A weapon system in wide use makes it easier to support it in combat operations and also promotes logistical efficiency, something that could make a difference on the ground as the war in Ukraine has shown. (Photo by SSgt Mark Nesbit RLC/ .uk)īesides the United Kingdom and France, which use the Challenger 2 and Leclerc main battle tanks respectively, all major European militaries use the Leopard 2. It can also come with a modular anti-mine armor package that adds more protection under the tank.Ī British Challenger 2 main battle tank (left) with a Polish Leopard 2 tank on rough terrain in Poland during Exercise Black Eagle, 2014. In terms of defense, the Leopard 2 sports third-generation composite armor with a mix of high-hardness and tungsten steel that withstand the major threats on the battlefield and also protect from Improvise Explosive Devices (IEDs). The main battle tank can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour on the road and around 35 miles per hour off road. The Leopard 2 is a highly efficient tank with an operational range of more than 200 miles on road and around 140 miles cross country. A Swiss Leopard 2 tank during a demonstration. Specialized munitions can extend that range. A fully digital fire control system, which packs a rangefinder and thermal and night scopes, ensures that the Leopard 2 can hit targets at more than 4,000 yards reliably in all weather conditions.

50 caliber heavy machine gun or 40mm grenade launcher on the turret. It also sports two 7.62mm machine guns for anti-infantry protection. Depending on the version, it packs a 120mm L/44 or 120mm L/55 main gun with around 40 rounds with the latter offering more range and penetration.

(KMW), the Leopard 2 has a crew of four and weighs more than 60 tonnes. Manufactured by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co.

Best modern tank today