 Imp under strv NY utprovning 1.jpg|thumb|Leopard 2 Improved prototype being tested in Sweden, ca. 1993]]
"Leopard 2 Improved" was a series of three prototypes used to test possible further enhancements beyond the Leopard 2A4 model, developed beginning in 1988.<ref name="Scheibert3">Scheibert (1996), p. 3.</ref> After a concept phase, a component test bed (KVT, ''Komponentenversuchsträger'') was built in 1989, followed by two troop trial vehicles (TVM, ''Truppenversuchsmuster''). The Leopard 2 Improved was mostly focused on improving armour protection, introducing the wedge-shaped, spaced add-on armour at the turret front, as well as hull and roof add-on armour, greatly improving protection against hollow charge and kinetic energy threats. It does not form a [[shot trap|shot-trap]], since it does not deflect the penetrators outwards to hit the hull or turret ring. The gun mantlet was redesigned to accept the new armour.<ref name="strv122-fmv"/> Aside of improved armour protection, these tanks also included improved optics, navigation systems and electronics.

Following the initial trials of the two TVM protoypes in Germany and an agreement of the Leopard 2 user states, the second TVM prototype was modified (becoming the TVM 2 mod.) by removing several parts such as the add-on hull and roof armour,<ref>Scheibert (1996), p. 4</ref> becoming the basis for the Leopard 2A5 model. One Leopard 2 Improved (TVM 2) competed in Sweden against the Leclerc and M1A2 Abrams, leading to the adoption of the Stridsvagn 122.

===Leopard 2A5===
[[File:Polish Leopard 2A5 main battle tank during Strong Europe Tank Challenge 2017.jpg|thumb|right|Leopard 2A5 of the [[Polish Land Forces]], 2017]]

The Leopard 2 Improved was developed into the Leopard 2A5. Most of its improvements were focused on armour protection; it was enhanced by adding external add-on modules to the turret and replacing the turret's internal armour modules with ones of newer, improved composition.<ref name="Scheibert6">Scheibert (1996), p. 6</ref> The interior received spall liners to reduce fragments if the armour is penetrated.<ref name="Scheibert6" /> The commander's sight was moved to a new position behind the hatch and it received an independent thermal channel. The gunner's sight was moved to the turret roof as opposed to the cavity in the front armour in previous models. A heavier sliding driver's hatch was fitted.<ref name="Michael Jerchel 1998">{{cite book|last1=Jerchel|first1=Michael|last2=Schnellbacher|first2=Uwe|title=Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank 1979–1998|year=1998|publisher=Osprey|location=New York|isbn=978-1-85532-691-0|section=The Improved Leopard 2}}</ref>

The hydraulic turret drives were replaced by an all-electric system, increasing reliability and crew safety, as well as weight savings.<ref name="Scheibert6" /> The gun braking system was improved to prepare for the later mounting of the new L/55 gun tube and to enable firing of more powerful ammunition, such as the DM53 APFSDS. The first A5s were handed over to the German army tank school in 1995 and started to enter regular service with Panzerbataillon 33 in December the same year.<ref name="Michael Jerchel 1998"/>

The Leopard 2A5 DK is a variant of the Leopard 2A5 similar to the Leopard 2A6 with some small modifications, used by the Danish Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.forsvaret.dk/viden-om/materiel/haerens_materiel/kampvogne/Pages/Kampvogne2.aspx|title=Kampvogne|website=[[forsvaret.dk]]|language=da|access-date=2018-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141030/https://www2.forsvaret.dk/viden-om/materiel/haerens_materiel/kampvogne/Pages/Kampvogne2.aspx|archive-date=2018-06-12|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Stridsvagn 122====
{{Main|Stridsvagn 122}}
[[File:Strv122 3 cropped.jpg|thumb|A Stridsvagn 122 of the Swedish Army]]

Stridsvagn 122 (also known as ''Leopard 2A5S''<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807003302/http://www.ointres.se/2011_Lindstrom_IAV_Conference.pdf|title=The Swedish Armoured Fighting Vehicle programmes: "Getting the most from protected platforms as weapon systems"|author=Rickard O. Lindström|archive-date=2016-08-07|url-status=dead|url=http://www.ointres.se/2011_Lindstrom_IAV_Conference.pdf|access-date=2023-10-16}}</ref> and ''Leopard 2 "Improved" A5 SE''<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401205827/http://www.ointres.se/2014-09-18_svensk_stridsfordonsutvecckling.pdf|title=Stridsfordon: Utveckling och anskaffning i Sverige - Arsenalen den 18 september Rickard O. Lindström|author=Rickard O. Lindström|archive-date=2016-04-01|url-status=dead|url=http://www.ointres.se/2014-09-18_svensk_stridsfordonsutvecckling.pdf|access-date=2023-10-16}}</ref>
) is a Swedish Army tank based on the Leopard 2 Improved. 120 units were built, 91 of which were licence-produced in Sweden. The tank features increased armour on the turret top and front hull, and improved command-, control- and fire-control systems. Externally, it can be distinguished from the Leopard 2A5 by the French GALIX smoke dispensers, different storage bins, and the much thicker crew hatches.<ref name="strv122-fmv">{{cite web|url=http://www.fmv.se/WmTemplates/Page.aspx?id=1106|website=fmv.se|title=Stridsvagn 122|language=sv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050210213646/http://www.fmv.se/WmTemplates/Page.aspx?id=1106|archive-date=2005-02-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Strv 122B+ Evolution, a variant equipped with modular AMAP composite armour from IBD Deisenroth, has increased 360° protection against threats like EFPs, RPGs and IEDs.<ref name="MBT122B">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/news/items/MBT122B_with_new_Protection.html?file=tl_files/resources/content-pdfs/2010-12%20New%20MBT122B%20Evolution%20with%20Unprecedented%20Protection.pdf|title=New MBT122B Evolution with Unprecedented Protection|access-date=2010-12-28|publisher=IBD Deisenroth Engineering|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008032615/http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/news/items/MBT122B_with_new_Protection.html?file=tl_files%2Fresources%2Fcontent-pdfs%2F2010-12%20New%20MBT122B%20Evolution%20with%20Unprecedented%20Protection.pdf|archive-date=2011-10-08}}</ref> The width of {{convert|4|m}} has been kept, while the weight increases by only {{convert|350|kg}}.<ref name="MBT122B" />

===Leopard 2-140===
In the early 1990s,{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} Rheinmetall began development of a {{cvt|140|mm}} smoothbore cannon for use in future tank designs. The new gun was intended to counter new Soviet tank developments, especially since the next generation of Soviet main battle tanks were rumoured to be armed with a {{cvt|135|mm}} or {{cvt|152|mm}} cannon. The new {{cvt|140|mm}} cannon was part of a modernisation programme for the Leopard 2 known as the KWS III.<ref name="encyclopaedia">{{cite web|url=http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/West_Germany/Leopard-2.php|title=Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leopard 2 (1978)|author=David.B|date=2015-05-31|website=tanks-encyclopedia.com|access-date=2017-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102173045/http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/West_Germany/Leopard-2.php|archive-date=2017-11-02|url-status=live}}{{Self-published source|date=January 2018}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2018}} Test firing of the new {{cvt|140|mm}} cannon was conducted. Results showed that the gun had high penetration values, and had a muzzle velocity of around 2,000 metres a second, with potential to be increased further. However, the {{cvt|140|mm}} rounds were too heavy for the tank crew to handle effectively.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

The KWS III upgrade was to feature a new turret. This new turret was equipped with the planned {{cvt|140|mm}} cannon and an autoloader. The introduction of an autoloader reduced the tank's crew to three members, as a dedicated loader was no longer needed. The gun's 32 rounds of ammunition were stored separate from the crew in a large compartment occupying the entire rear of the turret, in order to increase crew survivability in the event of a [[cooking off|cook off]]. The turntable-style turret had the gun offset to the left side, due to the autoloader's lateral feeding of ammunition into the cannon breech.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} The turret was powered by an electro-hydraulic drive and featured an IFIS [[battlefield management system]]. The crew was protected by an armoured capsule and ballistic protection for the hull was to be improved. The planned protection level of the KWS III upgrade was to be equal to or better than the Leopard 2A5.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 68" /><ref name="encyclopaedia" />{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2018}}

A total of 650 Leopard 2 KWS III tanks were originally projected to be purchased.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 70" /> However, in 1995, the KWS III programme was cancelled due to {{clarify|text=changes in the political environment.|date=November 2017}}

Despite this, development continued on the {{cvt|140|mm}} cannon,{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} with Rheinmetall coordinating with the British [[Royal Ordnance]] and French [[GIAT]] companies.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}} The {{cvt|140|mm}} cannon was fitted to an old Leopard 2 prototype with the turret T19.<ref name="Hilmes KPz HuM 230">{{cite book|last1=Hilmes|first1=Rolf|title=Kampfpanzer heute und morgen: Konzepte – Systeme – Technologien|date=2007-11-30|publisher=Motorbuch Verlag|location=Germany|isbn=978-3613027930|page=230|language=de}}</ref> Counterweights were added to the rear of the turret to balance the increased weight of the {{cvt|140|mm}} cannon. The modified Leopard 2 was not equipped with any other KWS III upgrades apart from the new gun. Live fire testing showed mixed results, where the {{cvt|140|mm}} cannon showed superior penetrating power compared to the existing {{cvt|120|mm}} cannon, but demonstrated poorer handling characteristics.<ref name="encyclopaedia" />{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2018}} The lack of the autoloader on the prototype further hampered performance.<ref name="encyclopaedia" />{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2018}}

===Leopard 2A6===
[[File:Leo2A6M li.jpg|thumb|A German Leopard 2A6M with turret reversed]]

The Leopard 2A6 includes the addition of the [[Rheinmetall Rh-120#Rh-120 L/55 120mm|Rheinmetall {{cvt|120|mm}} L/55]] smoothbore gun and other changes. All German tank battalions of the "crisis intervention forces" are equipped with the A6. Canada purchased twenty Leopard 2A6s from the Netherlands. These were delivered in 2007.<ref name="DND/CF1"/> Portugal purchased 37 Leopard 2A6s from the Dutch in 2007, with delivery in 2008. In January 2014, Finland purchased 100 L2A6s, as well as munitions, simulators, and a ten-year supply of reserve parts from the Netherlands. The tanks were delivered in batches between 2015 and 2019.<ref name="L2A6-Finland">{{cite web|url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/finland_in_200_million-euro_used_tank_deal_with_the_netherlands/7035576|title=Finland in 200 million-euro used tank deal with the Netherlands|date=2014-01-16|access-date=2014-01-16|publisher=Yle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116193831/http://yle.fi/uutiset/finland_in_200_million-euro_used_tank_deal_with_the_netherlands/7035576|archive-date=2014-01-16|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Leopard 2A6A1 is a command version of the Leopard 2A6, stemming from the KWS I programme. The vehicle includes additional radios (with the number depending on the level of command) to accommodate the communications for section, platoon, troop, company, squadron or battalion commanders.<ref name="Janes Land Warfare Tracked Leopard 2A6A1" /> For section leaders, the vehicle is fitted with 1x SEM 80 and 1x SEM 90 VHF radios. For platoon or troop commanders, the vehicle is fitted with 1x SEM 80 and 1x SEM 90 VHF radios along with an 800m field telephone cable drum fitted at the rear of the vehicle. For company, squadron or battalion commanders the vehicle is fitted with 2x SEM 80 or 1x SEM 93 and 1x SEM 90 VHF radios along with an {{cvt|800|m}} field telephone cable drum, for either fitted at the rear of the vehicle.<ref name="Janes Land Warfare Tracked Leopard 2A6A1">{{cite book|last1=|first1=|title=Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Armoured Fighting Vehicles - Tracked 2020-2021|year=2020|publisher=Jane's Information Group|page=99|isbn=9780710633446}}</ref>

The Leopard 2A6M is a version of the 2A6 with enhanced mine protection under the chassis, and internal enhancements to improve crew survivability.<ref name="Janes-L2CAN">{{cite journal|last=Foss|first=Christopher F.|date=2007-08-08|title=Canada receives first upgraded Leopard 2A6M MBT|journal=[[Jane's Defence Weekly]]|volume=44|issue=32|page=10|issn=0265-3818|oclc=210556835|id=BL Shelfmark 4646.840000}}</ref> In the summer of 2007, Canada borrowed 20 A6Ms from Germany for deployment to Afghanistan.

[[File:Leopard 2A6 HEL (2).jpg|thumb|A [[Hellenic Army]] Leopard 2A6HEL]]
The Leopard 2 HEL ("[[Hellenes|Hellenic]]") is a derivative of the 2A6 export variant, "2A6EX" with additional customization to meet the Greek needs. It has supplemental reinforcements on the upper [[Glacis|glacis plate]] and crew hatches, as well as a full [[MEXAS]] package. Tactically and technically it is integrated with the NATO-interoperable INIOCHOS command and information system, as well as, a laser rangefinder and thermal imaging devices.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gao|first=Charlie|date=2021-11-10|title=These Are the 5 Tanks Ready to Defend NATO|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/these-are-5-tanks-ready-defend-nato-195956|access-date=2024-04-23|website=The National Interest}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://army.gr/el/organosi/oplika-systimata/leo-2hel|title=LEO 2HEL|access-date=2024-04-24|publisher=Hellenic Army General Staff|language=el}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/rheinmetall-to-upgrade-greek-army-leopard-2-tanks/|title=Major Order: Rheinmetall to Supply Electronics for Hellenic Army Leopard 2 Tanks|date=2006-09-14|access-date=2024-04-24|website=Defence-aerospace.com}}</ref> It was ordered by the Greek Army in 2003 (in a package together with Leopard 1A5s) for 1.7 billion [[€]], with 170 tanks delivered between 2006 and 2009. A total of 140 were built in Greece by [[Hellenic Vehicle Industry|ELBO]], which delivered the first units in late 2006. They entered service with the [[Hellenic Army]] in 2008.<ref name="leo2hel-images_info">{{cite web|url=http://greekmilitary.net/greekmbtanks.htm|title=Leopard 2 HEL images and info|access-date=2008-07-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516162723/http://greekmilitary.net/greekmbtanks.htm|archive-date=2008-05-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2020-08-25|title=Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank|url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/leopard/|access-date=2024-04-23|website=Army Technology|quote=In March 2003, the Hellenic Army of Greece ordered 170 Leopard 2 HEL (a version of the 2A6EX). The first 30 are being assembled by KMW, with the remainder by ELBO of Greece. The first locally built tank was delivered in October 2006. The Leopard 2A6 HEL entered service with the Hellenic Army in May 2008.}}</ref>

The Leopard 2A6M CAN is a Canadian variant of the Leopard 2A6M. Significant modifications include distinctive black boxes mounted on the rear of the turret bustle,<ref name="L2-arrival">{{cite web|url=https://www.sfu.ca/casr/ft-leopard-2a6m-can.htm|title=The First of Twenty Loaned Leopard 2A6M CAN Arrive in Kandahar: A Glimpse of the CF's Future (With a Little Help From Our Friends)|access-date=2008-07-06|publisher=[[Canadian American Strategic Review]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418075012/http://www.sfu.ca/casr/ft-leopard-2a6m-can.htm|archive-date=2008-04-18|url-status=dead}}</ref> and stand-off [[slat armour]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sfu.ca/casr/bg-leopard2-netherlands.htm#2a6m|title=CASR Background — CF Leased & Purchased Leopard 2 A6M / 2 A4 Tanks|access-date=2008-07-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416165407/http://www.sfu.ca/casr/bg-leopard2-netherlands.htm#2a6m|archive-date=2008-04-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first tanks configured in this variant were 20 loaned from the German Bundeswehr in an effort to increase firepower and protection given to Canadian troops operating in the south of Afghanistan. The loaned tanks retain their German MG3 machine guns, the ex-Dutch tanks are also expected to retain their FN MAG machine guns due to commonality with Canadian stocks of C6 GPMG, itself a variant of the FN MAG.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sfu.ca/casr/bg-leopard2-afghan.htm|title=CASR Background — Leopard 2 A6M / 2 A4 Tanks for the Canadian Forces?|access-date=2008-07-06|publisher=[[Canadian American Strategic Review]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416181639/http://www.sfu.ca/casr/bg-leopard2-afghan.htm|archive-date=2008-04-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Due to the loaned status of the first twenty tanks, the air conditioning unit originally could not be installed, as only minimal changes could be made. The crew wore cooling vests instead, and the turret's electric drive generates less heat than the hydraulic drive of the older Leopard C2. The loaned German tanks will be kept by the Canadian Forces and may be further upgraded, while ex-Dutch Leopard 2A6s were modified to German Leopard 2A6M specifications and used as restitution for the loaned tanks.<ref name="MERXCan">{{cite news|title=Letter of Interest: Tank Replacement Project|date=2008-03-19|work=MERX|publisher=Government of Canada|url=http://www.merx.com/English/SUPPLIER_Menu.Asp?WCE=Show&TAB=1&PORTAL=MERX&State=7&id=PW-%24%24BL-225-16850&FED_ONLY=0&hcode=pdldErIx17TWSULPr3KQEg%3d%3d|access-date=2008-04-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609232922/http://www.merx.com/English/SUPPLIER_Menu.Asp?WCE=Show&TAB=1&PORTAL=MERX&State=7&id=PW-%24%24BL-225-16850&FED_ONLY=0&hcode=pdldErIx17TWSULPr3KQEg%3D%3D|archive-date=2008-06-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> Canadian Leopard 2s in Afghanistan were later fitted with air conditioning units, a much-needed commodity in the scorching desert of Afghanistan, and [[Saab Group|Saab]]'s Barracuda camouflage mats, which reduce solar loading by 50 percent.<ref name="L2A6-CASR">{{cite web|url=http://www.casr.ca/101-army-armour-leopard-2a6m.htm|title=Canadian Forces Armour — Leopard 2A6M CAN Main Battle Tank|access-date=2010-05-11|publisher=[[Canadian American Strategic Review]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627144153/http://www.casr.ca/101-army-armour-leopard-2a6m.htm|archive-date=2010-06-27}}</ref>

The Leopard 2A6TR was the Turkish variant during the Turkish Army tank procurement project in 2000. The version was based on 2A6EX. The project was dropped in favor of developing the indigenous [[Altay (main battle tank)|Altay]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/tank-2000den-altaya-turkiyenin-tank-seruveni/|title=Tank 2000'den ALTAY'a Türkiye'nin tank serüveni|date=2020-02-18|language=tr}}</ref>

====Leopardo 2E====
[[File:Leopardo 2E. zaragoza 1.jpg|thumb|Spanish Leopard 2E]]
{{Main|Leopard 2E}}

The Leopard 2E is a derivative of the 2A6, with greater armour protection,<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Candil|first=Antonio J.|date=2007-02-01|title=The Spanish Leopard 2E: A Magnificent Tool|magazine=Military Technology|publisher=Mönch Editorial Group|location=Bonn|page=66|volume=31|issue=2}}</ref> developed under a programme of co-production between the defence industries of Spain and Germany. The programme was developed within the frame of collaboration decided in 1995 between the Defence Ministries of both countries, which also included the cession of use by period of five years of 108 Leopard 2A4 from the German Army to the Spanish Army. The session was extended up to 2016, and after that those tanks will be the sole property of the Spanish Army, as has been made public in January 2006, then having been paid a total of €15,124,014 in ten yearly installments, giving the Spanish co-ownership from 2006.

