Leopard 2A7A1 Main Battle Tank (Germany)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-01-14

The Leopard 2A7A1 is an upgraded version of the Leopard 2A7, fitted with Trophy Active Protection System (APS). In 2021 Germany signed a contract to purchase the Israeli Trophy protection systems for its Leopard 2A7V tanks. Upgraded tanks received a Leopard 2A7A1 designation. Initially only a company of 17 tanks will be upgraded to this standard for the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force. Some sources report that in 2021 at least some of these new tanks were delivered to German army. Raphael expects procurement of additional Trophy systems from Germany. Older Leopard 2A4 tanks can be upgraded to similar configuration as all upgrades are modular. Sometimes protection system of the Leopard 2A7A1 is being referred as EuroTrophy. Currently the Leopard 2A7A1 is among the best main battle tanks in the world.

The Trophy APS was designed to provide additional protection for tanks against incoming anti-tank rockets and missiles. In some cases it might also provide protection against incoming high explosive anti-tank shells. This system uses a fire control radar with 4 flat-panel antennas mounted on the vehicle for a 360 degree field of view. The Trophy has a brief reaction time. When an incoming rocket or missile is detected the internal computer calculates its approach vector as well as optimal time and angle to fire countermeasures. A number of small explosively-formed projectiles are housed in two rotating launchers, that are installed on the sides of the vehicle. Once launched these defensive munition explode and form a very tight and precise cloud of explosive shrapnel, that is aimed at the incoming threat. Incoming rockets and missiles are destroy before they hit the tank. Though this system does not protect the tank against kinetic energy threats, such as the armor-piercing fin-stabilizes discarding sabot munitions. These munitions travel too fast for the system to intercept. This Trophy was designed to have a very small kill zone in order not to endanger infantry next to the tank. This system can simultaneously engage several threats arriving from different directions.

The Trophy passes information about the direction of attack to tank crews. This allows to identify enemy location and attack the launch position, thereby providing greater survivability.

The Trophy is used on Israeli tanks for a number of years. It saw action during various clashes. Israeli tanks fitted with this system survived multiple anti-tank rocket and missile attacks. Since its introduction this system demonstrated 100% success rate in various terrain and combat conditions. Defeated threats include RPG-29 anti-tank rockets and Kornet and Metis-M anti-tank guided missiles. Also so far the Trophy is the most commercially successful and widely used system of its type with over 1 800 units produced by 2022. The Trophy APS costs around $900 000 to integrate on main battle tank.

After addition of the Trophy the upgraded Leopard 2A7A1 weighs around 65 t. There are many problems related to excessive weight such as limited top speed, limited cross-country mobility, limited areas where the tank can be deployed. Also it is more complicated to transport the tank to the frontline.

The Leopard 2A7A1 retains the same Rheinmetall 120 mm/L55 smoothbore gun as its predecessor. The same gun is also used on the Leopard 2A6. This gun demonstrated its accuracy on long ranges. It is loaded manually and is compatible with all standard NATO 120 mm tank ammunition. This tank can fire newly developed DM11 programmable multi-purpose high explosive ammunition. These rounds can be used to engage targets behind cover and within buildings. The DM11 rounds can be used against troops, vehicles and helicopters. A total of 42 rounds are carried inside the tank. Ready-to-use ammunition includes 15 rounds that are stored in the turret bustle. Remaining rounds are stored inside the hull.

There is a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and remotely-controlled weapon station with a 12.7 mm machine gun.

The Leopard 2A7A1 tank is well protected and provides high level of protection against various threats. It has a welded steel armor construction with composite armor over the front arc. The tank is additionally fitted with passive composite armor kit with the latest generation of passive armor. It seems that it uses new materials, including nano-ceramics and allows made of titanium and steel. This add-on armor offers 360° protection against RPG rockets. Damaged armor modules can be easily replaced in field conditions. The Leopard 2A7A1 tank withstands mine blasts and improvised explosive devices. The tank is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression system.