The Hungarian Ministry of Defence proudly announced the delivery of three additional Leopard 2A7HU (Leopard 2A7+) main battle tanks to the 1st Armoured Brigade on January 10. This development marks a notable stride in Hungary’s efforts to modernize its military forces. The first set of Leopard 2A7HU main battle tanks was officially handed over to the Hungarian Defence Forces in a ceremony held in mid-December 2023, following a substantial contract signed with the German defense industry in December 2018. The contract, valued at EUR 1.5 billion, encompasses the delivery of a total of 44 Leopard 2A7 main battle tanks, 5 Leguan assault bridges, five Wisent 2 vehicles, and 24 Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers. Sources estimate that the 44 Leopard 2A7 main battle tanks alone account for approximately EUR 500 million of the total contract value.
As the Hungarian Defence Forces anticipate the completion of the delivery of all ordered Leopard 2A7HU main battle tanks by 2025, the recent addition of three new tanks brings the current fleet count to eight. This bolstering of armored capabilities is integral to Hungary’s commitment to meeting its defense obligations, especially within the framework of NATO. Operating as a battalion-sized entity within NATO’s structure, the 44 Leopard 2A7HUs play a crucial role in Hungary’s defense strategy. Recent global conflict experiences have underscored the effectiveness of modern tanks and the importance of well-deployed tank units in ground operations. This recognition emphasizes the indispensable role these armored assets play in addressing Hungary’s geographical and defensive imperatives.
The Leopard 2A7HU itself boasts formidable specifications. With an armored hull spanning 7.7 meters in length (extending to 10.97 meters with the gun positioned forward), a width of 3.76 meters, and a height of 3.03 meters, it presents a commanding presence on the battlefield. The Rheinmetall tank gun L55A1, a 120-millimeter bore with a 55-caliber barrel, forms the core of its firepower, capable of engaging targets effectively within a range of 5,000 meters. Complementing this, the tank features 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. The Leopard 2A7HU’s amphibious capabilities allow it to traverse 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.
The Leopard 2 is a third generation German main battle tank (MBT). Developed by Krauss-Maffei in the 1970s, various iterations of the Leopard 2 continue to be operated by the armed forces of Germany, as well as 13 other European countries, and several non-European countries, including Canada, Chile, Indonesia, and Singapore. The Leopard 2A7+ is designed to operate both in low-intensity and high-intensity conflicts. 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 RPGs and mine protection increase the survivability of the tank in urban operations. It can fire programmable High Explosive munitions. The turret-mounted MG3 has been replaced with a stabilised FLW 200 remotely controlled weapon station. In December 2018, Hungarian Army ordered 44 2A7+s, making them the second operator of the improved version, after Qatar.