In 1998, the Spanish government agreed to locally build 219 tanks of the Leopard 2E line, 16 recovery tanks of Leopard 2ER (Buffalo), and 4 training vehicles. They chose Santa Bárbara Sistemas as the main contractor. The programme, with a budget of €1,939.4 million, includes integrated logistical support, training courses for crew instructors and maintenance engineers, and driving, turret, maintenance, aiming, and shooting simulators. Deliveries of the first batch began in 2004.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

=== Leopard 2PL ===
[[File:Leopard 2PL - Szkolenie Wojska Polskiego w Nowej Dębie (cropped).jpg|thumb|A [[Leopard 2PL]]]]
{{Main|Leopard 2PL}}

The Leopard 2PL is a Polish modernized version of the Leopard 2A4, carried out in cooperation with Rheinmetall and the [[Polish Armaments Group]] ({{langx|pl|Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, PGZ}}). The Leopard 2PL MBT is primarily tasked with assault, maintaining territory, and supporting mechanized and motorized subdivisions with its onboard weapon systems in all weather conditions during the day and night. The main upgrades when compared to the Leopard 2A4 include modernization of the commander's and gunner's sight, additional ballistic modules on the turret, replacement of the hydraulic stabilization system with a new electric system, and new fire extinguishing and fire suppression systems.<ref name=":0"/><ref name="Bumar Leopard 2PL MBT">{{cite web|title=Bumar Leopard 2PL MBT|url=https://bumar.gliwice.pl/en/strefa-militarna/o/modernizacja-czolgow-leopard-2a4|access-date=2020-07-09|website=bumar.gliwice.pl|language=pl}}</ref>

The upgrade included a new commander's control and monitoring system, the installation of an auxiliary power unit (APU), a new turret stowage compartment for crew equipment, the modernization of its main gun to use new types of programmable ammunition, and the integration of day/night rear camera for drivers. Included are customized towing vehicles due to the increased weight of the upgraded tank.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Breakthrough. Polish Army Takes Delivery of Leopard 2PL Tanks - Defence24.com|url=https://defence24.com/breakthrough-polish-army-takes-delivery-of-leopard-2pl-tanks|access-date=2020-07-09|website=defence24.com|date=2020-05-29}}</ref><ref name="Bumar Leopard 2PL MBT"/> The upgraded 2PL version is in service with the [[Polish Land Forces]]. Of the Leopard 2A4s from the first (128) and the second (14) batches, 24 have been upgraded to Leopard 2PL standard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://polska-zbrojna.pl/home/articleshow/27196?t=Pierwsze-Leopardy-2PL-juz-w-Polsce#|title=Pierwsze Leopardy 2PL już w Polsce|publisher=Polska-zbrojna.pl|access-date=2020-01-17|language=pl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624125547/http://www.polska-zbrojna.pl/home/articleshow/27196?t=Pierwsze-Leopardy-2PL-juz-w-Polsce|archive-date=2019-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref> The rest will be upgraded to the 2PLM1 standard.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://zbiam.pl/wojsko-polskie-prezentuje-zmodernizowane-czolgi/|title=Wojsko Polskie prezentuje zmodernizowane czołgi|first=Patriota|last=pisze|language=pl|date=2020-09-09|website=Wydawnictwo militarne ZBIAM}}</ref>

===Leopard 2 PSO===
[[File:Leo2pso 009.jpg|thumb|A Leopard 2 PSO at Eurosatory 2006]]

The new Leopard 2 PSO (Peace Support Operations) variant is designed especially for [[urban warfare]], which had been encountered in peacekeeping operations with increasing frequency. The Leopard 2 PSO is equipped with more effective all-around protection, a secondary weapons station, improved reconnaissance ability, an obstacle clearance blade (OCB), a shorter gun barrel for manoeuvring on urban streets at the expense of fire range, non-lethal armament, close-range surveillance ability through camera systems, a searchlight and further changes to improve its perseverance and mobility in built-up non-wide open areas. These features are similar to the [[Tank Urban Survival Kit]] for the American M1A2 Abrams.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

The vehicle was purely a tech demonstrator, which eventually lead to the development of the Leopard 2A7+.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fighting-vehicles.com/tanks/leopard-2-tank/|title=<nowiki>Leopard 2 Tank|Comprehensive vehicle history &amp; operator details</nowiki>|website=fighting-vehicles.com|access-date=2024-08-27}}</ref>

===Leopard 2A7===
The Leopard 2A7 vehicle is not intended to be optimized for combat in urban terrain, thus it is fundamentally different from the KMW variant, the: ''2A7+'' (see below). A total of 20 vehicles were provided for converting. It involves former Dutch A6NL models returned by Canada to Germany. The original upgrade to A6M has been extended in coordination with Canada and includes a crew-compartment cooling-system from the Leopard 2 A6M-HEL series, a new {{cvt|20|kW}} auxiliary power unit based on the Steyr Motors M12 TCA UI engine,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kmweg.com/fileadmin/user_upload/pdfs/Press_Releases/2016/Press_release_en_EUROSATORY_2016.pdf|title=The LEOPARD 2 A7V|publisher=Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG|access-date=2016-11-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120213553/http://www.kmweg.com/fileadmin/user_upload/pdfs/Press_Releases/2016/Press_release_en_EUROSATORY_2016.pdf|archive-date=2016-11-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Saab Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) with Heat-Transfer Reduction (HTR CoolCam) system,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://saab.com/land/signature-management/platform-integrated-systems/mcs_mobile_camouflage_system/|title=MCS Mobile Camouflage System|website=Saab Solutions|language=en-US|access-date=2016-11-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120215408/http://saab.com/land/signature-management/platform-integrated-systems/mcs_mobile_camouflage_system/|archive-date=2016-11-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> a field trial proven combat management and information system (IFIS: ''Integriertes Führungs- und Informationssystem''), onboard network optimization with ultracapacitors in the chassis and turret, a SOTAS IP digital intercom system, a renewal of the fire suppression system in the crew compartment, and the retrofitting of Attica thermal imaging module in the commander optics.<ref name="Janes2A7"/>

The weapon system is adapted for firing HE ammunition. It is fitted for, but not with, additional passive side protection armour. The first Leopard 2A7 was handed over to the German Army in Munich in December 2014. 14 vehicles were produced for [[Tank Battalion 203]], 4 went to the [[Armoured Corps Training Centre (Germany)|Armoured Corps Training Centre]] and one vehicle went to the Technical School for Land Systems and School for Technology of the Army. The last tank remains as a reference vehicle at KMW.<ref name="Janes2A7">{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/46904/germany-receives-first-leopard-2a7-mbt|title=Germany receives first Leopard 2A7 MBT|access-date=2014-12-22|publisher=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501043922/http://www.janes.com/article/46904/germany-receives-first-leopard-2a7-mbt|archive-date=2015-05-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Leopard 2A7V (The V stands for "verbessert" which is German for improved) is a variant of the Leopard 2A7 which is currently in-service the Bundeswehr. It features improved cameras for the commander and gunner. In addition, the rear view camera for the driver is added. The 120mm barrel has been hardened, allowing the ability to fire more modern extended-range ammunition, increasing effective range up to 5,000 metres. Another thing is the Battle Management System feature for digital electronics have been added, allowing better coordination with friendly forces. Next, the chassis have been additionally reinforced by an additional protection module at the front to counteract armour-piercing ammunition, to make up for the increase weight of the additional armour, it is equipped with a improved/more powerful drive system and drive train.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leopard 2 A7V main battle tank |url=https://www.bundeswehr.de/en/organization/army/mission/vjtf-2023/leopard-2-a7v-main-battle-tank |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Bundeswehr}}</ref>

The Danish Armed Forces received its first Leopard 2A7 main battle tanks upgraded in Germany from the Leopard 2A5DK version at the Dragoon Barracks in Holstebro. The Danish Army will receive a total of 44 Leopard 2A7 vehicles by 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://militaryleak.com/2020/02/08/royal-danish-army-receives-first-leopard-2a7-main-battle-tank/|title=Royal Danish Army Receives First Leopard 2A7V Main Battle Tank|website=militaryleak.com|date=2020-02-08}}</ref>

Siemon T. Wezeman, senior researcher at SIPRI's arms transfers and military expenditure programme, stated that information from the UN Register of Conventional Arms 2016, indicated that some Leopard 2A7s were transferred to Singapore after 2014. SIPRI reported that the Singapore Army probably acquired a total of 45 Leopard 2A7s between 2016 and 2019, but the Singapore's Ministry of Defence denied having acquired the 2A7 version, presumably to minimise anxiety among her neighbours.<ref>{{cite web|last=Yeo|first=Mike|date=2019-02-25|title=German documents reveal Singapore received more Leopard 2 tanks|url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/02/21/german-documents-reveal-singapore-received-more-leopard-2-tanks/|access-date=2021-08-06|website=Defense News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Yeo|first=Mike|date=2018-03-20|title=Singapore denies acquisition of new Leopard tank variant|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2018/03/20/singapore-denies-acquisition-of-new-leopard-tank-variant/|access-date=2021-08-06|website=Defense News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="shephardmedia.com">{{cite web|title=Singapore allegedly acquires Leopard 2A7 tanks – Shephard Media|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/singapore-allegedly-acquires-leopard-2a7-tanks/|date=2018-03-20|access-date=2021-08-06|website=shephardmedia.com}}</ref>

In February 2023, Norway ordered 54 Leopard 2A7 tanks to be delivered from 2026, with a further option for 18 vehicles if necessary.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tyske Leopard 2A7 blir Norges nye stridsvogn|url=https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/tyske-leopard-2a7-blir-norges-nye-stridsvogn/15467364/|date=2023-02-03|publisher=TV2|access-date=2023-02-03|language=no}}</ref> This order was later changed into a newly specified 2A8 NOR subvariant of the 2A8.

===Leopard 2A7+===
[[File:Leopard 2 A7, Eurosatory 2010.jpg|thumb|A Leopard 2A7+ at Eurosatory 2010]]

The Leopard 2A7+ was first shown to the public during the [[Eurosatory|Eurosatory 2010]], featuring the label "Developed by KMW – tested and qualified by the German Ministry of Defence". The Leopard 2A7+ has been tested by the Bundeswehr under the name ''UrbOp'' (urban operations).{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

The Leopard 2A7+ is designed to operate both in [[low-intensity conflict|low-intensity]] and high-intensity conflicts.<ref name="KMWNews">{{cite web|url=http://www.kmweg.de/2922-bD1lbiZuZXdzX2lkPTQzMDAx-~rechte-navi~pressemitteilungen~news_detail.html|title=German success story continues – the new LEOPARD 2 A7+|website=Krauss-Maffei Wegmann|date=2010-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627160134/http://www.kmweg.de/2922-bD1lbiZuZXdzX2lkPTQzMDAx-~rechte-navi~pressemitteilungen~news_detail.html|archive-date=2010-06-27|url-status=dead}} about the Leopard 2A7 +.</ref> The tank's protection has been increased by modular armour. The frontal protection has been improved with a dual kit on the turret and hull front, while 360° protection against [[rocket propelled grenade|RPGs]] and mine protection increase the survivability of the tank in urban operations.<ref name="KMWNews" /> The modular armour's system components were first used by Canada in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kmweg.com/home/tracked-vehicles/main-battle-tanks/leopard-2-a7/product-information.html|title=Product Information – KMW|website=www.kmweg.com|access-date=2017-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516212527/http://www.kmweg.com/home/tracked-vehicles/main-battle-tanks/leopard-2-a7/product-information.html|archive-date=2017-05-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> It can fire programmable [[High Explosive]] munitions. The turret-mounted MG3 has been replaced with a stabilised [[FLW remote weapon station|FLW 200]] [[Remote weapon system|remotely controlled weapon station]]. Mobility, sustainability, and [[situational awareness]] have also been improved.<ref name="KMWNews" />

In December 2018, Hungary ordered forty-four 2A7+s (subvariant 2A7HU), making them the second operator of the improved version, after Qatar.<ref name="StatementHungary"/><ref name="JanesHungary"/>

===Leopard 2A8===
[[File:LEOPARD 2A9.jpg|thumb|A Leopard 2A8 at Eurosatory 2022]]
The Leopard 2A8 will be based on the current Leopard 2A7HU production model but feature additional improvements; among them the integration of the [[Trophy (countermeasure)|Trophy]] [[active protection system]] and an all-round situational awareness system with sensor-fusion capability.<ref name="Leopard2A8" />

====Orders====<!-- Sorted by the time when the plans for the purchase became public -->
<!-- May 2023 -->To replace the eighteen Leopard 2A6 tanks handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the German Ministry of Defence begun planning a purchase a batch of eighteen Leopard 2A8 tanks (with the option for a further 105) in May 2023.<ref name="Leopard2A8">{{cite web|last1=Heiming|first1=Gerhard|title=Rahmenvertrag für bis zu 128 Leopard 2A8 unterschrieben|url=https://esut.de/2023/05/meldungen/42279/rahmenvertrag-fuer-bis-zu-123-leopard-2a8-unterschrieben/|website=Europäische Sicherheit & Technik|date=2023-05-25|publisher=Mittler Report|access-date=2024-01-23}}</ref> In July 2024, Germany's budget committee approved a purchase of the remaining 105 tanks, in a contract worth 2.93 bln €. Deliveries are planned between 2027 and 2030 and some ordered tanks will be used by the [[Structure of the German Army#45th Panzer Brigade|45th Panzer Brigade]], which, at the time of purchase, was deployed in Lithuania.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|title=Germany to order 105 Leopard 2A8 tanks|url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/germany-to-order-105-leopard-2a8-tanks/|publisher=Militarny|date=2024-07-04|access-date=2024-07-05}}</ref>

<!-- May 2023 -->The Czech Ministry of Defense started negotiations for the purchase of 70–77 Leopard 2A8 in May 2023, including domestic manufacturing rights for aspects of the tank production.<ref>{{cite web|title=Panzer bonanza: Czech Republic joins Berlin's Leopard upgrade push|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/05/24/panzer-bonanza-czech-republic-joins-berlins-leopard-upgrade-push/|website=Defense News|last=Sprenger|first=Sebastian|date=2023-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Minister Černochová: We Perceive the Biggest Threats of the Present in the Same Way as Germany|url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/czechia-plans-to-order-77-leopard-2a8-tanks-for-2027-delivery/|publisher=Defense Aerospace|date=2023-07-24}}</ref> Czech government approved the purchase in June 2024, with the final order being for 77 tanks delivered by 2030, for an estimated 52 billion Czech crowns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Czech government approves plan to buy up to 77 Leopard tanks|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/czech-government-approves-plan-buy-up-77-leopard-tanks-2024-06-12/|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=2024-06-12|access-date=2024-07-05}}</ref>

<!-- July 2023 -->In July 2023 [[Ministry of National Defence (Lithuania)|Lithuanian MoD]] announced that the Leopard 2A8 proved to be the only tank to meet the requirements set by the ministry, leading to the rejection of bids of the [[M1 Abrams]] and [[K2 Black Panther]] tanks.<ref>{{cite web|title=German Leopard 2 tank beats Abrams and Black Panther in Lithuania|url=https://defence-industry.eu/german-leopard-2-tank-beats-abrams-and-black-panther-in-lithuania/|publisher=Defence Industry Europe|date=2023-07-26|access-date=2024-07-05}}</ref> In January 2024 [[Lithuania]]n State Defence Council agreed to purchase the tanks and associated support vehicles to equip a [[Battalion|Tank Battalion]], but the final cost and the number of vehicles remained a subject of negotiations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuania seeks to buy Leopard 2 tanks from Germany|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/lithuania-seeks-buy-leopard-2-tanks-germany-2024-01-23/|website=[[Reuters]]|date=2024-01-23|access-date=2024-07-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuania's State Defence Council agrees to buy German Leopard tanks – adviser|publisher=[[LRT televizija]]|url=
https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2177909/lithuania-s-state-defence-council-agrees-to-buy-german-leopard-tanks-adviser|date=2024-01-23|access-date=2024-07-05}}</ref> In December 2024 Lithuania signed a confirmation of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks acquisition contract.

<!-- July 2023 -->On 12 July 2023 Italian government confirmed during a Parliament audition that Italy intends to purchase up to 250 Leopard 2A8 tanks from 2023 to 2025.<ref name="audition">{{cite web|url=https://www.camera.it/leg19/824?tipo=A&anno=2023&mese=07&giorno=12&view=filtered_scheda&commissione=04#/|publisher=Italian Parliament|date=2023-07-12|work=XIX Legislatura|title=Lavori - Resoconti delle Giunte e Commissioni|language=it}}</ref> Procurement was completed on 21 February 2024, resulting in the final order of 132 Leopard 2A8 tanks and 130 other vehicles for a total of 8.5 billion € with the deliveries scheduled to be completed by 2037.<ref>{{cite web|title=Italian Parliament approves Leopard 2A8 procurement programme|url=https://defence-industry.eu/italian-parliament-approves-leopard-2a8-procurement-programme/|publisher=Defence Industry Europe|date=2024-02-24|access-date=2024-07-05}}</ref>

<!-- August 2023 -->In August 2023 Dutch MoD begun planning a procurement of up to 52 Leopard 2A8 tanks in addition to their eighteen leased Leopard 2A6 tanks.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Oryx spioenkop|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2023/08/high-on-defence-listing-dutch-arms.html|title=High on Defence: Listing Dutch Arms Acquisitions|date=2023-08-27}}</ref> This planned acquisition is part of the nation's effort to rebuild their army after severe budget cuts of the 21st century. In February 2024 it came out that the Dutch budget for 2024 did not allocate any funding for the purchase.<ref>{{cite web|title=Limits: Netherlands' ambition for Leopard 2A8 battalion hindered|url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/02/11/limits-netherlands-ambition-for-leopard-2a8-battalion-hindered/|publisher=Bulgarian Military Industry Review|first1=Boyko|last1=Nikolov|date=2024-02-11|access-date=2024-07-05}}</ref> In early September 2024 the new government announced that an undefined number of Leopard 2A8 tanks would be ordered. This is now possible because of the new government allocated additional funding exceeding 2% of their GDP.<ref name="nrc.nl"/>

In December 2024, Lithuania signed a contract to acquire 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks from KNDS Germany for €950 million.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-30 |title=Lithuania Buys Cutting-Edge Leopard 2A8 Tanks for €950M and Establishes First Tank Brigade Near Belarus |url=https://www.grosswald.org/lithuania-orders-eu950m-leopard-2a8-tanks-for-first-tank-brigade-near-belarus/ |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Großwald - Curated News on Geopolitics and Defense |language=en}}</ref> This deal provides Lithuania’s newly established tank brigade—its first since regaining independence in 1991. The procurement was finalized alongside an agreement to station a German Army brigade within Lithuanian territory by 2027, aligning logistics and maintenance efforts with NATO standards in the Baltic region. The procured main battle tanks are confirmed to feature Trophy APS<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-07 |title=Leopard 2 A7A1 MBT Upgraded with APS Trophy Missile Defense |url=https://www.grosswald.org/leopard-2-a7a1-mbt-now-with-trophy-aps-intercept-missiles-within-milliseconds/ |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Großwald - Curated News on Geopolitics and Defense |language=en}}</ref> and next-generation digitalized systems.

