KMW/KNDS Leopard 2A7/A8

The Leopard 2A7 has been the Bundeswehr standard since 2014; the A8 (in production since 2024) adds Trophy APS, a new digital backbone, and upgraded comms. Diesel MTU MB873 Ka-501 (1,500 hp), 25–30 km/h on road, 50 km/h off-road, 70-ton weight. Main weapon Rheinmetall Rh-120 L/55 or L/55A1 (120 mm smoothbore, longer than the M256 L/44 on Abrams — providing higher muzzle velocity and better penetration). The L/55A1 can fire the DM73 or DM83 APFSDS round with claimed penetration of 800+ mm RHA at 2 km. Fire control: dual-axis stabilizer, EMES-15 day/night sight for the gunner, PERI R17A2 for the commander — both with thermal cameras, all stabilized. Armor is composite (Chobham variant), with additional tactical composite front and side packages. Users: Germany (all), Netherlands (re-introduction in 2024), Norway (54 A8), Finland, Denmark, Spain, Greece, Poland (earlier, re-investing in 2024), Türkiye, Canada (12 A4 + 100 ex-Bundeswehr A4 in upgrade), Sweden ("Strv 122", Leopard 2A5/SE), Austria, Switzerland (Pz 87), Hungary (Leopard 2A4 + new A7HU), Czechia (used), Singapore (Leopard 2SG). Ukraine deliveries since 2023 include 2A4, 2A6, 2A6M, and 2A7+ (a handful). Unit price: ~USD 19–29 million.