The Polish defense company Bumar concluded the modernization of 18 Leopard tanks to the 2PL standard. These upgraded tanks mark a substantial addition to the country’s military might, with the final four units handed over to the army in late December. The comprehensive modernization process involved not only the technical upgrades but also extensive crew training to ensure seamless adaptation to the enhanced functionalities incorporated into the Leopard 2PL/M1 version. The decision to entrust the modernization project to the Polish Armaments Group, which oversees Bumar-Labedy and OBRUM, was initiated in November 2015. Following meticulous negotiations, an agreement was formalized on December 28, 2015, between the Inspectorate of Armaments and a consortium comprising PGZ and Bumar-?ab?dy. This pivotal agreement paved the way for the modernization of 128 Leopard 2 tanks, with an option for an additional 14 units, amounting to a contract worth 2.415 billion PLN.
The collaborative effort between the Polish Armaments Group and Rheinmetall Landsysteme, a German company renowned for its expertise in co-producing Leopard 2 tanks, ensured the successful execution of the project. Subsequently, the first batch of Leopard 2PL tanks was delivered to military units in May 2020, gradually reinforcing the nation’s armored capabilities. Designed as a third-generation Main Battle Tank, the Leopard 2PL is engineered to dominate and secure territories, providing robust support for mechanized and motorized units, irrespective of weather conditions or time of day. The modernization process resulted in the development of two distinct versions: the Leopard 2PL currently in deployment and the Leopard 2PLM1. The latter, conceived in 2018, involves the German partner’s responsibility for producing the prototype variant.
Differentiating the Leopard 2PL from the Leopard 2PLM1, the latter version incorporates several key enhancements, including an EGPT compartment warning system, fortified electronic network protection, modified laser rangefinder operating modes, and additional functionalities like the PIX combination for automated optoelectronic head rotation. The successful delivery of the Leopard 2PLM1 prototype in January 2021 initiated rigorous testing that commenced in February of the same year. The modernization of the Leopard 2A4 to the 2PL standard notably fortified the turret’s ballistic resistance, surpassing even the capabilities of the Leopard 2A5 version. Augmented external armor modules were strategically mounted around the vehicle turret, while special anti-splinter liners were integrated inside the vehicle, ensuring enhanced crew protection against armor fragments.
The armament upgrades encompassed modifications to the Rheinmetall Rh-120 smoothbore gun in the L/44 version, enabling compatibility with new ammunition types like the DM63 armor-piercing shell and programmable DM11 ammunition. The inclusion of a new onboard computer with updated ballistic tables and the transition from hydraulic to purely electric turret drives and cannon stabilizers significantly enhanced operational capabilities. Revamping optics involved the integration of Polish thermal imaging cameras, the KLW-1 Asteria of the third generation, and the installation of the KDN-1 Nyks day/night reversing camera, augmenting driver awareness. Moreover, a monitor-control panel for commanders facilitates seamless operation and comprehensive testing of tower systems.The incorporation of a new digital communication bus, along with auxiliary power unit installations, explosion-proof systems, and modernized fire control panels, further contributed to crew safety and overall tank efficiency.