In January 2025 it was announced that Sweden had signed a deal with [[KNDS Deutschland]] worth $1.97 billion for the purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8s and the upgrading of 66 Strv 122s with deliveries lasting since 2028 till 2031.<ref>{{cite web|title=Limits: Sweden bolsters defense with 44 new Leopard 2A8 battle tanks, upgrades to CV90s|url=https://breakingdefense.com/2025/01/sweden-bolsters-defense-with-44-new-leopard-2a8-battle-tanks-upgrades-to-cv90s/|publisher=Breaking Defence|first1=Jonas|last1=Olsson|date=2025-01-09|access-date=2025-01-09}}</ref>

====Leopard 2A8 NOR====
The Norwegian armed forces' order of fifty-four Leopard 2A7NOs was changed into a new 2A8 NOR variant by the middle of June 2023. A variety of Norwegian changes and alterations necessitated the renaming of the original 2A7NO into a unique new 2A8 NOR variant. This subvariant mainly differs from the German 2A8 by integrating a Norwegian-designed C4IS-solution that includes Kongsberg's ICS/CORTEX-solution and Teleplan Globe's FACNAV and NorBMS battlefield management systems.<ref>{{cite news|title=Norges nye stridsvogner blir Leopard 2A8 med israeldsignet aktiv beskyttelse|url=https://www.tu.no/artikler/norges-nye-stridsvogner-blir-leopard-2a8-med-israelskdesignet-aktiv-beskyttelse/532729|date=2023-06-17|publisher=TU.no|access-date=2023-06-17|language=no}}</ref>

===Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0===
Variant presented in June 2024 at the Eurosatory exhibition. It is equipped with an unmanned turret armed with a {{cvt|120|mm}} smoothbore gun fed by a modular linear autoloader, the {{cvt|120|mm}} gun can be exchanged for a {{cvt|130|mm}} or {{cvt|140|mm}} gun, the auto loader is capable of loading 3 rounds in 10 seconds. Its secondary armament consists of a RWCS{{Clarify|reason=RWCS? Rugby World Cup Sevens?|date=November 2024}} armed with a 30x113mm cannon capable of countering drone threats and an anti-tank missile. The weapon suite can be configured for 3D line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) engagement. For its protection, it has a proven active protection system and smoke grenade launcher. It weighs less than {{cvt|60|t}}, measures {{cvt|7.95|m}}, extending to {{cvt|11.17|m}} with the barrel, {{cvt|3.77|m}} wide and {{cvt|2.44|m}} high to the roof of the turret. Its engine generates {{cvt|1500|hp}}, allowing the tank to move at a speed of {{cvt|65|kph}} and its autonomy is {{cvt|460|km}}. It has a crew of 3 men, commander, driver and gunner, all located inside the chassis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/eurosatory-2024-knds-launches-leopard-2-a-rc-3-0-main-battle-tank-with-modular-autoloader|title=Eurosatory 2024: KNDS launches Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 main battle tank with modular autoloader|website=armyrecognition.com|date=2024-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://defence-industry.eu/knds-deutschland-introduces-leopard-2-a-rc-3-0-main-battle-tank/|title=KNDS Deutschland introduces Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 main battle tank|website=Defense Industry Europe|date=2024-06-13}}</ref>

===Engineering and driver training tanks===
[[File:Bergepanzer Bueffel.jpg|thumb|A BPz3 "Büffel", German Army]]
{{anchor|BPz3|Büffel}}
'''Bergepanzer BPz3 Büffel (Gr. Buffalo)''': The BPz3 [[armoured recovery vehicle]] includes both a [[bulldozer]] and a [[crane (machine)|crane]] with integral [[winch]], allowing it to approach damaged vehicles, even over rough and fought-over terrain, and tow them to safety. It is equipped with a [[machine gun]] for local self-defence, a smoke [[grenade launcher]], and NBC protection. Like the tank, it is powered by a {{cvt|1500|PS|hp kW}} [[diesel engine]]. It is in service with Germany (where it is also designated ''Büffel'' or ''Bergepanzer 3'' for Salvage Tank 3), the Netherlands with 25 vehicles (who co-developed it with Germany and calls it ''Buffel''), Canada, Greece, Singapore (where it is called ''L2-ARV'' locally), Spain (where it is called ''Leopard 2ER Búfalo''), Sweden (in modified form as the ''Bärgningsbandvagn 120; Bgbv 120'') and Switzerland (''BPz3'').{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

'''Panzerschnellbrücke 2''': This vehicle, created by [[MAN SE|MAN Mobile Bridges GmbH]], is an [[armoured vehicle-launched bridge]] developed from the Leopard 2 tank chassis. It is designed to carry a folding mobile bridge, which it can "launch" across a river. Once emplaced, the bridge is sturdy enough to support most vehicles, even other Leopard tanks. When the crossing is complete, the bridge layer simply hooks up to the bridge and re-stows it.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

[[File:Panzerschnellbrücke Leguan.jpg|thumb|A Panzerschnellbrücke Leguan folding mobile bridge on a Leopard 2 chassis, demonstrated by the German Army]]

'''Panzerschnellbrücke Leguan''': This modular system combines a bridge module created by MAN Mobile Bridges GmbH with a tank chassis. The Bundeswehr is testing the {{ill|Leguan bridgelayer|de|Panzerschnellbrücke Leguan|vertical-align=sup}} on a Leopard 2 chassis.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.baainbw.de/portal/a/baain/start/aktuell/allena/!ut/p/z1/hY_RC4IwEMb_I29ONHtULBNERcNyLzF02MI2GUt66I9vI-pNuocP7vvufscBgTMQQRc-Us2loJPpOxJc4jA_5niLcVLtMMq8Q-vXcYnKFEMLp38jxMRopSIEDRPQGcZmneFBAwTIwJxeCqataiY0NzoqqqVyZqn0ZJOHUiZx-AAdcpMYYe97yn1FVbBrUuwFSRbXFnijC33-dmlvn4buSsUwsUr20ceY7_uwKPzxDdw28pM!|title=Prototype of the LEGUAN Assault Bridge Arrives as Scheduled|publisher=BAAINBw|date=2017-07-06|access-date=2017-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722184749/http://www.baainbw.de/portal/a/baain/start/aktuell/allena/!ut/p/z1/hY_RC4IwEMb_I29ONHtULBNERcNyLzF02MI2GUt66I9vI-pNuocP7vvufscBgTMQQRc-Us2loJPpOxJc4jA_5niLcVLtMMq8Q-vXcYnKFEMLp38jxMRopSIEDRPQGcZmneFBAwTIwJxeCqataiY0NzoqqqVyZqn0ZJOHUiZx-AAdcpMYYe97yn1FVbBrUuwFSRbXFnijC33-dmlvn4buSsUwsUr20ceY7_uwKPzxDdw28pM!|archive-date=2018-07-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:AEV3 5.jpg|thumb|The [[AEV 3 Kodiak]] has an articulated excavator arm and bulldozer blade among its adaptations for obstruction removal.]]

'''AEV 3 Kodiak''': The [[AEV 3 Kodiak]] is a [[combat engineering vehicle]] conversion of the Leopard 2 used by Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden, and Switzerland. It is equipped with a bulldozer blade, [[excavator]] arm, and dual capstan winches. In lieu of a turret, a [[Remote Weapon Station]] or other armaments can be fitted. It is built on the Leopard 2 chassis with a built-up forward superstructure. The vehicle is used primarily for the clearance of obstacles, including minefields. The Dutch version has additional bomblet protection for the crew compartments. Spain may procure 24 examples for the Spanish Army from converted Leopard 2A4 hulls (one vehicle has been trialled in Spain)<ref>''Ejercito De Tierra'', p. 58, Antonio J. Candil Muñoz, Tankograd Publishing, 2010.</ref> and the type will be offered to Germany.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} {{main|AEV 3 Kodiak}}

'''Driver Training Tank (Fahrschulpanzer)''': The Leopard 2 Driver Training Tank, as the name implies, is a non-combatant Leopard 2 for instructing soldiers in the finer points of handling the tank. The turret is supplanted by a weighted and fixed observation cab with forward and side-facing windows and a dummy gun. The instructor rides in this cab, with override controls for critical systems, and space is provided for two other students to observe.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

'''Leopard 2R''': A heavy breaching and de-mining vehicle developed by [[Patria (company)|Patria]] for the Finnish Army, based on the Leopard 2A4. Six vehicles were converted. The vehicles are equipped with a mine plough or a dozer blade, and an automated marking system.<ref name=Janes1>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/extract/jdw2007/jdw34244.html|title=Finland improves mobility systems|access-date=2009-01-08|date=2007-10-01|publisher=[[Jane's Defence Weekly]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915061230/http://www.janes.com/extract/jdw2007/jdw34244.html|archive-date=2008-09-15}}</ref><ref name=Janes2>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jmvl/jmvla084.html|title=Patria Land & Armament Heavy Mine Breaching Vehicle (Finland)|access-date=2009-01-17|date=2009-01-09|publisher=[[Jane's]] Military Vehicles and Logistics}} {{dead link|fix-attempted=yes|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> All were donated to Ukraine in 2023.

'''Leopard 2L ''': An armoured vehicle-launched bridge developed by KMW and Patria for the Finnish Army. Ten Finnish 2A4 tanks were rebuilt to carry the LEGUAN bridge.<ref name=Janes1/><ref name=Janes2/>

'''WISENT 2''': A multi-purpose, Leopard 2–based Armoured Support Vehicle developed by [[Flensburger Fahrzeugbau]]. The vehicle's modular design allows it to be converted quickly from an Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV) to an Armoured Engineer Vehicle (AEV) in less than five hours.<ref name=FFG>{{cite web|url=http://www.ffg-flensburg.de/en/heavy-tracked-vehicles/arv-aev-wisent-2/|title=ARV/AEV Wisent 2|access-date=2014-12-31|publisher=[[Flensburger Fahrzeugbau]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926025418/http://www.ffg-flensburg.de/en/heavy-tracked-vehicles/arv-aev-wisent-2/|archive-date=2015-09-26|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Technical data==
{|class="wikitable"
|+ Technical data<ref>{{cite book|last=Lobitz|first=Frank|year=2009|title=Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank Development and German Army Service|chapter=Technical Data – Leopard 2 MBT|location=Germany Erlangen|publisher=Tankograd Publishing|isbn=978-3-936519-08-2|page=315}}</ref>
|-
! width=100px | Description
! width=30% | Leopard 2A4
! colspan="2" width=30% | Leopard 2A5
! colspan="3" width=30% | Leopard 2A6/A6M
|-
|Crew: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| 4
|-
|Engine: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| MTU MB 873 Ka-501 12-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel engine
|-
|Displacement: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| Bore × stroke: 170 × 175&nbsp;mm, {{cvt|47666|cm3}} displacement
|-
|Power output: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|1500|PS|hp kW|0}}, rpm: 2,600/min
|-
|Torque output: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|4700|Nm|0}}, rpm: 1,600–1,700/min
|-
|Transmission: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| Hydro-mechanical control, reversing and steering gear HSWL 354 with combined hydrodynamic-mechanical service brake, 4 forward, 2 reverse
|-
|Suspension system: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| Torsion bar spring mounted support roller drive with hydraulic dampers
|-
|Length<br />Turret forward: ||colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|9.67|m}} ||style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|10.97|m}}
|-
|Width: ||style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|3.7|m}} ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|3.76|m}}
|-
|Height: ||style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|2.79|m}} ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|3.03|m}}
|-
|Ground clearance: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|0.54|m}}
|-
|Wading depth without preparation: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|1.2|m}}
|-
|Wading depth with snorkel: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|4|m}}
|-
|Trench passability: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|3|m}}
|-
|Climbing ability: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|1.1|m}}
|-
|Empty weight: ||style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|52|t}} ||colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|57.3|t}} ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|57.6|t}}<br /> ''A6M'' {{cvt|60.2|t}}
|-
|Combat weight: ||style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|55.15|t}} ||colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|59.5|t}} ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| ''A6'' {{cvt|59.9|t}}<br /> (maximum mass; {{cvt|61.7|t}}),<br /> ''A6M'' {{cvt|62.5|t}}
|-
|Maximum speed: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;" |{{cvt|68|kph}}; backwards {{cvt|31|kph}}
|-
|Fuel capacity: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|1160|l}} (limited to {{cvt|900|l}} when not in battle)
|-
|Fuel consumption and operating range: ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
Road: ca. 340&nbsp;L/100&nbsp;km, ca. {{cvt|340|km}}<br />
Terrain: ca. 530&nbsp;L/100&nbsp;km, ca. {{cvt|220|km}}<br />
Average: ca. 410&nbsp;L/100&nbsp;km, ca. {{cvt|280|km}}<br />
Static test: 12.5&nbsp;L/h, 72–93 hours (with {{cvt|900|–|1160|l}} capacity)
|-
|Rotation time (360°): ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| 10&nbsp;seconds
|-
|Armament: ||colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| [[Rheinmetall 120 mm gun#Rh-120 L/44 120 mm|Rheinmetall 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun L/44]] and 2 machine guns ||[[Rheinmetall 120 mm gun#Rh-120 L/55 120 mm|Rheinmetall 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun L/55]] and 2 machine guns
|-
|Turret weight: ||style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|16|t}} ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|21|t}}
|-
|Turret rotation time: ||style="text-align:center;"| ||colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| 360° in 9&nbsp;seconds (electric)
|}

==Operators==
===Current operators===
[[File:Leopard 2 Operators.png|thumb|right|upright=1.5|Leopard 2 operators as of February 2023]]

