One of the iconic platforms of the Cold War, Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks are being modernized to meet the requirements of the modern battlefield. These activities are carried out with solutions developed for the demands of different users.
One of the countries that has taken action to upgrade the Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks in its inventory is Poland. According to Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa's statement thursday, works on the first two Leopard 2A4s has been completed. The other three, which have already improving their capabilities and are currently modernizing platforms, which renamed as Leopard 2PL, will be off the production line this week. Acceptance of the five tanks will be completed by the Polish Army after a two-week test period. The first batch vehicles will be picked up at Zakłady Mechaniczne “Bumar-Łabędy” S.A located in Gliwice by user. Upon acceptance, the Leopard 2PLs will be delivered to the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade stationed in Świętoszów.
Within the scope of the package that transformed Leopard 2A4s into Leopard 2PLs, commander and gunner vision systems were replaced. Additional ballistic protection modules have been added to the turret. The hydraulic stabilization system in the tanks was replaced with electrically powered equipment, thus, the survivability of the vehicle was increased. Fire extinguishing systems have been modernized and fire suppression equipment has been added to critical modules. The commander was supported by new control and display equipment. The auxiliary power unit (APU) was integrated into tanks, which extends the life of the tank's powerpack and reduces fuel consumption has been integrated to the platforms for long static watch missions. Additional storage areas have been created on the turret for the towing and repair equipment of the tank, which increased in size due to heavier weight of the tank because of the additional ballistic protection equipment and increasing the size. By modernizing the main gun and firing systems, Leopard 2PLs gained fire modern ammunition modernization capability. The driver, on the other hand, was supported by a driver rear camera that offers the opportunity to drive in day and night conditions within the scope of the new package.
Rheinmetall is a strategic partner of the modernization process, which is under contract of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and ZM Bumar-Łabędy S.A. Modernization activities for 142 of the tanks Poland procured from Germany in 2002 will be completed on January 31, 2023.
