Leopard MBT: Alpha beast finally gets to work after a long slumber (updated 2024)
Germany is the largest operator of Leopard MBTs. (Photo: US Army)
Leopard MBTs are German-made main battle tanks that have been in service since the Cold War and have undergone several upgrades to remain competitive in modern warfare. This article traces the history and development of the Leopard 1 and 2, its variants, its operational service and its future prospects.
The original Leopard main battle tank (MBT) was born as an idea and design in the darkest days of the Cold War in the mid-1950s and came to life in the 1960s as the chill between East and West continued. Its successor, Leopard 2, was brought to life in the 1970s with first deliveries just before the decade ended.
It was conceived as a western European MBT which, in one likely scenario, might have to face the massed ranks of Warsaw Pact armour.
The Cold War may have ended by the early 1990s, but six decades later, the scenario of facing off against
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Land Warfare
-
![UK confirms launch of Joint Programme Office to support Poland’s air defence project]()
UK confirms launch of Joint Programme Office to support Poland’s air defence project
The establishment of the office, which will be based in Bristol, UK, will work to support NAREW, Poland's Ground Based Air Defence Programme.
-
![South Korea to develop long-range interceptor for Iron Dome by 2028]()
South Korea to develop long-range interceptor for Iron Dome by 2028
Around US$329 million will be spent on the development of the interceptor which will work to protect national and military facilities from the threat of North Korean artillery.
-
![Kongsberg Defence Australia to supply control stations to Poland under $12 million deal]()
Kongsberg Defence Australia to supply control stations to Poland under $12 million deal
The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defence System (CDS) command and control (C2) console is derived from the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System air defence console currently in service with the Australian Army,