{| class="wikitable" Width="100%"
|-
!width="150px" |Country
!width="15%" |Type
!width="150px" |Quantity (Estimated)
!width="150px" |Origin
!Notes
|-
| rowspan="1" valign="top"| {{flag|Austria}}
| '''2A4''' || '''56''' || {{FRG}} || The [[Austrian Armed Forces|Austrian Army]] initially acquired 114 Leopard 2A4s from surplus Dutch stocks plus one turret in 1996. In 2006 the number of tanks was reduced to two tank battalions, with 40 of the Leopard 2A4s sold back to KMW in 2011 (Canada lost the bid to purchase them). In 2017–19, a third tank battalion was added and the number of active duty tanks was increased to 56.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nachrichten.at/oberoesterreich/wels/Welser-Bundesheer-reaktiviert-Panzer-anstatt-sie-als-Ersatzteillager-zu-nuetzen;art67,2637276|title=Welser Bundesheer reaktiviert Panzer, anstatt sie als Ersatzteillager zu nützen|first=Eike-Clemens|last=Kullmann|language=de|access-date=2023-02-23|publisher=[[Oberösterreichische Nachrichten]]|date=2017-07-31}}</ref> In 2021 it was announced that Austria would modernize its tank fleet to the 2A7 standard. As of February 2025 it is considering to purchase 58 Leopard 2A8s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/world/austria-s-defence-boost-new-leopard-2a8-tanks-on-the-horizon/ar-AA1yQPZp |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="5" valign="top" | {{flag|Canada}}
| '''2A4 CAN''' || '''34'''<br/>''(used for training)'' || {{FRG}} || Acquired 100 Leopard 2A4 from the Netherlands in 2009. An additional 15 Leopard 2A4 tanks were purchased from the German Army for spare parts. 20 modified into [[Leopard 2A4M CAN|2A4M CAN]] and 18 converted into AEVs, leaving 42 remaining in active service by 2022 primarily for training. 8 delivered to Ukraine by April 2023.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|date=2023-04-18|title=Canadian donations and military support to Ukraine|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/campaigns/canadian-military-support-to-ukraine.html|website=Government of Canada}}</ref> It was reported in January 2023 that the majority of Canadian Leopard 2 tanks were in a state of disrepair, with as few as 15 gun tanks, or only 20%, operational and ready for use.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/opinion/adam-zivo-how-canada-sabotaged-its-own-fleet-of-tanks|title=How Canada sabotaged its own fleet of tanks &#124; National Post|date=2023-01-25|last=Zivo|first=Adam|website=National Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/opinion/is-canada-not-sending-its-tanks-to-ukraine-because-theyre-broken|title=Is Canada not sending its tanks to Ukraine because they're broken? &#124; National Post|date=2023-01-19|last=Zivo|first=Adam|website=National Post}}</ref>
|-
| '''2A4M CAN''' || '''20''' || {{FRG}}  || 2A4s with modular armour adapted from the Leopard 2A7+ variant and sections of slat armour as well as enhanced electronics and an all digital turret. It was also planned that the main gun would be upgraded to the L55, variant, but the L44 gun was found to be favourable for the conditions found in Afghanistan at the time, so was retained.<ref>{{cite web|date=2016-11-29|title=Leopard 2A4M CAN|url=https://fighting-vehicles.com/leopard-2a4m-can/|access-date=2024-02-11|website=Fighting-Vehicles.com}}</ref>
|-
| '''2A6M CAN''' || '''20''' || {{GER}} || Initially leased from the [[German Army]] beginning in mid-2007 to support the [[Canada's role in the invasion of Afghanistan|Canadian deployment in Afghanistan]]. First tank received on 2 August 2007,<ref name="Janes-L2CAN" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.epicos.com/epicos/portal/media-type/html/user/anon/page/default.psml/js_panename/News+Information+Article+View;jsessionid=3BB03398A96F7A60F18A1F4E04FADE1D.tomcat5?articleid=81090&showfull=false|title=KMW delivers first LEOPARD 2 A6M to Canada|date=2007-08-02|website=epicos.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227110710/http://www.epicos.com/epicos/portal/media-type/html/user/anon/page/default.psml/js_panename/News%2BInformation%2BArticle%2BView%3Bjsessionid%3D3BB03398A96F7A60F18A1F4E04FADE1D.tomcat5?articleid=81090&showfull=false|archive-date=2008-12-27|url-status=dead}}</ref> and arriving in Afghanistan on 16 August 2007.<ref name="L2-arrival"/><ref name="DND/CF1">{{cite web|url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/view-news-afficher-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2252|access-date=2008-01-10|publisher=[[Department of National Defence (Canada)|DND]]/[[Canadian Forces|CF]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609180039/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2252|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-06-09|title=Backgrounder: Renewing the Canadian Armed Forces' Tank Capability|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The 2A6Ms were permanently acquired by Canada in exchange for 20 of the 2A4s purchased from the Netherlands which were upgraded to 2A7 standard given to Germany as payment.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pugiliese|first=David|date=2015-02-17|title=Germany receives upgraded Leopard 2 tanks as part of deal with Canada|work=The Ottawa Citizen|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/germany-receives-upgraded-leopard-2-tanks-as-part-of-deal-with-canada|url-status=live|access-date=2024-01-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230051154/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/germany-receives-upgraded-leopard-2-tanks-as-part-of-deal-with-canada|archive-date=2022-12-30}}</ref>
|-
| BPz3 Büffel ARV || 11 || {{GER}}<br/>{{CHE}} || 2 ''Bergepanzer 3 Büffel'' purchased from Bundeswehr for use in Afghanistan.<ref name="CFBuffel">{{cite web|url=https://www.sfu.ca/casr/101-army-armour-arv3-buffel.htm|title=Canadian Armed Forces Armour — Armoured Recovery Vehicle 3 (Büffel)|access-date=2008-08-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080414202920/http://www.sfu.ca/casr/101-army-armour-arv3-buffel.htm|archive-date=2008-04-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> 12 surplus Swiss Pz 87 were later purchased in 2011 for conversion to ARVs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vtg.admin.ch/internet/vtg/en/home/dokumentation/news/newsdetail.37618.nsb.html|title=Sale of surplus Leopard 2 Battle Tanks to Canada|access-date=2008-02-20|publisher=[[Confédération Suisse]]|date=2011-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706221210/http://www.vtg.admin.ch/internet/vtg/en/home/dokumentation/news/newsdetail.37618.nsb.html|archive-date=2011-07-06}}</ref> Canada announced it would provide one of its 12 ARV's to Ukraine.<ref name="CTV News">{{cite news|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/canada-sending-four-more-battle-tanks-to-ukraine-1.6288251|title=Canada sending four more battle tanks, ammunition to Ukraine|access-date=2023-02-26|publisher=[[CTV News]]|date=2023-02-24}}</ref>
|-
| Wisent 2 "Ram" AEV || 18 || {{GER}}<br/>{{CAN}} || FFG Canada received the contract in 2014 to convert 18 of Canada's Dutch Leopard 2A4s into Wisent 2 AEVs. Vehicles were converted domestically in New Brunswick and all 18 were delivered by 2018.<ref>{{cite news|date=2014-06-27|title=Ribbon-cutting ceremony signals start of production at FFG Canada|url=https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2014.06.0769.html|publisher=Government of New Brunswick|access-date=2023-03-07}}</ref>
|-
| valign="top" | {{flag|Chile}}
| '''2A4CHL''' || '''234''' || {{FRG}}<br/>/ {{GER}} || Acquired in 2007, upgraded to the Leopard 2A4CHL standard (plus eight to be used as spares).<ref name="chilepurchase">{{cite web|url=https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/heer?yw_contentURL=%2FC1256F870054206E%2FW278YGGV502INFODE%2Fcontent.jsp|title=Chile gets 140 leopards II|access-date=2008-07-06|publisher=[[German Army]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530180843/http://www.deutschesheer.de/portal/a/heer/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLNzSLtzAIA8lB2c76kXDRoJRUfW99X4_83FT9AP2C3IhyR0dFRQBALId7/delta/base64xml/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS80SVVFLzZfMTZfOEkw?yw_contentURL=%2FC1256F870054206E%2FW278YGGV502INFODE%2Fcontent.jsp|archive-date=2008-05-30|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/more-leopard-2s-for-sale-sold-04316/|title=More Leopard-2s For Sale, Sold|date=2007-11-27|website=Defense Industry Daily|access-date=2020-01-15}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3" valign="top"| {{flag|Czech Republic}}
| '''2A4''' || '''14+28'''<br/>''(pending delivery)'' || {{FRG}}<br/>{{CHE}}  || In July 2016, officers of the [[Army of the Czech Republic]] visited a Spanish military base at Zaragoza where Spanish Leopards 2A4 are stored. The Czech Republic was interested in replacing their domestically produced [[T-72 operators and variants#Czech Republic|T-72M4CZ]] and aging [[T-72 operators and variants#Czechoslovakia|T-72M/T-72M1]]. No official agreement was signed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.armadninoviny.cz/armada-cr-se-zajima-o-spanelske-tanky-leopard-2a4.html|work=Armadni noviny|language=cs|trans-title=The Czech Army is interested in Spanish Leopard 2A4 tanks|title=Armáda ČR se zajímá o španělské tanky Leopard 2A4|date=2016-07-17|access-date=2016-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817080537/http://www.armadninoviny.cz/armada-cr-se-zajima-o-spanelske-tanky-leopard-2a4.html|archive-date=2016-08-17|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, the Czech Army unofficially announced that the Spanish Leopards were in too poor a condition to be purchased.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.armadninoviny.cz/polska-armada-sili-a-zajima-se-o-budouci-tanky-leopard-3.html|work=Armadni noviny|language=cs|title=Polská armáda sílí a zajímá se o budoucí tanky Leopard 3|trans-title=The Polish Army is growing stronger and interested in future Leopard 3 tanks|date=2016-08-04|access-date=2016-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828143624/http://www.armadninoviny.cz/polska-armada-sili-a-zajima-se-o-budouci-tanky-leopard-3.html|archive-date=2016-08-28|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2022 the Czech Ministry of Defence announced it will get 15 Leopards 2A4 from Germany as an exchange for Czech tanks that have been given to [[Ukraine]] to help defend against [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion]] and may purchase up to 50 modern 2A7+ variants later.<ref>{{cite web|title=Česko dostane od Německa 15 starších tanků Leopard, dalších až 50 nových si koupí - Novinky.cz|url=https://www.novinky.cz/domaci/clanek/cesko-dostane-od-nemecka-15-starsich-tanku-leopard-dalsich-az-50-novych-si-koupi-40397448|access-date=2022-05-18|website=www.novinky.cz|date=2022-05-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Leopard 2 Ringtausch mit Tschechien Deutschland stellt 15 Panzer zur Verfuegung|url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article238832999/Leopard-2-Ringtausch-mit-Tschechien-Deutschland-stellt-15-Panzer-zur-Verfuegung.html|access-date=2022-05-18|newspaper=Die Welt|date=2022-05-18}}</ref> It was later clarified that Czechia would receive 14 Leopard 2A4 and 1 Bpz3 ARV.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rheinmetall to deliver Leopard 2 tanks and Büffel armoured vehicle to the Czech Republic|url=https://www.czdefence.com/article/rheinmetall-to-deliver-leopard-2-tanks-and-buffel-armoured-vehicle-to-the-czech-republic|newspaper=Czech Army and Defence Magazine|date=2022-11-10}}</ref> The first Leopard 2A4 was delivered on 21 December 2022, and all 14 were delivered as of 21 November 2023.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Armáda ČR|author-link=|user=ArmadaCR|number=1727000551009992963|date=2023-11-21|title=V přáslavických kasárnách už stojí všech 14 darovaných tanků #Leopard2A4.|language=cs|access-date=2023-11-21|link=https://twitter.com/ArmadaCR/status/1727000551009992963|quote='V přáslavických kasárnách už stojí všech 14 darovaných tanků #Leopard2A4. Omezujeme tím závislost na ruské technice a přecházíme na moderní platformu. Nové tanky jsou silnější a posádce poskytují výrazně větší bezpečí.'|ref=}}</ref>

In February 2024, the Czech Ministry of Defence announced it received an offer from Germany for additional 14 Leopards 2A4 and one Büffel ARM as a compensation for weapons transfers to Ukraine. The Czech government accepted the offer later in February 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vlada.gov.cz/cz/media-centrum/aktualne/nemecko-nabidlo-ceske-armade-dalsich-15-tanku-leopard-2a4--prijeti-daru-projednala-vlada-212040/|title=Německo nabídlo české armádě dalších 15 tanků Leopard 2A4, přijetí daru projednala vláda}}</ref> This offer of free tanks was accompanied by an offer to purchase the same number of Leopard 2A4 platform vehicles (14 MBTs + 1 ARV) for "lower hundreds of millions EUR". The contract was signed in December 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lazarová |first1=Daniela |title=Czech Ministry of Defence signs contract for the purchase of 14 Leopard 2A4 battle tanks from Germany |url=https://english.radio.cz/czech-ministry-defence-signs-contract-purchase-14-leopard-2a4-battle-tanks-8836386 |website=Czech Radio International |publisher=Czech Radio |access-date=4 December 2024 |language=en |date=3 December 2024}}</ref> If these two offers are accepted, the Czech Army would own 42 Leopard 2A4 MBTs and 3 Büffel ARVs as a complement to planned purchase of Leopard 2A8 variant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://acr.army.cz/informacni-servis/zpravodajstvi/nemecko-nabidlo-cr-dalsi-bojove-tanky-leopard-2a4--249441/|title=Německo nabídlo ČR další bojové tanky Leopard 2A4}}</ref>

|-
| '''2A8''' || 61+16<br/>''(pending contract)'' || {{GER}} || In June 2024, the Czech gevernment confirmed intention to purchase 61 Leopard 2A8 tanks in 6 variants (base MBT, command MBT, recovery, engineering, bridge laying, and driver training), with an option to buy additional 16.<ref>{{cite web|date=2024-06-12|title=Vláda schválila přistoupení k dohodě o společném pořízení tanků Leopard 2A8|url=https://mocr.army.cz/informacni-servis/zpravodajstvi/vlada-schvalila-pristoupeni-k-dohode-o-spolecnem-porizeni-tanku-leopard-2a8-251903/|access-date=2024-06-16|language=cs}}</ref>
|-
| Bpz3 Büffel ARV || 1+1<br/>''(pending delivery)'' || {{GER}} || Part of "Ringtausch" package, to be delivered in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spitzerová |first1=Romana |title=První Büffel ARV-3 v přáslavických kasárnách |url=https://7mb.army.cz/aktuality/prvni-buffel-arv-3-v-praslavickych-kasarnach |website=7. mechanizovaná brigáda |publisher=Czech Department of Defence |access-date=4 December 2024 |language=cs |date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" valign="top"| {{flag|Denmark}}
| '''2A7 DK''' || '''44''' || {{GER}} || The Royal Danish Army received its first Leopard 2 tanks from surplus German stocks in 1998.<ref name="DK first">{{cite news|title=Jensby tilfreds med kostbare kampvogne|url=https://jyllands-posten.dk/indland/ECE3397964/Jensby-tilfreds-med-kostbare-kampvogne/|date=2003-09-11|publisher=Jyllands-Posten|access-date=2023-01-27|language=da}}</ref> These were upgraded from 2A4 standard to 2A5DK (equal to Leopard 2A6 minus the L/55 gun) in 2004–2006, at which point the army operated 57 Leopards.<ref name="danishpurchase">{{cite web|url=http://www.folketinget.dk/img20031/udvbilag/lib2/20031_23282/20031_23282.pdf|title=Financial Report of the Danish Defense Ministry|date=2004-08-03|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708123048/http://webarkiv.ft.dk/img20031/udvbilag/lib2/20031_23282/20031_23282.pdf|archive-date=2019-07-08|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2023, they had 44, which all were upgraded to A7 standard with Danish modifications between 2019 and 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=En kampvogn rulles ud, og med den, en ny tilgang til krigsførelse|url=https://www.forsvaret.dk/da/organisation/haeren/jyske-dragonregiment/nyheder/2019/en-kampvogn-rulles-ud-og-med-den-en-ny-tilgang-til-krigsforelse/|website=forsvaret.dk|access-date=2019-10-31|language=da|date=2019-10-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Alle danske kampvogne er opgraderet|url=https://www.forsvaret.dk/da/nyheder/2023/alle-danske-kampvogne-er-opgraderet/|website=forsvaret.dk|date=2023-09-23|language=da|access-date=2023-10-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fakta: Hvad er det særlige ved Leopard 2-kampvognen?|url=https://politiken.dk/udland/art9183856/Hvad-er-det-s%C3%A6rlige-ved-Leopard-2-kampvognen|publisher=Politiken|date=2023-01-24|language=da|access-date=2023-01-27}}</ref>
On 20 April 2024, an internal document from the Danish Ministry of Defence surfaced in the media. This document outlined acquisition strategies, notably including plans to procure an additional 9 Leopard 2 MBT's.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lomholdt|first=Anders|date=2024-04-20|title=Dokument lækket til TV 2 afslører ny forsvarsplan|url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/2024-04-20-dokument-laekket-til-tv-2-afsloerer-ny-forsvarsplan|access-date=2024-04-22|work=TV2}}</ref>
|-
| Leguan AVLB || 7 || {{GER}} || 7 Leopard 2A5DK converted to bridge layers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rasmussen|first=P.E.|date=2018-06-05|title=Forældede broslagningsvogne bliver opgraderet tidligere end ventet|url=https://olfi.dk/2018/06/05/foraeldede-broslagningsvogne-opgraderet-tidligere-ventet/|publisher=OLFI|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> 
|-
| Leopard 2 ARV || 10 || {{GER}} || Based on Leopard 2, from 2025<ref name="fmi-materielanskaf-2023">{{cite report|url=https://www.fmi.dk/globalassets/fmi/dokumenter/2023/fsv-materielanskaffelsesplan.pdf|title=Materielanskaffelsesplanen|publisher=[[Forsvarsministeriet]]}}</ref>
|-
| Leopard 2 MC/AEV || 6 || {{GER}} || Based on Leopard 2, from 2025<ref name="fmi-materielanskaf-2023" />
|-
| rowspan="6" valign="top" | {{flag|Finland}}
| '''2A4''' || '''100''' (+10 for spare parts)<br/> || {{FRG}}  || The Finnish Army originally bought 124 2A4s from surplus German stocks in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/equipment/Main-Battle-Tanks2003.aspx|title=Combat Aircraft|website=www.deagel.com|access-date=2011-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403005052/http://www.deagel.com/equipment/Main-Battle-Tanks2003.aspx|archive-date=2011-04-03|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, the Finnish Army bought 15 more German surplus Leopard 2A4s for spare parts of existing fleet, bringing the total number of Finnish Leopard 2A4 tanks to 139.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/equipment/Main-Battle-Tanks2009.aspx|title=Combat Aircraft|website=www.deagel.com|access-date=2011-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403004646/http://www.deagel.com/equipment/Main-Battle-Tanks2009.aspx|archive-date=2011-04-03|url-status=live}}</ref> Of the 39 spares, 10 were converted into bridge-layers, 12 converted into breaching tanks, 7 used for the chassis of the Marksman SPAAG, the remaining 10 disassembled for use as spares, leaving 100 operational tanks. In 2015, most of the Leopard 2A4s were moved into reserve, where they remain as of 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/uutiset/a/2015080520136327|title=Suomen uudet Leopard-tankit täydessä toiminnassa|website=iltalehti.fi|last=Virta|first=Mikko|date=2015-08-05|language=fi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807000401/http://www.iltalehti.fi/uutiset/2015080520136327_uu.shtml|archive-date=2015-08-07|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AEMI2023">{{cite web|url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/documents/1948673/2014902/CBMFI23.pdf|title=Annual Exchange of Military Information (AEMI) 2023|publisher=Finnish Defence Forces|language=fi|date=2023-01-01|access-date=2023-01-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104102006/https://puolustusvoimat.fi/documents/1948673/2014902/CBMFI23.pdf|archive-date=2023-01-04|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|'''2A6''' || '''100''' || {{GER}} || In January 2014, Finland agreed with the Netherlands to purchase 100 used Leopard 2A6NL tanks for approximately €200 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/Suomi+ostaa+k%C3%A4ytettyj%C3%A4+panssarivaunuja+200+miljoonalla+eurolla/a1389841933576|title=Suomi ostaa käytettyjä panssarivaunuja 200 miljoonalla eurolla|language=fi|date=2014-01-16|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140116125323/http://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/Suomi+ostaa+k%C3%A4ytettyj%C3%A4+panssarivaunuja+200+miljoonalla+eurolla/a1389841933576|archive-date=2014-01-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> All are in active service as of 2023.<ref name="AEMI2023"/>
|-
|[[Marksman anti-aircraft system|Leopard 2 Marksman]] || 7 || {{FRG}} <br/>{{FIN}}<br/>{{UK}}|| Seven Leopard 2A4 chassis were used to replace the T-55AM chassis in 2015 for the Marksman SPAAG.
|-
||Leguan AVLB<br/>''"Siltapanssarivaunu Leopard 2L"'' || 10<br/>''(+6 ordered)'' || {{GER}}<br/>{{FIN}} || 10 of the 24 spare Leopard 2A4s were domestically converted into bridge layers; 6 in 2008, 4 more by 2021.<ref name=FLobitz>{{cite book|last=Lobitz|first=Frank|year=2022|title=Gesamtwerk Leopard 2|location= |publisher=Tankograd Publishing|page= |isbn=9783936519532}}</ref> ''See 2A4 and 2A6 notes.'' Six new Leopard 2L bridge-layers were ordered from KMW in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-12-19|title=Patria to deliver more Tracked Bridge Layer Vehicles to the Finnish Defence Forces|url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/patria-to-deliver-more-tracked-bridge-layer-vehicles-to-the-finnish-defence-forces|access-date=2024-04-01|website=European Defence Review}}</ref>
|-
|2R Breacher || 0 || {{GER}}<br/>{{FIN}} || Six of the 24 spare Leopard 2A4s were domestically converted to the 2R breacher variant. All six were donated to Ukraine.
|-
|2A4 MCRS || 6 || {{FRG}} <br/>{{GER}}<br/>{{FIN}} || Six of the 24 spare Leopard 2A4s were converted into Mine Clearing Roller Systems (MCRS) equipped with [[Israel]]i-made Urdan [[mine roller]]s.<ref name="PSPR2015">{{cite web|url=http://puolustusvoimat.fi/wcm/a2748e00495d6be1a9e0a98833fba23b/Toimintanaytoksen_materiaalitiedot_5+8+2015.pdf?MOD=AJPERES|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005155147/http://www.puolustusvoimat.fi/wcm/a2748e00495d6be1a9e0a98833fba23b/Toimintanaytoksen_materiaalitiedot_5+8+2015.pdf?MOD=AJPERES|title=MAAVOIMIEN LIIKKUVUUDEN JA TULIVOIMAN ROLL OUT PANSSARIPRIKAATISSA 5.8.2015 – Esiteltävä kalusto|publisher=Finnish Defence Forces|language=fi|date=2015-08-05|archive-date=2015-10-05|access-date=2016-05-04}}</ref>
|-
|{{flag|West Germany}}<br />{{flag|Germany}} (Industry)
|'''2A4''' || N/A || |{{FRG}} || Retired from service. Remaining Leopard 2A4s have been converted to support vehicles, are in long-term storage, or with KMW and Rheinmetall for resale. Rheinmetall had approximately 51 available in 2023; 14 were donated to Czechia and 15 to Slovakia as part of Germany's Ringtausch program. 14 purchased for Ukraine by Denmark and the Netherlands. Germany replenished its stocks with 25 Swiss Panzer 87s (2A4s) in 2023, though all of these were offered to Czechia as part of a major arms deal.
|-
| rowspan="11" valign="top" | {{flag|Germany}} (military)
| '''2A5''' || '''19''' || {{GER}} || The German army had up to 285 Leopard 2A5<ref name="KWS A5,A6;A6M">{{citation|author=Frank Lobitz|title=Kampfpanzer Leopard 2. Entwicklung und Einsatz in der Bundeswehr|date=2009|pages=147 bis 186|chapter=Leopard 2A5, A6 und A6M Kampfwertsteigerungen|location=Erlangen|publisher=Tankograd Publishing – Verlag Jochen Vollert|isbn=978-3-936519-08-2}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>

