Leopard 2

The Leopard 2 is a German main battle tank introduced in 1979 and developed by Krauss-Maffei/Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.

The Leopard 2 is a German main battle tank introduced in 1979 and developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. It is known for combining firepower, mobility, and armour, and has been widely used by Germany and other countries. The tank is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun and powered by a 1,500 hp diesel engine.

Design

The Leopard 2 is designed around a balance of firepower, protection, and mobility. Sources describe it as using composite or spaced multi-layer armour and a 120 mm smoothbore main gun.

Development and service

The tank was developed in Germany as a successor to the Leopard 1 and entered service in 1979. Later variants have included upgraded armour, fire-control systems, and other improvements.

Variants

The Leopard 2 family includes multiple versions such as the A4, A5, A6, A7, and A8. Sources note that later variants feature improved guns, protection, and electronics.

Operators

The Leopard 2 has been adopted by multiple armed forces and some versions have been produced or assembled under licence outside Germany. Sources identify Swiss and Swedish designations among the alternative names for specific local variants.