Leopard 2A4V: Ukraine’s Reinvigorated CatDisclaimer: Due to there being no offical designation, Leopard 2A4V will be used.
A Ukrainian Leopard 2A4V near a field.
Additional Images
Image dump of several Ukrainian Leopard 2A4V’s in service.
A Ukrainian Leopard 2A4V with its anti-drone net retracted.
Ukrainian Leopard 2A4V’s during weapons evolutions.
Different views of Leopard 2A4V’s being loaded with ammunition, as well as interior views.
A view of of the Gunner’s Sight.
- Different parts around the turret:
1.) EMES-15 Gunner’s Sight
2.) 7.62mm Coaxial Machine Gun Port
3.) Driver’s Hatch
4.) Driver’s Ports
- Description:
- The Leopard 2A4 is a highly regarded main battle tank designed by Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, first entering service in the early 1980s as an evolution of the original Leopard 2 series. With a weight of approximately 55 tons, it features a welded steel hull complemented by advanced B-tech composite armor that provides substantial protection against a variety of threats, including kinetic projectiles and anti-tank weapons. The tank is armed with a powerful 120mm smoothbore gun (Rh-120), capable of firing a wide range of munitions, including armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds, and is supported by two 7.62mm MG3 or FN MAG machine guns for close defense. Powered by a robust MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine, the Leopard 2A4 can reach speeds of up to 72 km/h on roads and 50 km/h off-road, ensuring excellent mobility on diverse terrains. Its advanced fire control system, the EMES-15, is equipped with laser range finders and thermal imaging, allows for precise targeting and engagement in various combat scenarios, making it effective in both day and night operations. With a crew of four, the tank’s interior is ergonomically designed for efficient operation, and its capabilities have led to widespread adoption by several countries, where it continues to be a key asset in modern armored warfare.
- The Leopard 2A4 also became a key part of the Ukrainian military as well. As of 2025, Ukraine has received and operated around ~70 Leopard 2A4’s from various countries, serving in units such as the 155th Mechanized Brigade, 33rd Mechanized Brigade, and other units. While in service, these Leopard 2A4’s have undergone domestic armor and miscellaneous upgrades to include Kontact-1 Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) tiles on the turret cheeks, side armor, and the LFP/UFP, new rubber flaps, anti-drone retractable covers, and camouflage netting. The most significant upgrade, the Kontact-1 ERA tiles, provides a significant increase in protection for the vehicle’s crew by increasing protection against Chemical Energy (CE) based weapons such as RPG’s, drones, 9M113 Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles, and more. K-1 utilizes 4S20 filler plates which are designed to counteract anti-tank munitions by detonating against the incoming projectile. Several Ukrainian Leopard’s have been seen equipped with this armor, displaying a unique East/West combination of technology and rather than just a simple field modification, it became a standard. Other noteworthy changes is the several types of ammunition this vehicle has been equipped with. Ammunition so highly diverse, ranging from the DM53A1 to the M830. It is worth noting that these rounds are not specifically designed for the FCS and will not fire it as accurately. Not to mention, programmable rounds can not be used properly either. Overall, the Leopard 2A4V offers a unique style of gameplay with its hybrid protection and multi-selectable ammunition, earning its place in-game.
- Disclaimer: Due to the Leopard 2A4 already being in-game as well as the risk of going outside the forum guidelines, this post was summarized. Images with crew members have been modified using AI when applicable. If anyone has any questions, feel free to PM me.
- Armament:
- Primary: 120mm Rh-120 L/44 Gun
- Ammunition:
- DM53A1 APFSDS-T
- DM53 APFSDS-T
- DM33A1 APFSDS-T
- M1028 CAN
- M830 HEAT-MP-T
- M339 HE-MP-T
- DM11 HE-MP-T
- IM HE-T
- Notes:
- Programmable ammunition is not able to be properly set from the Leopard 2A4’s EMES-15 fire control system but can still be fired in a HE-role.
- The Ballistic Computer of the Leopard 2A4 is not optimized to fire the DM53A1 or similar APFSDS-T rounds but can still fire them and has been loaded with it nonetheless.
- Ammunition:
- Coaxial: 7.62mm FN MAG Machine Gun
- Tertiary: 7.62mm FN MAG Machine Gun
- Primary: 120mm Rh-120 L/44 Gun
- Armor:
- B-Tech Composite Armor
- Kontact-1 Explosive Reactive Armor Tiles
- Retractable Mesh Cover
- Mobility:
- 1,500hp MTU MB 873 Ka-501 Twin-turbo V12 Diesel Engine
- Renk HSWL 354 Automatic Transmission
- Dimensions:
- Length: 9.97m
- Width: 3.70m
- Height: 2.80m
- Weight: ~56t
- Crew (4x):
- Commander
- Gunner
- Loader
- Driver
- Features:
- 16x Smoke Grenades
- Laser Rangefinder
- Hunter Killer-capable
- Camouflage Netting
- Optics:
- Gunner: EMES 15 WBG-X Thermal Sight (1st-generation Thermal Viewer)
- Commander: PERI R17 A1 Periscope (NVD)
- In-game:
- In-game this Leopard 2A4 would play identically to the existing Leopard 2A4 but would feature Kontact-1 ERA tiles covering the side, weaker armor as well as on the turret cheeks. It can also have the option as a modification to equip more K-1 ERA tiles on the LFP and UFP as a late Tier III or IV modification. In terms of ammuntiion, the Leopard 2A4 in Ukrainian use has been seen with rounds like the DM53A1 APFSDS-T round, and the DM11 HE-MP-T round however, it cannot accurately use them due to the EMES-15 not being updated to fire or program said rounds. Since ammunition is a Gaijin-variable, Gaijin can tailor the ammunition as needed. The Leopard 2A4V would be well suited for a Ukrainian Ground Forces Tree.
- Estimated Battle Rating (Realistic): 11.0-11.3
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- Sources:
- Leopard 2A4
- LEOPARD 2 A4
- Leopard main battle tank (a trademark of KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG) | Rheinmetall
- Leopard 2A4 | Weaponsystems.net
- Ukraine’s Leopard 2A4V Tank Has Add-On Explosive Armor
- 30 Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 Tanks Assembled In One Field—A Reminder That Ukraine Still Has Most Of Its Leopard 2s
- Ukrainian Leopard 2 Tank Seen Covered In Explosive Reactive Armor
- Ukraine’s 155th Brigade refines Leopard 2A4 tactics for assault
- CAT-UXO - 4s20 reactive armour
- Army Guide
- 120mm IM HE-T™ Insensitive Munition High Explosive-Tracer
- https://www.rheinmetall.com/Rheinmetall%20Group/brochure-download/Weapon-Ammmunition/B195e0423-Rheinmetall-120mm-system-house.pdf
- 120mm M1028 Canister Canister Cartridge
- Cartridge, 120mm HEAT-T-MP, M830
- https://www.deagel.com/Weapons/DM%2011/a002683