* Lot 1: + 225 upgraded from standard Leopard 2A4
* Lot 2: + 60 125 were planned to be upgraded from standard Leopard 2A4, but due to further upgrades, only 60 were upgraded to the standard Leopard 2A5, the remaining 65 were upgraded directly from the Leopard 2A4 to the standard Leopard 2A6

Following that some were sold and upgraded:

* - 160 upgraded to the standard Leopard 2A6
* - 105 sold to Poland in 2013 after Germany decided to limit its fleet to 225 tanks<ref>{{cite web|last=Benitez|first=Jorge|date=2013-11-26|title=Poland Acquires Over a Hundred Tanks from Germany|url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/natosource/poland-acquires-over-a-hundred-tanks-from-germany/|access-date=2023-10-25|website=Atlantic Council}}</ref>
|-
| '''2A6'''|| '''68''' || {{GER}} || 225 Leopard 2 were upgraded to A6 standard:<ref>{{cite web|title=Kampfpanzer Leopard 2 A6 (Bw)|url=https://www.panzerbaer.de/types/bw_kpz_leopard_2_a6-a.htm|access-date=2023-10-25|website=panzerbaer.de}}</ref>

* + 160 modified from Leopard 2A5
* + 65 upgraded from the Leopard 2A4

The German Army also purchased:

* + 18 coming from the Netherlands Army in 2015<ref>{{cite web|last=Axe|first=David|title=The Dutch Army Eliminated All Its Tanks—Then Realized It Had Made A Huge Mistake|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2020/11/30/the-dutch-army-eliminated-all-its-tanks-then-realized-it-had-made-a-huge-mistake/|access-date=2023-10-25|website=Forbes}}</ref>

Some of those were upgraded / transferred:

* - 70 upgraded to standard Leopard 2A6M<ref name="joint-forces.com2">{{cite web|date=2020-04-16|title=Bundeswehr Leopard 2 MBT At 40 ~ Part 4|url=https://www.joint-forces.com/features/31256-bundeswehr-leopard-2-mbt-at-40-part-4|access-date=2023-10-25|website=Joint Forces News|language=en-GB}}</ref>
* - 51 upgraded to standard Leopard 2A6 A3<ref name=":043">{{cite web|date=2020-04-20|title=Bundeswehr Leopard 2 MBT At 40 ~ Part 5|url=https://www.joint-forces.com/features/31402-bundeswehr-leopard-2-mbt-at-40-part-5|access-date=2023-10-25|website=Joint Forces News|language=en-GB}}</ref>
* - 20 upgraded to the standard Leopard 2A7,<ref>{{cite web|last=Eshel|first=Tamir|date=2014-12-18|title=KMW upgrades former Dutch Leopard 2s for the German Army - Defense Update|url=https://defense-update.com/20141218_leopard2a7.html,%20https://defense-update.com/20141218_leopard2a7.html|access-date=2023-10-25}}</ref> which were again upgraded to standard Leopard 2A7V<ref name=":03">{{cite web|date=2017-09-27|title=Rheinmetall beginnt Panzerumrüstung auf Leopard 2 A7V - bundeswehr-journal|url=https://www.bundeswehr-journal.de/2017/rheinmetall-beginnt-panzerumruestung-auf-leopard-2-a7v/|access-date=2023-10-25|language=de}}</ref>
* - 16 upgraded to the standard Leopard 2A7V directly<ref name=":03" />
* - 18 transferred to Ukraine in 2023 (14 + 4)<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-05-26|title=Germany orders 18 new Leopard 2 tanks to replace vehicles sent to Ukraine|url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-leopard-tanks-ukraine-6d718265ded5e9d2e291dbae5f7487fc|access-date=2023-10-25|website=AP News}}</ref>
|-
|'''2A6 A3''' || '''34''' || {{GER}} ||Leopard 2A6 upgraded with new Peri R17A3 commander optronics.

* + 51 in service as of 2019<ref name=":043"/>
* - 17 removed from service in 2022 to be modified in Leopard 2A7 A1 (see in future equipment section)<ref name="esut.de3">{{cite web|last=ES&T Redaktion|date=2021-11-03|title=Abstandsaktives Schutzsystem Trophy auf Leopard 2 A7A1 erfolgreich getestet|url=https://esut.de/2021/11/meldungen/30682/abstandsaktives-schutzsystem-trophy-auf-leopard-2-a7a1-erfolgreich-getestet/|access-date=2023-10-25|website=esut.de|language=de-DE}}</ref>
|-
|'''2A6M''' || '''20''' || {{GER}} || Leopard 2A6 with better anti-mine protection.

* + 70 were modified from Leopard 2A6<ref name="joint-forces.com2"/>
* - 50 later upgraded to standard Leopard 2A6 MA3<ref name=":043"/>
|-
|'''2A6M A3''' || '''50''' || {{GER}} || Leopard 2A6M upgraded with new Peri R17A3 commander optronics.

* 50 modified from standard Leopard 2A6M<ref name=":043"/>
|-
| '''2A7V''' || '''104''' || {{GER}} || All delivered as of November 2023, made of:<ref>{{cite web|last=ES&T Redaktion|date=2023-10-13|title=Bundeswehr hat letzten von 104 Leopard 2A7V erhalten|url=https://esut.de/2023/10/meldungen/45012/bundeswehr-hat-letzten-von-104-leopard-2a7v-erhalten/|access-date=2023-10-25|website=esut.de|language=de-DE}}</ref><ref name=":03"/>

* 68 Leopard 2A4 from the industry
* 16 Leopard 2A6
* 20 Leopard 2A7 (the only that were at this standard, coming from Dutch Army)
|-
|'''2A7 A1''' || '''17''' (on order) || {{GER}} || |Order - November 2021
Delivery - 2024 - 2025

New variant equipped with [[Trophy (countermeasure)|Active Protection System Trophy]].

KMW manufactured 17 new chassis, Bundeswehr supplied 17 turrets of the Leopard 2A6A3 variant.<ref name="esut.de3"/>
|-
|'''2A8''' || |'''123''' (on order) || {{GER}} || In 2023 Germany ordered 18 Leopard 2A8 with an option of another 105 from [[Krauss-Maffei Wegmann|KMW]]. Deliveries of the 18 Leopard 2A8 replacing the 18 Leopard 2A6 Germany sent to Ukraine begin in 2025.<ref>{{cite web|last=Glaw|first=Julian|date=2023-05-26|title=Auslieferung ab 2025: Bundeswehr bestellt 18 Leopard-2-Panzer bei Krauss-Maffei Wegmann|url=https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/bundeswehr-18-neue-leopard-2-panzer-ab-2025_aid-91109397|access-date=2023-06-04|website=RP ONLINE|language=de}}</ref> In July 2024, Germany's budget committee approved the excersing of an option for 105 tanks for 2.93 bln €.<ref name=":3" /> The tanks from the option are planned to be delivered between 2027 and 2030.
|-
| BPz3 Büffel ARV || 75 || {{GER}} || 75 in army stocks as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| PiPz 3 Kodiak AEV || 44 || {{GER}} || 44 in army stocks as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| Leguan AVLB || 31 || {{GER}} || 31 in army stocks as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| rowspan="3" valign="top"| {{flag|Greece}}
| '''2A4''' || '''183''' ||{{FRG}} || In May 2022 it was reported that Greece was in discussions with KMW to upgrade all 183 to the 2A7 HEL standard.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2022/rheinmetall-to-possibly-modernize-greek-army-leopard-1a5-and-leopard-2a4-mbts-to-leopard-2a7-standard|title=KMW to possibly modernize Greek Army Leopard 1A5 and Leopard 2A4 MBTs to Leopard 2A7 standard|date=11 Apr 2022}}</ref>
|-
| '''2A6 HEL''' || '''170''' || {{GRE}} || Manufactured domestically in Greece by [[Hellenic Vehicle Industry|ELBO]].
|-
| BPz3 Büffel ARV || 25 || {{GER}} || 25 operated as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| rowspan="5" valign="top"| {{flag|Hungary}}
| '''2A4''' || '''12''' || {{GER}} || All twelve A4s arrived as of December 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://honvedelem.hu/hirek/teljes-a-letszam.html|title=Teljes a "létszám"|date=December 2020}}</ref> ''See 2A7 notes''
|-
| '''2A7 HU''' || '''44''' || {{GER}} || A deal for 44 Leopard 2A7+ and 12 second hand Leopard 2A4 was signed in December 2018. The first 2A7+ tank arrived on 6 December 2023.<ref name="StatementHungary"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://honvedelem.hu/hirek/tatan-az-elso-leopard-2a7hu.html|title=Tatán az első Leopard 2A7HU|date=December 2023}}</ref>
|-
| Wisent 2 ARV || 6 || {{GER}} || Six owned as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| BPz3 Büffel ARV || 9 || {{GER}} || Nine owned as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| Leguan AVLB || 3 || {{GER}} || Three owned as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| rowspan="5" valign="top"| {{flag|Indonesia}}
| '''2A4+''' || '''42''' || {{FRG}}<br/>{{GER}}<br/>{{CHE}} || Indonesia sought and obtained approval for the purchase of 103 refurbished Leopard 2A4 (Panzer 87s) tanks from Bundeswehr surplus stocks in 2013.<ref name="Nassauer">{{cite web|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/leopard-2-regierung-genehmigt-verkauf-von-panzern-nach-indonesien-a-898650.html|title=Umstrittener Rüstungsdeal: Berlin genehmigt Verkauf von 164 Panzern nach Indonesien|last=Nassauer|first=Otfried|author2=Matthias Gebauer|date=2013-05-07|publisher=[[Spiegel Online]]|access-date=2013-05-10|language=de}}</ref> In September 2013, the [[Indonesian Army]] received the first two Leopard 2A4 tanks. The Leopard 2s have been modified to suit Indonesia's tropical climate, and have been internally renamed as Leopard 2RI (RI for "Republic of Indonesia"). Indonesian Leopard 2s were originally Panzer 87s,<ref>{{cite web|last=Kostrad|first=((Yonkav 1))|date=2023-01-09|title=Batalyon Kavaleri 1 Kostrad on Instagram: "Cavalry Fight and Win Battle in any clime and place !!! " We choose Cavalry because we are proud and honor "|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CnL2v1QLxiN/|access-date=2023-02-03|website=Instagram|language=en}}</ref> and use [[FN MAG]], with some using M240C/D as coaxial/pintle mounted machine gun.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kostrad|first=Penerangan|date=2019-12-07|title=Mobile Training Team Senjata Ohio Ordnance Work 2019 Yonkav 1 Kostrad|url=https://kostrad.mil.id/security-pussansiad/pages/banned.php|access-date=2023-02-03|website=kostrad.mil.id|language=id|archive-date=2023-01-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116073159/https://kostrad.mil.id/security-pussansiad/pages/banned.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| '''2RI''' || '''61''' || {{FRG}}<br/>{{GER}}<br/>{{CHE}} || About 62 of Leopard 2A4 were upgraded to Revolution standard by Rheinmetall.<ref name="Nassauer"/>
|-
| BPz3 Büffel ARV || 4 || {{FRG}}<br/>{{GER}} || Purchased with refurbished Leopard 2A4+ tanks.<ref name="Nassauer"/>
|-
| PiPz 3 Kodiak AEV || 3 || {{FRG}}<br/>{{GER}} || Purchased with refurbished Leopard 2A4+ tanks.<ref name="Nassauer"/>
|-
| Leguan AVLB || 3 || {{FRG}}<br/>{{GER}} || Purchased with refurbished Leopard 2A4+ tanks.<ref name="Nassauer"/>
|-
|{{flag|Lithuania}}
|'''2A8'''
|'''44'''
(Pending delivery)
|
|In July 2023, [[Ministry of National Defence (Lithuania)|Lithuanian MoD]] sent a [[letter of intent]] to purchase Leopard 2 from German [[Krauss-Maffei Wegmann|KMW]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2023-07-29 |title=Lithuania sends Germany letter of intent on Leopard tank acquisition |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2046014/lithuania-sends-germany-letter-of-intent-on-leopard-tank-acquisition |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=LRT}}</ref> It was previously reported that the country seeks to acquire 54 tanks.<ref name="lt-leopard-2">{{cite web |last=Adamowski |first=Jaroslaw |date=2023-03-15 |title=Lithuania wants 54 new tanks in tweak to land forces layout |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/03/15/lithuania-wants-54-new-tanks-in-tweak-to-land-forces-layout/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=Defense News}}</ref> On December 16, 2024 it was announced that the Lithuanian government had ordered 44 Leopard 2A8 with expected delivery in 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adamowski |first=Jaroslaw |date=2024-12-17 |title=Lithuania agrees to purchase 44 Leopard 2 tanks in country's largest-ever defense deal |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/12/17/lithuania-pushes-leopard-2a8-tank-acquisition-under-new-government/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=Defense News}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" valign="top"| {{flag|Netherlands}}
| '''2A6''' || '''18'''<br/>''(leased)'' || {{GER}} || 18 are currently leased from Germany and used by the joint German-Dutch [[414 Tank Battalion]]. These were briefly considered to be donated to Ukraine, though a decision was made by the Dutch government to retain the tanks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.defence-ua.com/news/the_reason_why_holland_cannot_give_leopard_2_to_ukraine_and_what_dutch_armys_integration_into_bundeswehr_has_to_deal_with_it-5736.html|title=The Reason Why Holland Cannot Give Leopard 2 to Ukraine, And What Dutch Army's Integration into Bundeswehr Has to Deal With It|author=Defense Express|date=2023-02-13}}</ref>

