Leopard 2 ARC 3.0 (2026): Back to the future!

Armen_Lozone · June 16, 2026, 8:21pm

Leopard 2 ARC 3.0 (2026)

Back to the future!

History & Introduction

The Leopard 2 ARC 3.0 is a next generation Main Battle Tank designed by KNDS Deutschland for the MGCS program Previously marketed and displayed at Eurosatory Defense Expo 2024, the version exhibited at ES 2026 brings come distinct visual changes and modern adaptations.

The previous version, featured a similar unmanned turret design with the trophy active protection system and a RCWS as well as a Guided missile launcher, presumably Spike atgms. The modernised ARC 3.0 brings with it a new attention to the UAV focused warfare trend seen in current conflicts.

The ARC 3.0 2026 maintains the novel design of its dual pivot primary cannon, removing any need for the gun breech to extend downwards into the hull for higher elevation targeting. This not only looks cool but also increases survivability by removing any cutouts in the hull roof that might become weakspots, thereby sealing the crew compartment away from danger. The trophy APS radars have been upgraded with the new Optical and IR sensor package and the overall size has also been reduced, making the sensitive radars less of a target as on previous versions.

The ARC 3.0 2026 also features a smoke grenade arrangement similar to how we can see on the production Puma IFV in that they appear to be rotatable in order to best obscure the MBT from threats from any direction.

Just behind the smoke grenade launchers, we see an interesting quad pack of quadcopter UAVs on both sides of the turret, meaning KNDS is intending to focus on more indirect means of suveillance and or offensive methods.

At first glance, the 2026 version does away with the ATGM launcher, however, the capabikity is still advertised. And since the L55A1 is not rated for gun launched ATGMs currently, it is understood that the launcher itself is an optional fixed add-on module on the roof of the turret similar to the 2024 version.

The hull has also been modified. Similar to the earlier prototype, the 2026 version is also based on the leopard 2 hull, this time with a modified front armour array that is somwehat similar to the CAPPINT MBT armed with the ASCALON 120 shown alongside the ARC 3.0 at Eurosatory. The array almost looks to be sporting heavy ERA blocks on the frontal sector, what kind of ERA or they even are ERA is not known as of yet. However, compared to the previous version, this one may provide increased protection.

The ARC 3.0 represents a step away from traditional designs of main battle tanks and is currently one of the most innovative products in the Armoured Fighting Vehicles environment.

In War Thunder it would compete with the likes of the T14 Armata and its modernised variants, easily giving them a run for their money.

Specifications

Crew: 3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver)

—Sensors & Equipment—
APS: Upgraded Trophy with UAV detection
LWS: Yes
TVD: Yes, (commander PERI, Gunner)
Smoke grenades: x8
UAVs/Quadcopters: x8

—Dimensions—

Weight: <62t
Length: 7.95m (11.17inc gun)
Width: 3.79m
Height: 2.44m (2.84m inc PERI)
Engine: 1500hp
Max speed: 65kmph

—Armament—
Primary weapon: 120mm L/55 Smoothbore cannon (130mm can also be interchangeable)
Co-axial: none
RCWS: 30mm Nato autocannon with counter UAV capability
Ammunition:

DM63A1
DM73
Future KE Penetrators
Multipurpose shells
HE

Autoloader: Modular rack (configuration dependent size)(can have more ready rounds than Leopard 2)
Reload Rate: 3 rounds / 10 seconds = 3.33 seconds per shell
Special: LOS/NLOS Guided missiles (configuration dependent)(may affect total 120mm ammunition count)

Photo Gallery