Hello everyone, this post is to clarify the official compatibility rules for the Rheinmetall DM73 120mm APFSDS round, to correct the common misconception that any Leopard 2 with L55 can fire DM73, and list exactly which vehicles are formally cleared for this ammunition.
Core fact from Rheinmetall’s official datasheet:
DM73 requires only the high-pressure L55A1 smoothbore gun. It CANNOT be fired from standard L44 or baseline L55 Rh-120 guns at all.
Only two nations have formally qualified, ordered and adopted DM73 for operational service: Germany (Bundeswehr) and United Kingdom (British Army).
Full list of tanks fitted with L55A1 and cleared for DM73
• Germany: Leopard 2A7V
• Germany: Leopard 2A7A1
• Germany: Leopard 2A8
• United Kingdom: Challenger 3
That is the complete set of vehicles that should receive DM73 if implemented accurately in War Thunder.
Critical distinction: Hardware fit ≠ Qualified/Issued ammunition
Many countries have ordered Leopard 2A7 NOR / 2A8 (Norway, Czechia, Lithuania, Netherlands etc.) which do mount the L55A1 gun mechanically.
However, there is zero official contract / qualification documentation confirming these nations have procured or accepted DM73 into their ammunition stockpiles. Their order ammunition packages remain DM63A1 as the primary KE round. The gun physically can accept the cartridge, but that is not the same as the country fielding DM73.
All other Leopard variants (2A4, 2A5, 2A6, standard non-upgraded 2A7 with baseline L55, Leopard 2A7HU, etc.) use non-L55A1 guns, so they are incompatible with DM73 by design. Sweden’s Strv 123A also uses L55A1 hardware, but Swedish FMV has not procured or qualified DM73.
Evidence / Source Links
-
Rheinmetall official 120mm System House brochure (primary source for DM73 + L55A1-only requirement):
https://www.rheinmetall.com/Rheinmetall%20Group/brochure-download/Weapon-Ammmunition/B195e0423-Rheinmetall-120mm-system-house.pdf
Quote: “The DM73 requires the high-pressure gun L55A1 and cannot be used in either L44 or L55 gun systems.” -
Rheinmetall official press release (08 Oct 2024): Qualification samples contract awarded only to Bundeswehr and British Army for DM73:
https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/news-watch/news/2024/10/2024-10-08-qualification-samples-of-new-tank-ammunition-for-bundeswehr-and-british-army
German language original PDF of this release:
https://www.rheinmetall.com/Rheinmetall%20Group/Presse/News/Documents/2024/10/2024-10-08-qualifikationsmuster-neuer-panzermunition-fuer-bundeswehr-und-british-army.pdf -
Bundeswehr official page for Leopard 2 variant overview, confirms A7V upgrade package includes L55A1 high-pressure cannon for modern KE ammo like DM73:
Kampfpanzer Leopard: Die Versionen der Bundeswehr -
BattleSpace defence roundup restating the L55A1 exclusive requirement for DM73:
MISSILE, ARTILLERY, HYPERSONICS, BALLISTICS AND SOLDIER SYSTEMS UPDATE -
KNDS Leopard 2A7 product page (distinguishes between baseline L55 and upgraded L55A1 configuration):
https://knds.com/de/products/leopard/leopard-2-a7 -
DeWiki technical entry for Rh-120 L55A1: confirms L55A1 is the high-pressure variant developed specifically for DM73:
DeWiki > Rheinmetall 120-mm-Glattrohrkanone -
Rheinmetall Norway Leopard 2A7 NOR order release: confirms L55A1 gun supply to Norway, but no DM73 ammunition contract mentioned:
Norway orders state-of-the-art Leopard 2 A7 tanks | Rheinmetall
Summary for War Thunder balance and implementation
DM73 should only be available for Leopard 2A7V, Leopard 2A7A1, Leopard 2A8, and Challenger 3.
No other tanks, no other nations’ vehicles get DM73. Any tank armed with L44 or baseline L55 is excluded from receiving this round. Mechanical compatibility of L55A1 on foreign Leopards does not equal fielded DM73 ammunition.