The Royal Netherlands Army previously operated 445 Leopard 2s. 330 of these were updated to 2A5 standard in 1993, and later, 188 of these were converted to 2A6 standard. The majority of these Leopard 2s were sold after the end of the Cold War. In April 2011, the [[Ministry of Defence (Netherlands)|Dutch Ministry of Defence]] announced that the last remaining tank division would be disbanded and the remaining Leopard tanks sold due to large budget cuts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2011/04/08/46180709/Defensie_hard_getroffen_door_bezuinigingen_video|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807071458/http://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2011/04/08/46180709/Defensie_hard_getroffen_door_bezuinigingen_video|url-status=dead|title=www.defensie.nl|archive-date=2011-08-07}}</ref> In May 2011, the last tank fired the final shot at the [[Bergen-Hohne Training Area]]. They were due to be delivered to the Indonesian Army, which planned to purchase the entire Dutch stock of Leopard 2A6s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvhn.nl/nieuws/drenthe/article6727686.ece/Laatste-schot-uit-Leopardtank|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928093526/http://www.dvhn.nl/nieuws/drenthe/article6727686.ece/Laatste-schot-uit-Leopardtank|url-status=dead|title=dvhn.nl|archive-date=2011-09-28}}</ref> The deal was scrapped after opposition from the Dutch Parliament.<ref name=JakartaGlobe3>{{cite web|title=Indonesia Pulls Out of Dutch Tanks Deal|url=http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/indonesia-pulls-out-of-dutch-tanks-deal/528362|work=thejakartaglobe.com|access-date=2012-07-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705084042/http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/indonesia-pulls-out-of-dutch-tanks-deal/528362|archive-date=2012-07-05}}</ref> The Dutch Army offered its formerly operated Leopard 2A6s for comparative tests to be conducted by the [[Peruvian Army]] for possible acquisition.<ref name="peru">{{cite web|url=http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsrussia-t90s-battle-tank-peruvian-army|title=Russia offers T-90S main battle tank to Peruvian Army|first=Abhishek|last=Dutta|website=Army Technology|date=2013-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609154729/http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsrussia-t90s-battle-tank-peruvian-army|archive-date=2013-06-09|url-status=live}}</ref> By September 2013, the Leopard 2A6 had been disqualified by Peru due to logistical complexities.<ref name="preject">{{cite web|url=http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7865:peru-future-main-battle-tank-projects-lags-on-despite-criticism&catid=35:latin-america&Itemid=58|title=Peru; Future main battle tank projects lags on despite criticism|website=Defence Market Intelligence|date=2013-09-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928033434/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7865%3Aperu-future-main-battle-tank-projects-lags-on-despite-criticism&catid=35%3Alatin-america&Itemid=58|archive-date=2013-09-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Leopard 2s were eventually sold to Finland in a deal signed in January 2014 for €200 million with deliveries to start from 2015 to 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://defense-update.com/20140119_finland_buys_dutch_leopards.html|title=Finland is Buying Dutch Leopards for €200 Million|author=News Desk|date=2014-01-19|access-date=2014-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111075601/http://defense-update.com/20140119_finland_buys_dutch_leopards.html|archive-date=2014-11-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> In September 2015, the Dutch government published that the army would have 16 tanks put out of storage. One Leopard 2 tank is exhibited at the military museum.<ref name="Netherlands">{{cite web|url=http://925.nl/archief/2015/01/13/koop-een-tank-nu-het-nog-kan/|title=Koop een tank, nu het nog kan|date=2015-01-13|language=nl|website=925.nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113184530/http://925.nl/archief/2015/01/13/koop-een-tank-nu-het-nog-kan/|archive-date=2015-01-13|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| BPz3 Büffel ARV || 25 || {{GER}} || Operates 25 ARVs as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| PiPz AEV || 10 || {{GER}} || Operates 10 AEVs as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| Leguan AVLB || 10 || {{GER}} || Operates 10 as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| rowspan="5" valign="top"| {{flag|Norway}}
| '''2A4NO''' || '''38'''<br/>''(28 active)'' || {{FRG}} || The Norwegian Army initially purchased 52 ex-Dutch Leopard 2A4s, but a number of them have since been cannibalized for spares and/or been rebuilt into support variants. Only 36 of these tanks are still active and operational as of 2023; 8 were donated to Ukraine.<ref name="Felstead">{{cite web|last=Felstead|first=Peter|date=2023-02-21|title=Norway Firms Up Order for 54 Leopard 2A7 MBTs|url=https://euro-sd.com/2023/02/news/29748/norway-firms-up-order-for-54-leopard-2a7-mbts/|website=European Security and Defence}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Persen|first1=Kjell|last2=Talnes|first2=Stål|last3=Bjørnson|first3=Harald|last4=Hågensen|first4=Finn-Ove|title=Tyske Leopard 2A7 blir Norges nye stridsvogn|date=2023-02-03|url=https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/tyske-leopard-2a7-blir-norges-nye-stridsvogn/15467364/|publisher=TV2.no|access-date=2023-03-02|language=no}}</ref>
|-
| '''2A8 NOR''' (initially 2A7NO) || '''54'''<br/>''(pending delivery)'' || {{GER}} || On 18 February 2023 it was reported the Norwegian Government had placed an order for 54 new Leopard 2A7NO tanks from KMW.<ref name="Felstead"/> Later, in the middle of June, it was announced that the 2A7 order had been upgraded to a newly specified 2A8 NOR variant. The 2A8 NOR builds on the German 2A8 model with integrated EuroTrophy [[Active protection system|APS]], while having certain Norway-specific features such as Kongsberg's ICS/CORTEX-solution and Teleplan Globe's FACNAV/norBMS battlefield management systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/configuration-is-finalised-for-norways-leopard-2a8-tank-order/|title=Norway's Leopard 2 tanks will be new 2A8 variant with active protection system &#124; Shephard}}</ref>
37 out of 54 tanks will be assembled in Norway<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nrk.no/trondelag/37-av-de-54-leopard-2-stridsvognene-norge-har-bestilt-skal-settes-sammen-hos-ritek-i-levanger-1.16919888|title=37 av de 54 Leopard 2-stridsvognene Norge har bestilt skal settes sammen hos Ritek i Levanger|date=2024-06-11}}</ref>
|-
| Wisent 2 ARV || 6+3 || {{GER}} || In May 2015, it was announced that the Norwegian Army had ordered 6 Wisent 2 in the ARV configuration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tu.no/artikler/her-er-forsvarets-aller-nyeste-anskaffelse/223384|title=Her er Forsvarets aller nyeste anskaffelse|date=2015-05-19|publisher=Teknisk Ukeblad|access-date=2018-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111215346/https://www.tu.no/artikler/her-er-forsvarets-aller-nyeste-anskaffelse/223384|archive-date=2018-11-11|url-status=live}}</ref> 3 more ARVs were ordered in June 2023.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.fma.no/aktuelt-og-media/2020/forsvaret-far-flere-ingenior-og-bergingspanservogner|title=Forsvaret får flere ingeniør- og bergingspanservogner|publisher=Forsvarsmateriell|access-date=2023-07-13}}</ref>
|-
| Wisent 2 AEV || 6+8 || {{GER}} || A second order of 6 Wisent 2 was announced in September 2018, but these were delivered in the AEV configuration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forsvaret.no/forsvarsmateriell/presserom/forsvarsmateriell-m%C3%B8ter-studentene/h%C3%A6ren-f%C3%A5r-pansret-ingeni%C3%B8rpanservogn|title=Hæren får ingeniørpanservogn|publisher=Forsvarsmateriell|access-date=2018-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224023654/https://forsvaret.no/forsvarsmateriell/presserom/forsvarsmateriell-m%C3%B8ter-studentene/h%C3%A6ren-f%C3%A5r-pansret-ingeni%C3%B8rpanservogn|archive-date=2018-12-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> 8 more AEVs were ordered in June 2023.<ref name=":2" />
|-
| Leguan AVLB || 6 || {{GER}} || In March 2019, Norway signed an agreement with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann for the procurement of 6 new LEGUAN bridgelayers, with deliveries to begin in summer 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Norway procures LEGUAN bridgelayers|url=https://www.monch.com/mpg/news/land/5189-norway-leguan-bridgelayers.html|website=Mönch Publishing Group|access-date=2019-03-22|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190322141049/https://www.monch.com/mpg/news/land/5189-norway-leguan-bridgelayers.html|archive-date=2019-03-22|date=2019-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Norway Procures Leguan Bridge Layer Systems For Leopard 2 Tank|url=http://www.defenseworld.net/news/24515|website=Defense World|access-date=2019-03-22|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190322141100/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/24515|archive-date=2019-03-22|date=2019-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" valign="top"| {{flag|Poland}}
| '''2A4''' || '''52''' || {{FRG}} || The first batch of 128 Leopard 2A4s (produced between 1985 and 1987) as well as 49 other armoured vehicles (like Bergepanzer 2 ARVs and M113 family APCs) and 151 trucks and 4x4s was transferred to Poland in 2002 and 2003 for 100 million [[Polish złoty|PLN]]. They are used by the [[10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade (Poland)|10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade]] based in [[Świętoszów]]. An additional 14 were purchased with Leopard 2A5s in 2013.<ref name="defence24.com">{{cite web|url=https://defence24.com/last-leopard-2a5-tanks-reach-poland-photos|title=Last Leopard 2A5 Tanks Reach Poland|date=December 2015|access-date=2023-02-23}}</ref> ''See 2A4PL notes'' 14 of Poland's 100 2A4s are being donated to Ukraine; training began in early February 2023 and the first four were delivered on 24 February.<ref name="Poland Starts Training of Ukrainian">{{cite web|url=https://defence24.com/armed-forces/poland-starts-training-of-ukrainian-leopard-2-tank-crews|title=Poland Starts Training of Ukrainian Leopard 2 Tank Crews|date=2023-02-14|access-date=2023-02-23}}</ref>
|-
| '''2A5''' || '''105''' || {{GER}} || 105 Leopard 2A5s were purchased with 14 more 2A4s and other equipment by Poland in 2013 for an estimated 180 – 200 million euro. The last tank was delivered on 30 November 2015.<ref name="defence24.com"/>
|-
| '''[[Leopard 2PL|2PL]]''' || '''76''' || {{FRG}}<br/>{{GER}}<br/>{{POL}} || 128 Leopard 2A4 were scheduled to be upgraded to [[Leopard 2PL]] standard, in a contract worth 2,415M PLN that was signed in December 2015. In 2018 a follow-on deal to upgrade a second batch of 14 Leopard 2 A4s was signed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.defence24.pl/wiecej-leopardow-do-modernizacji-podpisano-aneks-news-defence24pl|title=Więcej Leopardów do modernizacji. Podpisano aneks &#91;News Defence24.pl&#93; – Defence24|date=2018-07-13|access-date=2018-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713140859/https://www.defence24.pl/wiecej-leopardow-do-modernizacji-podpisano-aneks-news-defence24pl|archive-date=2018-07-13|url-status=live}}</ref> As of July 2022, 45 have been converted as of February 2023.<ref name="Poland Starts Training of Ukrainian"/><ref name="Defence 24">{{cite web|url=https://defence24.pl/przemysl/leopard-2pl-rosna-opoznienia-i-koszty-pgz-wojsko-dostaje-praktycznie-nowe-czolgi-wywiad|first=Juliusz|last=Sabak|date=2022-07-07|title=Leopard 2PL - Rosną opóźnienia i koszty. PGZ: Wojsko dostaje "praktycznie nowe czołgi" [WYWIAD]|language=pl|trans-title=Leopard 2PL - Delays and costs are increasing. PGZ: The army gets "practically new tanks"|website=Defence 24}}</ref> The Leopard 2PL will introduce new sighting equipment for the gunner, commander and driver, an increased protection level, an upgraded gun, an upgraded fire suppression system and the installation of an auxiliary power unit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gdziewojsko.wordpress.com/2014/05/16/leopardy-2-a5-dotarly/|title=Leopardy 2 A5 dotarły|date=2014-05-16|access-date=2014-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904102927/http://gdziewojsko.wordpress.com/2014/05/16/leopardy-2-a5-dotarly/|archive-date=2014-09-04|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.altair.com.pl/e-report/view?article_id=820|title=Premiera Leoparda 2PL|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223062802/http://www.altair.com.pl/e-report/view?article_id=820|archive-date=2016-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
|-
|'''Leopard 2 NJ (Fahrschulpanzer)'''|| '''2'''|| {{GER}} || Commercial buy in 2014 from Rhainmetall https://defence24.pl/przemysl/dwa-szkolne-leopardy-dla-armii
|-
| rowspan="2" valign="top" | {{flag|Portugal}}
| '''2A6''' || '''34''' || {{GER}} || The [[Portuguese Army]] operates 37 ex-Dutch Leopard 2A6s, acquired in 2008 for €80 million. Also bought one for training and one for spares in A4 version.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.operacional.pt/um-dia-no-grupo-de-carros-de-combate/|title=UM DIA NO GRUPO DE CARROS DE COMBATE {{!}} Operacional|language=pt-PT|access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref> The Army, in 2010, planned to acquire 18 more units, leaving a total of 55 Leopard 2A6s, but the [[Ministry of National Defence (Portugal)|Ministry of National Defence]] denied the purchase of additional units due to budget cuts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exército pressiona ministro|url=https://www.dn.pt/portugal/exercito-pressiona-ministro-1551191.html|access-date=2022-11-14|website=www.dn.pt|date=2010-04-23|language=pt-PT}}</ref> The ''Military Programing Law'' signed in 2019, provides for the modernization of all Leopard 2A6s from 2026 to 2030, and may also receive an [[active protection system]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Militares com quase cinco mil milhões para armamento em 12 anos|url=https://www.dn.pt/edicao-do-dia/21-set-2018/militares-com-quase-cinco-mil-milhoes-para-armamento-em-12-anos-9881154.html|access-date=2022-11-14|website=www.dn.pt|date=2018-09-21|language=pt-PT}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Portugal considers adding active protection systems to tanks|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/portugal-considers-adding-active-protection-systems-to-tanks|access-date=2022-11-14|website=Janes.com|date=2021-03-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616110034/http://www.deagel.com/news/Qatar-Orders-24-PzH-2000-Self-Propelled-Howitzers-and-62-Leopard-2-A7-Main-Battle-Tanks_n000011422.aspx|archive-date=2013-06-16}}</ref> Three donated to Ukraine in 2023.
|-
|Leopard 2 Fahrschulpanzer || 1 || {{GER}} || One unit acquired in 2008 to train Leopard 2A6 new drivers.<ref name=":1" />
|-
| rowspan="2" valign="top"| {{flag|Qatar}}
| '''2A7+''' || '''62''' || {{GER}} || Qatar signed a contract for 62 Leopard 2A7+ tanks in April 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/news/Qatar-Orders-24-PzH-2000-Self-Propelled-Howitzers-and-62-Leopard-2-A7-Main-Battle-Tanks_n000011422.aspx|title=Qatar Orders 24 PzH 2000 Self-Propelled Howitzers and 62 Leopard 2 A7+ Main Battle Tanks|website=deagel.com|date=2013-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502234153/http://www.deagel.com/news/Qatar-Orders-24-PzH-2000-Self-Propelled-Howitzers-and-62-Leopard-2-A7-Main-Battle-Tanks_n000011422.aspx|archive-date=2013-05-02}}</ref> Deliveries commenced in late 2014/early 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6338:qatar-army-orders-leopard-2-pzh-2000-from-germany&catid=3:asia&Itemid=56|title=Qatar; Army orders Leopard 2 PzH 2000 from Germany|website=dmilt.com|date=2013-04-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103110744/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6338%3Aqatar-army-orders-leopard-2-pzh-2000-from-germany&catid=3%3Aasia&Itemid=56|archive-date=2013-11-03}}</ref> and were completed in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7090:qatar-rheinmetall-awarded-635-million-for-leo-2a7-pz-2000-support-contract&catid=3:asia&Itemid=56|title=Qatar; Rheinmetall awarded $635 Million for Leo-2A7, Pz-2000 support contract|website=dmilt.com|date=2013-06-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103110937/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7090%3Aqatar-rheinmetall-awarded-635-million-for-leo-2a7-pz-2000-support-contract&catid=3%3Aasia&Itemid=56|archive-date=2013-11-03}}</ref> The first units were displayed at Qatar's annual national day parade in December 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/56846/qatar-parades-new-equipment|title=Qatar parades new equipment|access-date=2015-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107040959/http://www.janes.com/article/56846/qatar-parades-new-equipment|archive-date=2016-01-07|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|Wisent 2 ARV || 6 || {{GER}} || Six owned as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| rowspan="5" valign="top"| {{flag|Singapore}}
| '''2SG''' || '''158''' || {{FRG}}<br/>{{GER}} || The Singapore Army acquired 96 ex-West German Leopard 2A4s, including 30 spare tanks, in 2006.<ref name="singpurchase">{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=2416170&C=asiapac|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208145029/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=2416170&C=asiapac|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-12-08|website=defensenews.com|title=Singapore to buy refurbished Leopard tanks from Germany|access-date=2007-02-18}}</ref> A number were upgraded with additional AMAP composite armour in 2010 by IBD Deisenroth and [[ST Kinetics]] and renamed Leopard 2SG in October 2010. By 2019, it was reported that Singapore had taken delivery of 158 Leopard 2A4s and 45 Leopard 2A7s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/02/21/german-documents-reveal-singapore-received-more-leopard-2-tanks/|title=German documents reveal Singapore received more Leopard 2 tanks|website=defensenews.com|date=2019-02-25}}</ref><ref name="shephardmedia.com" /> However, the Singapore Government has denied that it received deliveries of Leopard 2A7s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reply to Media Queries on SAF's Acquisition of Leopard 2A7 Tanks|url=https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/mindef/news-and-events/latest-releases/article-detail/2018/march/20mar18_mq3/!ut/p/z1/jZBbC4JAEIV_Uezsell9VAtTvGVqti-yBKmQl0R66Ne3RdCDpM7TDHznzMxBDOWItfxRl3ysu5bfxHxmakHDrbUHmQShkmAwsiTxFDNwUqqi0wcID7KNZSBe6MeKAHRdSyAiYFPE1ujhTxmwTj8DsHl7d2mBSIAMvuWXiPV8rDZ1e-1QTgBrKG_4cKneg2iwVjR3SdzDZh1j-gV-kWU2FUDkqK5-xLCTJsA006Wv-iZN86dn6k7tvADYrPGr/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/|access-date=2022-07-21|website=www.mindef.gov.sg|language=en}}</ref> The latest export numbers indicate that Singapore to have received more than 224SG Leo 2 tanks so far.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trade Registers|url=https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|access-date=2021-08-06|website=armstrade.sipri.org}}</ref>
|-
| '''2A7''' || '''45''' || {{GER}} || ''See 2SG notes''
|-
| BPz3 Büffel ARV|| 20 || {{GER}} || 20 owned as of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Buffel - Armored recovery vehicle|url=http://www.military-today.com/engineering/buffel.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510164546if_/http://www.military-today.com/engineering/buffel.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=10 May 2012|access-date=2022-09-04}}</ref>
|-
| PiPz 3 Kodiak AEV|| 14 || {{GER}}<br/>{{CHE}} || 14 owned as of 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Leopard 2 Armoured Engineer Vehicle|url=https://aoh22.sg/our-army-platforms/leopard-2-armoured-engineer-vehicle-(l2aev)|website=Army Open House 2022|access-date=2022-06-03|archive-date=2022-06-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603104412/https://aoh22.sg/our-army-platforms/leopard-2-armoured-engineer-vehicle-(l2aev)|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| Leguan AVLB || 10 || {{GER}} || 10 owned as of 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|title=SIPRI arms transfer database|date=2013-11-06|publisher=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]]|access-date=2016-05-01}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" valign="top"| {{flag|Slovakia}}
| '''2A4''' || '''15''' || {{FRG}} || In August 2022 the Slovak Ministry of Defence announced it will get 15 Leopards 2A4 from Germany in an exchange for its 30 tracked [[BMP-1]] infantry fighting vehicles from reserve that will be given to [[Ukraine]] to help defend against the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion]]. Germany's tank package includes ammunition, training, and spare parts. The plans for future modernisations or the purchase of modern versions of the Leopard 2 were not revealed at the time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Armáda získa nemecké tanky Leopard, Naď urobil na papieri lepší obchod než Česi - Dennikn.sk|url=https://dennikn.sk/2980924/armada-ziska-nemecke-tanky-leopard-nad-urobil-na-papieri-lepsi-obchod-nez-cesi/|website=www.dennikn.sk|date=2022-08-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/08/23/germany-slovakia-sign-tank-swap-deal-to-arm-ukraine/|title=Germany, Slovakia sign tank swap deal to arm Ukraine|first=Sebastian|last=Sprenger|date=2022-08-23|website=Defense News}}</ref> The first Leopard 2A4 was delivered on 19 December 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Slovensko si prevzalo prvý z 15 tankov Leopard od Nemecka - Sme.sk|url=https://www.sme.sk/minuta/23098350/slovensko-si-prevzalo-prvy-z-15-tankov-leopard-od-nemecka|date=2022-12-19}}</ref> The third Leopard 2A4 was delivered on 2 June 2023.<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-06-02|title=Slovenská armáda si prevzala tretí tank Leopard|url=https://dennikn.sk/minuta/3405862/|access-date=2023-06-02|website=Denník N|language=sk-SK}}</ref> The defence minister announced that as of 28 January all 15 Leopards were delivered. The defence minister has also expressed interest to buy 45 - 48 new Leopard 2A8 to the new mechanized brigade.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|-
| rowspan="3" valign="top"| {{flag|Spain}}
| '''2A4''' || '''78'''<br/>''(55 active)'' || {{FRG}} || 108 leased from Germany for training purposes in 1995, and purchased them in 1998. As of 2023, 55 are in active service with Montesa" n°3 and Alcántara n°10 Armoured Cavalery Regiments<ref>{{cite web|title=Spain Calculated How Many Leopard 2 Available And What Could Be Transferred to Ukraine {{!}} Defense Express|url=https://en.defence-ua.com/events/spain_calculated_how_many_leopard_2_available_and_what_could_be_transferred_to_ukraine-5521.html|access-date=2023-03-02|website=en.defence-ua.com|language=en}}</ref> The remaining 53 have been stored in Zaragoza. 11 Leopard 2 A4 have been removed from the Zaragoza storage facility to be refurbished to "have the same lethality as modern Leopard 2".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.epe.es/es/internacional/20230205/espana-reforzara-letalidad-tanques-leopard-guerra-ucrania-82519615|title=EPE.com: España reforzará la letalidad de sus tanques Leopard antes de enviarlos a Ucrania|date=2023-02-05|language=es|access-date=2023-02-23}}</ref> Spain is considering sending 40 of the 53 stored at Zaragoza, though they require extensive repairs due to a flood in 1997; the remaining 13 are turretless or unserviceable.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.epe.es/es/internacional/20230125/tanques-leopard-espana-mandara-ucrania-viejos-81973890|work=El Periódico de España|title=Los tanques Leopard que España mandará a Ucrania serán hasta 40 de los viejos 2A4|date=2023-01-25|language=es}}</ref> At least 10 have been committed to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|title=Spain repairs Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine|url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/spain-repairs-leopard-2-tanks-for-ukraine/|access-date=2023-03-02|website=Militarnyi|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="politico.eu"/> On 5 April, Defence Minister [[Margarita Robles]] announced that Spain would send six Leopard 2A4s to Ukraine by the second half of April.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-security-aid-billions-e02b957dc15fcb1004bf54a2232c1f5e|title=Six Spanish Leopard tanks to leave to Ukraine in second half of April|date=2023-04-05|website=Reuters|access-date=2023-04-13}}</ref> An additional 20 of the retired Leopard 2A4 at Zaragoza are being prepared for Ukraine, with two deliveries scheduled in June and September 2024.<ref name="infodefensa.com">{{cite web|date=2024-03-20|title=España ha enviado 190 millones de euros en 61 exportaciones de material a Ucrania y prepara 20 Leopard más|url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/4763468/espana-enviado-190-millones-euros-61-exportaciones-material-ucrania-prepara-20-leopard|website=Info Defensa}}</ref>
|-
| '''[[Leopard 2E|2E]]''' || '''219''' || {{GER}}<br />{{ESP}} || [[Santa Bárbara Sistemas]] manufactured 60% of the contract under license. 219 main battle tanks + four training tanks.
|-
| | BPz3 Büffel ARV|| 16 || {{GER}} || 16 owned as of 2021<ref>{{cite web|title=Spain Finalizes Buy of 108 Leopard 2A4 Tanks|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/spain-finalizes-buy-of-108-leopard-2A4-tanks-01155/|access-date=2023-03-02|website=Defense Industry Daily}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="5" valign="top"| {{flag|Sweden}}
| '''[[Stridsvagn 122]]'''<br/>(2A5 equivalent) || '''110'''<br/> || {{GER}}<br/>{{SWE}} || In August 1994, 160 ex-German Leopard 2A4s were leased and received minor modifications. They were used under the designation Stridsvagn 121 until the reorganisation of the [[Swedish Army]] in 2000 when they were placed in storage until the lease contract expired in 2011. Sweden acquired 120 Leopard 2 Improved tanks, which were designated Stridsvagn 122, in 1994 with some modifications. Upgrades for 88 Stridsvagn 122A and B variants to C and D standards were ordered in 2016. Upgrades including the L/55 gun for 46 strv 122A variants were announced in 2023, they would be redesignated stridsvagn 123A.<ref>{{cite web|date=2019-02-20|title=uppföljning av pågående större anskaffningar|url=https://www.fmv.se/globalassets/dokument/om-fmv/fmv-ar18-bilaga-1-faststalld-slutversion.pdf|access-date=2024-04-19|website=FMV.se|publisher=[[Försvarets materielverk]] (FMV)|page=22(48)|language=sv}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://fmv.se/sv/Projekt/Stridsvagnssystem/|title=Stridsvagnssystem|first=Magnus|last=Hellgren|website=FMV|place=SE|access-date=2018-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104085530/http://fmv.se/sv/Projekt/Stridsvagnssystem/|archive-date=2018-11-04|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Strv 123A">{{cite web|title=Stridsvagn 122 blir stridsvagn 123A|url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/aktuellt/2023/10/stridsvagn-122-blir-stridsvagn-123a/|website=Försvarsmakten|access-date=2023-10-11}}</ref> In 2023 Sweden delivered 10 of its 120 to Ukraine.<ref name="Strv 123A" />
|-
| Bärgningsbandvagn 120<br/>(BPz 3 Büffel ARV)|| 14 || {{GER}} || 14 owned as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| Ingenjörbandvagn 120<br/>(PiPz 3 Kodiak AEV)|| 6 || {{GER}}<br/>{{CHE}} || Six owned as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| Brobandvagn 120<br/>(Leguan AVLB) || 10 || {{GER}} || Ten owned as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|-
| '''Stridsvagn 123B''' <br/>(Leopard 2A8) || 44 || {{GER}} || In January 2024 Sweden ordered 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks to be delivered in 2028 to 2031 in an order worth €2 Billion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sweden to purchase 44 German Leopard tanks |url=https://www.dw.com/en/sweden-to-purchase-44-german-leopard-tanks/a-71254958|access-date=2025-01-11|website=Deutsche Welle}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=FMV uppgraderar och nyanskaffar stridsvagnar|url= https://www.fmv.se/aktuellt--press/aktuella-handelser/fmv-uppgraderar-och-nyanskaffar-stridsvagnar/|access-date=2025-01-11|website=Försvarets materielverk}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="5" valign="top" | {{flag|Switzerland}}
|| '''Pz 87 WE''' || '''134''' || {{FRG}}<br/>{{CHE}} || Modernized to the ''Pz 87 WE'' standard in 2011. See ''Pz 87 notes'' for further details.
|-
| '''Pz 87''' || '''71'''<br/>''(in storage)''|| {{FRG}}<br />{{CHE}} || The Swiss Army purchased 380 Leopard 2A4s designated ''Panzer 87''. 35 were manufactured by KMW and Rheinmetall, while 345 were domestically made in Switzerland. 42 were later sold back to Rheinmetall,<ref>{{cite web|title=Sale of surplus Leopard 2 Battle Tanks to the German manufacturer|url=https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-36295.html|access-date=2023-03-02|website=The Federal Council}}</ref> and 12 were sold to the [[Canadian Army]] and were transformed in ''L2-ARV (BPz3 Büffel ARV)''.

