Hungary is set to unveil the arrival of the technologically advanced Leopard 2A7HU main battle tanks, slated to join the heavy brigade of the Hungarian Defense Forces. Marking a transformative milestone in the nation’s defense strategy, the inaugural Leopard 2A7HU, proudly bearing Hungarian insignia, touched down in Hungary on December 5. This acquisition underscores Hungary’s commitment to NATO while fortifying its national security infrastructure. Under the comprehensive framework of the National Defense and Force Development Program, Hungary has secured a fleet of 44 Leopard 2A7HU main battle tanks, positioning the Hungarian Armed Forces firmly in the 21st century. The 1st Armored Brigade of the Hungarian Armed Forces in Tata is the designated recipient of the 44 Leopard 2A7HU units, which will be complemented by Leguan bridge launchers and armored recovery vehicles, constituting an integral part of Hungary’s defense strategy.
The scheduled completion of the entire fleet delivery by 2025 solidifies Hungary’s commitment to transitioning from Soviet-era equipment to cutting-edge technology. Collaboration with the German company KNDS has been pivotal in this transition, not only facilitating the acquisition of new equipment but also ensuring ongoing high-quality support and maintenance services. The tanks, specifically tailored to Hungarian specifications, were meticulously crafted at the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) facilities in Germany, denoted by the HU marking, a testament to the partnership’s efficacy. The Hungarian Armed Forces’ journey toward modernization commenced with the deployment of 12 units of the earlier 2A4HU tanks, enabling crews to acquaint themselves with the operations, setting the stage for the seamless integration of the new 2A7HU tanks. This preparatory phase has cultivated skilled, proud crews, attired in the Hungarian uniform, as lauded by Szalay-Bobrovniczky in his correspondence with Dr. Colonel General Gábor Böröndi on Tank Crew Day.
Functioning as a battalion-sized entity within NATO’s structure, the 44 Leopard 2A7HUs assume a pivotal role, particularly in light of recent global conflict experiences. The efficacy of modern tanks and adeptly deployed tank units in ground operations has garnered substantial recognition, accentuating their indispensable role in Hungary’s defense strategy, tailored to address the nation’s geographical and defensive imperatives. The Leopard 2A7HU boasts an armored hull spanning 7.7 meters in length, extending to 10.97 meters with the gun positioned forward, with dimensions of 3.76 meters in width and 3.03 meters in height, providing a formidable presence in the battlefield. At the heart of its firepower lies the Rheinmetall tank gun L55A1, a 120-millimeter bore with a 55-caliber barrel, capable of engaging targets effectively within a range of 5,000 meters. Augmenting its arsenal are a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm remote-controlled machine gun, and 16 x 76mm smoke grenade launchers, adaptable for explosive grenade discharge. Its amphibious capabilities enable traversing water depths of up to 1.2 meters without preparation, extending to 2.25 meters in fording situations and 4 meters underwater with due preparation.
In anticipation of combat scenarios, the Hungarian Defense Forces have acquired a diverse array of anti-tank and multi-purpose ammunition from the German company Rheinmetall, ensuring a robust ammunition supply chain. Collaborative efforts with Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH and Hungary’s Várpalota factory further reinforce the production of artillery projectiles, bolstering Hungary’s defense industrial autonomy. The tank’s armor, featuring composite perpendicular flat plates and inclined frontal armor, furnishes substantial protection against contemporary anti-tank threats. Additionally, a modular 360-degree supplemental armor enhances urban combat survivability, amplifying defense against anti-tank weaponry in populated environments. Manning the tank requires a four-member crew, strategically positioned within the armored body, optimized for operational efficiency. The training curriculum primarily unfolds in Tata, complemented by the newly inaugurated training and simulation center within the György MH Klapka 1st Armored Brigade’s refurbished dome building. This state-of-the-art facility encompasses the Leopard 2A7HU turret simulator, aligning Hungary’s defense capabilities with cutting-edge military technology while revitalizing the education and training paradigm within the Hungarian Armed Forces.
