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The LEOPARD 2 is indisputably the single most important current European Main Battle Tank design, having been manufactured in far larger quantities than any other European tank of its generation and having been adopted as the "Euro-Tank" by a much higher number of nations than any other modern MBT.
In spite of the LEOPARD 2 having been designed in the late '70, it incorporates an enormous development potential that has enabled and still enables the integration of whatever upgrades could prove to be necessary during its life cycle. Thus after the very capable and efficient LEOPARD 2A4 was fielded in the late '80s/early '90s, a first further upgraded product came in the shape of the LEOPARD 2A5, that was initially issued to the Heavy Crisis Reaction Forces of the German Army and almost at the same time (1994) also entered Swedish Army service in a derivative version with additional improvements (Strv 122).
The A5 version did significantly increase the overall combat value of the LEOPARD family by integrating all main lessons learnt at the time from ongoing conflicts, and at the same time addressing all perceived weaknesses. The A6 /2E/2HEL follow-on models currently in service in Germany, Spain and Greece, respectively maintains all the features of the A5 version, and further enhance firepower through the adoption of a new 55 cal. barrel for the 120mm smooth-bore gun. The main characteristics can be resumed as follows:
- Firepower A new set of ammunition has been introduced, including KE as well as multipurpose (MZ), high explosive (HE)...