As of 2023, 134 upgraded Pz 87 WE tanks are active while the remaining 96 Pz 87s were decommissioned and placed in long-term storage,<ref name="auto3">{{cite web|title=Acquisitions – L'armée devrait recevoir 771 millions pour ses achats|url=https://www.24heures.ch/l-armee-devrait-recevoir-771-millions-pour-ses-achats-120449868912|access-date=2023-03-02|website=[[24 heures (Switzerland)|24 heures]]|date=2014-06-04|language=fr}}</ref> and 49 Pz 87 have been transformed in engineering variants since 2011 (see below).

On 3 March 2023 it was reported that Germany sought to purchase an unknown number of Switzerland's 96 reserve tanks to backfill those given to Ukraine by other allies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-switzerland-leopard-tanks-nato-ukraine-ee66fd4d5ae07c12cd0658fefcc60311|title=Germany seeks to buy mothballed Swiss Leopard 2 tanks|date=2023-03-03|website=Associated Press|access-date=2023-03-03}}</ref> Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger later confirmed in an interview the company sought to purchase 36 of these tanks.<ref>{{cite news|date=2023-03-15|title=Rheinmetall-Chef Papperger über das geplante Panzer-Werk in der Ukraine: "Wir müssen sie befähigen, sich selbst zu verteidigen"|work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung|url=https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/rheinmetall-chef-papperger-ueber-das-geplante-panzer-werk-in-der-ukraine-wir-muessen-sie-befaehigen-sich-selbst-zu-verteidigen-ld.1729818?reduced=true|access-date=2023-03-16|language=de}}</ref> Switzerland's Security Commission voted to fully decommission 25 of the tanks, enabling their re-sale back to the German manufacturer pending approval from parliament.<ref>{{cite news|date=2023-03-29|title=Swiss commission recommends selling 25 tanks back to Germany|work=Swiss Info|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/swiss-commission-recommends-selling-25-tanks-back-to-germany/48401162}}</ref> On 22 November, the Swiss parliament approved their export to [[Rheinmetall|Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH]] in Germany subject to the condition they remain within Germany, NATO, or an EU partner and not be provided to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|date=2023-11-22|title=Switzerland sells back 25 main battle tanks to Germany|work=Swiss Info|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-sells-back-25-main-battle-tanks-to-germany/48998828}}</ref>
|-
|BPz3 Büffel ARV || 25 || |{{GER}} || From 2004<ref>{{cite web|title=Le Conseil federal adopte le programme d'armement 2001|url=https://www.admin.ch/cp/f/3b41a8a5_1@fwsrvg.bfi.admin.ch.html|access-date=2023-03-02|website=www.admin.ch}}</ref>
|-
|PiPz 3 Kodiak AEV || 12 || {{GER}}<br />{{CHE}} || 12 Pz 87 transformed in Kodiak variants, and with it several mission modules were purchased for more flexibility:
* 12 modules for engineering
* 6 modules for demining operations
* 4 mine protection sets<ref>{{cite web|last=Swiss Government|date=2006-05-24|title=Message regarding the military acquisition material 2006|url=https://www.newsd.admin.ch/newsd/message/attachments/2812.pdf|access-date=2023-03-02|website=www.admin.ch}}</ref>
|-
|Leguan AVLB || |12 || {{GER}} || |From 2018<ref name="auto3"/>
|-
| rowspan="2" valign="top"| {{flag|Turkey}}
| '''2A4''' || '''250'''* || {{FRG}} || 354 originally purchased from Germany. At least eight visually confirmed destroyed in Syria; another 13 damaged or captured by ISIS. See ''Turkish intervention in Syria'' above for details. Others are being upgraded to the 2A4TR model. ''See 2A4TR notes''.
|-
| '''2A4TR''' || '''84''' || {{FRG}}<br/>{{TUR}} || 84 units are undergoing modernization and will be renamed as Leopard 2A4TR. The modernization program was awarded to Roketsan and the first tank was re-delivered to the Turkish Army in February 2021. The tanks undergoing modernization are being equipped with new ERA panels, fire control systems, and a full overhaul of the power transmission systems.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|-
| rowspan="5" valign="top"| {{flag|Ukraine}}
| '''2A4''' || '''≥ 74''' || {{FRG}} || As of 23 February 2023, confirmed transfers to Ukraine from army stockpiles include 14 2A4 from Poland, eight 2A4NO from Norway, eight 2A4CAN from Canada, 10 2A4 from Spain and an unknown number of battle tanks from Finland. The Netherlands agreed to help procure and supply ammunition for the tanks. Ukrainian tank operators began training on the vehicles in February 2023. The first four Leopard 2A4 tanks were delivered from Polish stocks on 24 February 2023.<ref>{{cite news|title=Poland delivers first Leopard tanks to Ukraine – DW – 02/24/2023|url=https://www.dw.com/en/poland-delivers-first-leopard-tanks-to-ukraine/a-64809432|access-date=2023-02-24|work=dw.com|agency=DW|date=2023-02-24|language=en}}</ref> The remaining 10 arrived after 7 March. Norway delivered all eight tanks on 20 March 2022.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Norwegian Armed Forces/Forsvaret|user=Forsvaret_no|number=1637798905109676032|date=2023-03-20|title=Ukraine has now received the Norwegian tanks #leopard 2 and training of Ukrainian personnel is underway.|language=en|access-date=2023-03-20|link=https://twitter.com/Forsvaret_no/status/1637798905109676032|quote=#Ukraine has now received the Norwegian tanks #leopard 2 and training of Ukrainian personnel is underway. See photos from the transportation. #StandWithUkraine.}}</ref> Canada delivered all eight Leopard 2A4CAN by 18 April 2023.<ref name="auto"/> Spain delivered its first six in late April, and the remaining four by June.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensa.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa/2023/06/DGC-230615-ministerial-bruselas.html|title=Robles asiste a la reunión del Grupo de Contacto para la Defensa de Ucrania y a la reunión ministerial de la OTAN|website=Ministerio de Defensa|date=2023-06-15|language=es}}</ref>

Rheinmetall initially claimed it could prepare up to 51 Leopard 2A4 tanks for Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-01-23|title=Rheinmetall could deliver 139 Leopard tanks to Ukraine - RND|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/rheinmetall-could-deliver-139-leopard-tanks-ukraine-rnd-2023-01-23/|website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2023-03-06|title=Germany to provide Ukraine with 250 armored vehicles, including 100 Marder vehicles and 150 Leopard tanks|url=https://www.riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/new-multipolar-world-order/germany-to-provide-ukraine-with-250-armored-vehicles-including-100-marder-vehicles-and-150-leopard-tanks/|access-date=2023-03-07|website=Rio Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2023-03-04|title=Rheinmetall will Panzerfabrik in der Ukraine aufbauen|url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/fuer-panther-produktion-rheinmetall-will-panzer-fabrik-in-der-ukraine-aufbauen-a-8c1a27cf-9be8-42ad-ba51-d0b526c05719|access-date=2023-03-07|website=Der Spiegel|language=de}}</ref> However, 14 of these were instead donated to Czechia and 15 were donated to Slovakia as part of Germany's Ringtaush program. 14 were jointly purchased by the Netherlands and Denmark for Ukraine on 20 April 2024, with delivery scheduled for Q1 2024.<ref name="auto2"/>

On 19 March 2024, Spain announced it is preparing an additional 19<ref>{{cite web|date=2024-03-21|title=Sánchez ordena poner a punto 19 carros de combate Leopard para dos envíos a Ucrania|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20240319/9572596/sanchez-ordena-poner-punto-19-carros-combate-leopard-dos-envios-ucrania.html|website=La Vanguardia}}</ref> or 20<ref name="infodefensa.com"/> Leopard 2A4 tanks for Ukraine, to be delivered over two batches in June and September respectively.
|-
| '''[[Stridsvagn 122]]'''<br/>(2A5 equivalent) || '''10''' || {{GER}}<br/>{{SWE}} || On 24 February 2023, the Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson announced that Sweden would be providing 10 Leopard 2A5 tanks to Ukraine.<ref name="Pål Jonson"/> These are presumably domestically manufactured Stridsvagn 122 variant (2A5 equivalent) as they are the only Leopards operated by Sweden. Delivered by July 2023.
|-
| '''2A6''' || '''21'''<br/> || {{GER}} || Ukraine was originally provided 14 from Germany and an additional three from Portugal. Training on the 2A6 began in Germany in February 2023 and they are expected to arrive in Ukraine in March. Germany's Defense Ministry accounced it would send an additional four Leopard 2A6 on 24 February to ensure one full tank battalion.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Verteidigungsministerium|user=Verteidigungsministerium|number=1629136976505892865|date=2023-02-24|title=Germany to provide 4 additional Leopard 2A6.|language=en|access-date=2023-02-24|link=https://twitter.com/BMVg_Bundeswehr/status/1629136976505892865?s=20|quote='Verteidigungsminister Pistorius hat entschieden, weitere vier #Kampfpanzer #Leopard2 A6 aus Beständen der Bundeswehr an die #Ukraine abzugeben. Damit erhöht 🇩🇪 die Anzahl der gelieferten Panzer von 14 auf 18 & stellt zusammen mit 🇵🇹 & 🇸🇪 insgesamt ein 🇺🇦 Bataillon zur Verfügung.'}}</ref> Germany delivered all 18 tanks promised as of 27 March 2023.<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-03-27|title=Deutsche Leopard-Panzer in der Ukraine angekommen|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/deutsche-leopard-panzer-in-der-ukraine-angekommen-a-a275a157-d33a-4df0-a43e-bd57a0a7b6f9|website=Der Spiegel|language=de}}</ref> Portugal's Ministry of Defense confirmed that the three Leopard 2A6 pledged were also delivered to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Conta Oficial do Gabinete da Ministra da Defesa Nacional|user=defesa_pt|number=1640416494235406338|date=2023-03-27|title=Apoio militar à Ucrânia|language=pt|link=https://twitter.com/defesa_pt/status/1640416494235406338|quote=Já estão na #Ucrânia🇺🇦 os 3 carros de combate #Leopard 2A6 doados por #Portugal🇵🇹, entregues conforme definido com os nossos parceiros. Portugal continua a apoiar a resistência ucraniana contra a ilegal invasão da Rússia🇷🇺.}}</ref> The leaked Pentagon documents revealed that Greece may be donating five Leopard 2A6HEL and Portugal an additional three 2A6 tanks to Ukraine, though these deliveries have not been officially confirmed by either government.<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{cite web|date=2023-04-26|title=Pentagon leaks: Greece could be sending Leopard 2A6HELs tanks to Ukraine|url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/04/26/pentagon-leaks-greece-leopard/|website=Greek City Times}}</ref>
|-
| BPz3 Büffel ARV || 3<br/>|| {{GER}} || On 24 February 2023, Canada confirmed it would provide one of its ARVs with its next delivery of four Leopard 2 tanks.<ref name="CTV News"/> Canada delivered its BPz3 on 18 March 2023.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Anita Anand|user=AnitaAnandMP|number=1637109663413026817|date=2023-03-18|title=More Canadian military aid is en route to Ukraine.|language=en|access-date=2023-03-20|link=https://twitter.com/AnitaAnandMP/status/1637109663413026817|quote=More Canadian military aid is en route to Ukraine. We will #StandWithUkraine for as long as it takes.}}</ref> Germany confirmed it was providing 2; both delivered by 27 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/military-support-ukraine-2054992|language=en|publisher=Press of the German Federal Government|date=2023-04-06|access-date=2023-04-06|title=Military support for Ukraine}}</ref>
|-
| 2R Breacher<br/>''"Raivauspanssarivaunu Leopard 2R"'' || 6<br/> || {{GER}}<br/>{{FIN}} || Finland first announced it was providing three Leopard 2R breaching tanks and an undisclosed number of main battle tanks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/finland-helsinki-russia-ukraine-war-to-send-three-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine/|title=Spain, Finland to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine|date=2023-02-23}}</ref> An additional three of the 2R breachers were later promised.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/kaikkonen-suomi-luovuttaa-ukrainalle-kolme-leopard-panssarivaunua-lisaa/8660930|title=Suomi luovuttaa Ukrainalle kolme Leopard-vaunua lisää – Kaikkonen: Ukraina pyytänyt keskusteluja Hornetin luovuttamisesta|date=2023-03-23|website=mtvuutiset.fi|language=fi}}</ref> Three were reportedly abandoned in battle in June 2023<ref>{{cite web|last=Axe|first=David|title=The Ukrainian Army Has Already Lost Half Of Its Unique Leopard 2R Breaching Vehicles|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/06/11/the-ukrainian-army-has-already-lost-half-of-its-unique-leopard-2r-breaching-vehicles/|access-date=2023-06-13|website=Forbes}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" valign="top"| {{UAE}}
| Wisent 2 ARV || 4 || {{GER}} || First ordered in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/wisent-2-armoured-support-vehicle/|title=WISENT 2 Armoured Support Vehicle|date=2016-04-11}}</ref> Four owned as of 2021.<ref name=FLobitz />
|}

