Leopard 2A7A1 - New Claws for the German Big Cat

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Leopard 2A7A1 - New Claws for the German Big Cat

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Hi and welcome to my 83rd suggestion, which is about the Leopard 2A7A1, hope you like it. :popcorn:

First of all:

  • Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
  • Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here

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Basic Background

Since 2017, the Bundeswehr has been enhancing its Leopard 2 models to the A7 standard, with plans to introduce the Leopard 2A8 by 2025. This newer model will feature advanced systems, including an upgraded, lighter version of the Trophy active protection system. As an interim measure, the Leopard 2A7A1 will be deployed until the A8 becomes operational, including use by a German tank unit stationed in Lithuania as part of NATO’s defense initiatives.
In February 2021, the German government awarded KNDS Deutschland a contract to build and deliver 17 Leopard 2A7A1 tanks and a prototype, alongside an agreement with Israel for the supply of Trophy kits, ammunition, specialized tools, and training resources. The project has a total budget of €120 million, shared by KNDS and Israel.
On October 29, 2024, Germany held a ceremonial event to officially unveil its first Leopard 2A7A1, now enhanced with the Israeli-developed Trophy Active Protection System (APS) by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. This milestone is part of a strategic partnership between the German and Israeli Ministries of Defense, which began in 2020.

The Leopard 2A7A1 Overall

The Leopard 2A7A1 tank, now integrated with the Israeli Trophy Active Protection System (APS), features external radar antennas, launcher platforms, and internal control units to improve defenses against anti-tank threats. It carries a Rheinmetall 120mm/L55A1 cannon and includes advanced imaging through Hensoldt’s PERI R17 A3 thermal sight. Additional upgrades include a 20 kW auxiliary power unit, improved communication systems, and Ultracaps to stabilize power. At 70 tons, adjustments to transmission and cooling help maintain mobility, with up to 70km/h thanks to 1,500 hp of the 12-cylinder diesel engine MTU MB 873.
The Trophy APS, developed by Rafael, has been used by the IDF since 2011 and intercepts threats like rockets and guided missiles by detecting them with radar and deploying countermeasures. The system, which is also in use on U.S. Abrams tanks, provides 360-degree protection and can identify enemy positions through its Fire Source Location (FSL) capability, aiding in situational awareness. Despite its capabilities, passive armor remains essential to guard against fragments. The Trophy’s success has drawn interest worldwide, reinforcing the Leopard 2A7A1’s defenses and operational readiness.
The upper front plate receives an additional composite armor, similar to that of the Leopard 2A7V, but without the associated additional frontal protection, which could theoretically be applied later.

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Thanks for your time, hope you liked it :salute:
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]

Sources:

Links

Kampfpanzer Leopard 2 erhält Trophy-Schutzsystem
https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/germany-equips-leopard-2a7a1-tank-with-trophy-aps-to-enhance-protection-against-missiles
https://defence-industry.eu/knds-deutschland-unveils-leopard-2a7a1-tank-with-trophy-protection-system-for-bundeswehr/

24 Likes
2

I would hope that it’s just a matter of time.

4 Likes
3

I hope it joins before the A8.

3 Likes
4

+1

1 Like
5

Hopefully this now comes with t90M (area) and Abrams trophy +1

4 Likes
6

meh not a fan of it, missing one of the most important armor pieces

1 Like
7

Its better then nothing as a stop gap til 2a8 plus Germany needs actually top tier tanks and not just 2a7V

1 Like
8

prob, remember air superiority in 2023, they doenst show leopard 2a7 in the trailer

9

Well that’s the cope of mine

10

let’s wait dev stream tomorrow

11

Its also in Service too so yea it makes more sense than the 2A8 for now.
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12

I love how you show a picture of a in service 2a8, thinking its a 2a7a1.
You are a bit behind the news. Germany already received 2a8s

13

I’m thinking for balance 🤷‍♀️but not exactly the place to yap about this

14

2a8 Singular iirc

15

the troop already got more, only the first once gets announced officialy

16

I dont know from where you got that from but the Official Bundeswehr Website says the Delivery of their first 2A8s is in 2027.
Leopard 2 A8 – der modernste Kampfpanzer der Bundeswehr

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The first 2A8s go to the Tank Brigade 45 in Lithuania.

17

the german army still already has them officialy, they are in service

There already was offical ceremony where they were given to the bundeswehr.
As i said you are way to late on the news lol.
Germany has multiple in service already. First ones are in Munich for training etc. But that is in service already

18

and once again, you literaly posted the german 2a8 in service lol

19

Rollout =/= in Service you know that right? And that Tank in the Picture i sent is a 2A7A1 (as seen by the lack of extended Composite side protection and the lack of additional Roof Armor)
First Image: Leopard 2A8 (Note that the Roof armor is more bulky, extended Composite Side Panels, The Commander Sight and the Placement of the Smoke Launchers)

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20

got that one wrong then, they still are given over to germany and thats enough just as Norwegian already received their multiple variants

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