===Future operators===

* {{flag|Croatia}}: Croatia is negotiating a purchase of 30+ Leopard 2A8 tanks (very likely 75+15 support tanks) in an initial deal worth around €1 billion. In the past former SPD government under the Milanović Government was negotiating the purchase of up to 50 tanks with spare parts and a support package including spare engines, tank transporters, and engineering vehicles valued at 875 million kunas. Negotiations with Germany over the purchase of stored Leopard 2A5 tanks were underway in 2014 and 2015. The purchase would have coincided with the purchase of [[Panzerhaubitze 2000|PzH 2000 howitzers]]. Due to budget constraints, at least for the time being, the vehicles were not purchased. The [[Ministry of Defence (Croatia)|Croatian Ministry of Defence]] is looking to replace its [[M-84|M-84A4]] tanks currently in use.<ref>{{citation|title=Signing of agreement on procurement of German PZH 2000 howitzers|type=press release|publisher=MORH|url=https://www.morh.hr/en/news/press-releases/10704-signing-of-agreement-on-procurement-of-german-pzh-2000-howitzers.html|access-date=2017-03-06|archive-date=2018-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629235749/https://www.morh.hr/en/news/press-releases/10704-signing-of-agreement-on-procurement-of-german-pzh-2000-howitzers.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2023 the [[Government of Croatia|Croatian government]] announced it could donate its [[Yugoslavia|Yugoslav]] era [[M-84]] tank fleet to Ukraine in exchange for Leopard 2 tanks from Germany.<ref>{{cite web|title=Croatia Could Give Its M-84 Tanks to Ukraine, But Once Again It's Up to Germany {{!}} Defense Express|url=https://en.defence-ua.com/news/croatia_could_give_its_m_84_tanks_to_ukraine_but_once_again_its_up_to_germany-5642.html|access-date=2023-10-18|website=en.defence-ua.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2023/06/16/croatia-company-to-help-repair-ukraines-soviet-era-tanks/|title=Croatia Company to Help Repair Ukraine's Soviet-Era Tanks|author=
Vuk Tesija|website=[[Balkan Insight]]|date=2023-06-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Djuro Djakovic company from Croatia proposes help to repair Ukrainian Soviet-era tanks|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_june_2023_global_security_army_industry/djuro_djakovic_company_from_croatia_proposes_help_to_repair_ukraininan_soviet-era_tanks.html|access-date=2023-10-18|website=www.armyrecognition.com|date=2023-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2024-08-10|title=Jutarnji list - Hrvatska kupuje 30 novih tenkova, doznali smo o kojem se modelu radi i koliko koštaju|url=https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/hrvatska-kupuje-30-novih-tenkova-doznali-smo-o-kojem-se-modelu-radi-i-koliko-kostaju-15490958|access-date=2024-08-10|website=www.jutarnji.hr|language=hr-hr}}</ref> In October 2024. Croatian defense minister Ivan Anušić signed letter of intent with German defense minister Boris Pistorius for Croatia buying up to 50 Leopard 2A8.<ref>{{cite web|date=2024-10-28|title=Hrvatska nabavlja najmodernije tenkove Leopard 2A8, a Ukrajini šalje svoje M-84 i borbena oklopna vozila M-80|url=https://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska-nabavlja-najmodernije-tenkove-leopard-2a8-a-ukrajini-salje-svoje-m-84-i-borbena-oklopna-vozila-m-80-1811407|access-date=2024-10-28|website=vecernji.hr|language=hr-HR}}</ref>

=== Failed bids ===
* {{flag|Australia}}: The [[Australian Army]] evaluated ex-Swiss Army Leopard 2s as a replacement for its Leopard 1AS tanks in 2003, but selected the M1A1 AIM instead due to easier logistics. More modern versions of the Leopard 2 or M1 Abrams, such as the Leopard 2A6, were not considered due to their higher price.<ref>{{cite book|title=Acquisition of the ABRAMS Main Battle Tank|year=2007|publisher=Department of Defence|isbn=978-0-642-80974-2|page=37|url=http://www.anao.gov.au/~/media/uploads/documents/2007%2008_audit_report_1.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605234042/http://www.anao.gov.au/~/media/Uploads/Documents/2007%2008_audit_report_1.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-06-05|access-date=2016-01-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Bulgaria}}: The [[Ministry of Defence (Bulgaria)|Bulgarian Ministry of Defence]] has been interested in purchasing a minimum of 24 units of the Leopard 2A6 variant. The deal has received support from a military budget increase to 2% of GDP by 2016 in the new Bulgarian budget, and a military pledge to spend €2.2 billion on new armaments for the [[Bulgarian Armed Forces|Bulgarian military]].<ref>{{cite news|trans-title=€ 2.2 billion for tanks "Made in USA"|url=http://7plus7.net/2015/02/12/22-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B0-%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%BE-%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B5-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5-%D0%B8-%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BC/|publisher=7+7|language=bg|title=2,2 милиарда евро даваме за танкове и самолети "Made in USA"|date=2015-06-14|access-date=2015-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626114207/http://7plus7.net/2015/02/12/22-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B0-%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%BE-%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B5-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5-%D0%B8-%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BC/|archive-date=2015-06-26|url-status=usurped}}</ref> As of 2023 no purchase has been made of the Leopard 2, and the Bulgarian government instead purchased 183 [[Stryker]] armoured vehicles from the United States as part of its efforts to modernize its army.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bulgarian parliament okays $1.5 billion purchase of Stryker fighting vehicles from US|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/bulgarian-parliament-okays-15-billion-purchase-stryker-fighting-vehicles-us-2023-11-09/|date=2023-11-09|website=Reuters}}</ref> 
* {{flag|Italy}}: In March 2023 it was reported that the [[Italian Army]] was considering the purchase of up to 250 Leopard 2A7 tanks for roughly €8 billion.<ref>{{citation |title=Difesa, In arrivo 250 carri armati Leopard 2A7? |date=2023-03-03 |url=https://agenparl.eu/2023/03/03/difesa-in-arrivo-250-carri-armati-leopard-2a7/ |publisher=Agenparl |language=it}}</ref> In July of the same year, Italy's Defence [[Undersecretary (Italy)|undersecretary]] [[Isabella Rauti]] said that her government is planning to buy no less than 125 Leopard 2A8 MBT and support variants, with initial funds worth 4 billion euros ($4.5 billion) from 2024 (inside the multi-year defence budget of 2023–2025) to purchase the new tanks and upgrade other military hardware.<ref>{{citation |title=Italy plans to buy Leopard 2 tanks to boost ground forces |date=2023-07-13 |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/italy-plans-buy-leopard-2-tanks-boost-ground-forces-2023-07-13/ |publisher=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Cosa sono i carri armati Leopard 2 che l'Italia comprerà |date=2023-07-13 |url=https://www.wired.it/article/leopard-2-a8-carri-armati-italia-2024/ |publisher=Wired Italia |language=it}}</ref> On 22 February 2024 the Italian Parliament's Defence Committee approved the acquisition of 132 main battle tanks and up to 140 support variants. The variants include an [[armoured engineering vehicle]], an [[armoured recovery vehicle]] Büffel, and an [[armoured vehicle-launched bridge]]. In the end, the agreement with KNDS did not go through, and Leonardo collaborated with Rheinmetall, and will purchase tanks based on the [[Panther KF51|KF-51 Panther]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rheinmetall |url=https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/news-watch/news/2024/10/2024-10-15-leonardo-and-rheinmetall-establish-joint-venture |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rheinmetall |language=en}}</ref>
* {{flag|Peru}}: The [[Royal Netherlands Army|Dutch Army]] offered its formerly operated Leopard 2A6s for comparative tests to be conducted by the [[Peruvian Army]] for possible acquisition. By September 2013, the Leopard 2A6 had been disqualified by Peru due to logistical complexities.
* {{flag|Romania}}: As part of a modernization program, since 2019 the [[Romanian Land Forces|Romanian Army]] has been considering the acquisition of Leopard 2 tanks.<ref>{{citation|title=Armata Română negociază achiziționarea de tancuri Leopard 2|date=2019-07-12|publisher=digi24.ro|url=https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/actualitate/armata-romana-negociaza-achizitionarea-de-tancuri-leopard-1158807}}</ref> However, in March 2023 Romania's [[Ministry of National Defence (Romania)|Ministry of Defense]] announced they had opted to purchase around 54 [[M1 Abrams]] tanks from the [[United States]].<ref>{{citation|title=Romania Lays Out Intent to Buy M1 Abrams MBTs|publisher=European Security and Defense|url=https://euro-sd.com/2023/03/news/29967/29967/|date=2023-03-08}}</ref>
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}: The [[Politics of Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabian government]] sought to buy Leopard 2A7s (total of 600–800 desired). In early July 2011, the German press reported that the ''Bundessicherheitsrat'' ({{ill|Bundessicherheitsrat|de|Bundessicherheitsrat|lt=Federal Security Council|quote=}}) approved the sale by KMW of more than 200 units of the 2A7+ tanks to Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite news|trans-title=Billionaire affair: German combat tank for Saudi Arabia?|url=http://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/milliardengeschaeft-deutsche-kampfpanzer-nach-saudi-arabien_aid_642586.html|work=Focus|language=de|title=Milliardengeschäft: Deutsche Kampfpanzer nach Saudi-Arabien?|date=2011-07-03|access-date=2012-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124031549/http://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/milliardengeschaeft-deutsche-kampfpanzer-nach-saudi-arabien_aid_642586.html|archive-date=2012-01-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/growth-in-arms-exports-germany-wants-to-supply-battle-tanks-to-saudi-arabia-a-772177.html|work=Der Spiegel|title=Germany Wants to Supply Battle Tanks to Saudi Arabia|date=2011-07-04|access-date=2012-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904060256/http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/growth-in-arms-exports-germany-wants-to-supply-battle-tanks-to-saudi-arabia-a-772177.html|archive-date=2012-09-04|url-status=live}}</ref> This news was met with criticism both inside and outside of Germany, because of the autocratic nature of the Saudi Arabian state and its involvement in repressing [[2011 Bahraini uprising|popular protests in the neighbouring country of Bahrain]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jul/09/germany-arms-sale-saudi-arabia|location=London|work=The Guardian|first=Hans|last=Kundnani|title=Germany's contribution to the Arab spring: arms sales|date=2011-07-09|access-date=2016-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927232041/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jul/09/germany-arms-sale-saudi-arabia|archive-date=2016-09-27|url-status=live}}</ref> Criticism also came from within the [[Chancellor of Germany|Chancellor]] [[Angela Merkel]]'s government coalition,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-merkel-doctrine-tank-exports-to-saudi-arabian-signal-german-policy-shift-a-791380.html|work=Der Spiegel|title=Tank Exports to Saudi Arabian Signal German Policy Shift|date=2011-10-14|access-date=2012-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626233408/http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-merkel-doctrine-tank-exports-to-saudi-arabian-signal-german-policy-shift-a-791380.html|archive-date=2012-06-26|url-status=live}}</ref> and later from within KMW.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/ruestungsexport100.html|work=Tagesschau.de|language=de|title=KMW-Miteigentümer gegen Panzerausfuhr nach Saudi-Arabien|trans-title=KMW co-owner against tank export to Saudi Arabia|date=2012-06-20|access-date=2017-09-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102152457/http://www.tagesschau.de/inland/ruestungsexport100.html|archive-date=2013-11-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> In June 2012, reports surfaced that Saudi Arabia had raised the number of tanks it was interested in to 600–800. A contract was never finalized, and the issue was debated both in the German public and in [[Bundestag|Germany's federal parliament]].<ref name="DID_Germany_Saudis">{{cite news|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Desert-Leopards-Germany-Selling-Heavy-Armor-to-the-Saudis-06993|work=Defense Industry Daily|title=Desert Leopards: Germany Selling Heavy Armor to the Saudis?|date=2012-06-26|access-date=2012-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701023811/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Desert-Leopards-Germany-Selling-Heavy-Armor-to-the-Saudis-06993/|archive-date=2012-07-01|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2014, a German newspaper reported that the deal for Leopard 2 tanks for Saudi Arabia was likely to be cancelled due to opposition from the [[Federal Ministry of Finance (Germany)|Federal Economy Minister]] at that time, [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|Social Democrat]] [[Sigmar Gabriel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-saudi-arms-idUSBREA3C07E20140413|title=German tank sale to Saudi Arabia likely to be cancelled: newspaper|website=Reuters|date=2014-04-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924195805/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/13/us-germany-saudi-arms-idUSBREA3C07E20140413|archive-date=2015-09-24}}</ref> In 2015, Germany blocked the sale of Leopard 2 tanks to Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defence24.pl/leopardy-nie-dla-arabii-saudyjskiej-niemcy-torpeduja-doktryne-merkel|title=Leopardy nie dla Arabii Saudyjskiej? Niemcy torpedują doktrynę Merkel – Defence24|date=2015-03-26}}</ref> In 2016, the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Germany stated that Saudi Arabia was no longer interested in purchasing Leopard tanks and suggested that the issue was being exploited for internal political gain.<ref>{{cite web|title=السعودية "غير" مهتمة بشراء دبابات ليوبارد الألمانية {{!}} DW {{!}} 31 May 2016|url=https://www.dw.com/ar/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%87%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%AF%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9/a-19295253|trans-title=Saudi Arabia is "not" interested in buying German Leopard tanks|access-date=2023-04-12|website=DW.COM|language=ar-AE}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Rüstungsexporte aus Deutschland: Saudi-Arabien will keine Leopard-Panzer mehr|last=Hans|first=Hans|date=2016-05-31|language=de-DE|work=Tagesspiegel Online|url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/saudi-arabien-will-keine-leopard-panzer-mehr-3726445.html|access-date=2023-04-12|issn=1865-2263}}</ref>
* {{flag|Slovenia}}: The [[Government of Slovenia|Slovenian government]] had announced its intention to send its tank fleet of old Yugoslav M-84 and [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[T-72]] tanks to Ukraine in exchange for German Leopard 2 tanks and Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Slovenia Sending Tanks to Ukraine in Weapons Swap with Germany|url=https://www.total-slovenia-news.com/politics/9907-slovenia-sending-tanks-to-ukraine-in-weapons-swap-with-germany|access-date=2023-10-18|website=www.total-slovenia-news.com|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2022-09-20|title=Germany, Slovenia want to speed up supply of tanks to Ukraine|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3527430-germany-slovenia-want-to-speed-up-supply-of-tanks-to-ukraine.html|access-date=2023-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173140/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3527430-germany-slovenia-want-to-speed-up-supply-of-tanks-to-ukraine.html|archive-date=2022-09-20|url-status=live}}</ref> But Slovenia then provided Ukraine with only older [[T-54/T-55|T-55]] Soviet tanks prompting Germany to withhold its promised Leopard 2 tanks and giving only Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Slovenia.<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-01-16|title=300 tanks for Ukraine: who could give it the gear to beat Russia|url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/01/16/where-can-ukraine-get-battle-tanks-to-mount-counteroffensive/|access-date=2023-10-18|website=Euromaidan Press|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Slovenia to provide its fleet of M-84 main battle tanks to Ukraine|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2022_global_security_army_industry/slovenia_to_provide_its_fleet_of_m-84_main_battle_tanks_to_ukraine.html|access-date=2023-10-18|website=www.armyrecognition.com|date=2022-04-21}}</ref>
* {{flag|United Kingdom}}: The Leopard 2 was tested by the [[British Armed Forces|United Kingdom]]. In 1989 the Leopard 2 was evaluated as a possible replacement for the [[Challenger 1]] tank.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ogorkiewicz|first1=Richard|title=Tanks: 100 years of evolution|date=2015-02-20|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781472806703|page=185}}</ref> Ultimately the [[British armed forces]] decided to adopt the locally made [[Challenger 2]].

==See also==
* [[Leopard 1]]
* [[Leopard 3]]
* [[List of main battle tanks by generation]]
* [[Main Ground Combat System]]
* [[Panther KF51]]
* [[Tanks in the German Army]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book|last1=Jerchel|first1=Michael|last2=Schnellbacher|first2=Uwe|title=Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank 1979–1998|year=1998|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|location=[[London]]|isbn=978-1-85532-691-0|oclc=40544103}}
*{{cite book|last1=Kelly|first1=Orr|title=King of the Killing Zone|url=https://archive.org/details/kingofkillingzon00kell|year=1989|publisher=W. W. Norton & Company|isbn=0-425-12304-9|location=New York|pages=187–188|chapter=The Five-Billion-Dollar Half Inch}}
* {{cite book|last=Krapke|first=Paul W.|trans-title=Leopard 2 becoming and achievement|title=Leopard 2 sein Werden und seine Leistung|date=June 2004|publisher=Books on Demand|isbn=978-3-83341425-1|language=de}}
* {{cite book|last=Scheibert|first=Michael|title=Leopard 2 A5 Euro-Leopard|year=1996|publisher=Pudzun-Pallas-Verlag|location=Wölfersheim-Berstadt|isbn=3-7909-0576-3|language=de}}
* {{cite book|last1=Scheibert|first1=Michael|last2=Schneider|first2=Wolfgang|trans-title=Leopard 2 a top product of German military technology|title=Leopard 2 Ein Spitzenprodukt deutscher Wehrtechnik|year=1986|publisher=Pudzun-Pallas-Verlag|location=Dorheim|isbn=3-7909-0265-9|language=de}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|auto=1}}
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20221110034049/http://www.military-today.com/tanks/revolution.htm Leopard 2 Revolution]}}
* [http://www.armyvehicles.dk/leopard2a5.htm Army Vehicles.DK Leopard 2A5]
* [http://www.armyvehicles.dk/leopard2a4.htm Army Vehicles.DK Leopard 2A4]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060708071204/http://www.militaryperiscope.com/mdb-smpl/weapons/gcv/tanks/w0001000.shtml Military Periscope – Leopard 2 main battle tank]
* [http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/leo2.htm Fprado.com – Kampfpanzer Leopard 2]
* [http://www.enemyforces.com/tanks/leopard2a5.htm Leopard 2A5] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060430224010/http://www.enemyforces.com/tanks/leopard2a5.htm |date=30 April 2006 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060625181452/http://www.edu.lahti.fi/~aroinila/leo/asemaan2.wmv A Finnish Army Leopard 2A4 firing from a hull-down position]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060625181443/http://www.edu.lahti.fi/~aroinila/leo/loader.wmv A Finnish Leopard 2A4 firing, videoed from inside the turret]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070823184305/http://www.danskpanser.dk/Baeltekoretojer/Leopard2A5.htm Danish Leopard 2A5]
* [http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/leopard Singapore Leopard 2A4 MBT]

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{{Post-Cold War tanks|style=wide}}

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[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Cold War tanks of Germany]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of Germany]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of Sweden]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of Spain]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of Poland]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of Slovakia]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of Ukraine]]