Leopard 2A6

   The Leopard 2A6 main battle tank is a further development of the 2A5. Currently it is one of the best main battle tanks in the world. The Leopard 2A6 outperforms the M1A2 Abrams, Challenger 2 and Leclerc in terms of protection, firepower and mobility. The Leopard 2A6 and it's variants are currently in service with Germany, Canada, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

   The Leopard 2A6 is protected by composite armor of new generation and has external modular armor. Furthermore add-on armor, including explosive reactive armor blocks can be fitted. Interior of the tank is lined to prevent spalling.

   The Leopard 2A6 tank is armed with the Rheinmetall 120-mm L55 smoothbore gun, which is longer comparing with the L44 on the Leopard 2A5. It has better fire accuracy and longer range, comparing with the 2A5 tank. It is worth mentioning that the L55 gun can be fitted on any Leopard 2 MBT without any significant changes. This gun is loaded manually and is compatible with standard NATO ammunition. A total of 42 rounds are carried and 15 of them are ready to use, while the rest are stored in front of the hull.

   Secondary armament consists of two 7.62-mm machine guns. One of them is coaxially mounted with the main gun, while the other one is positioned on top of the roof.

   Vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

   The Leopard 2A 6 is powered by the MTU turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 500 horsepower. Cross-country performance is similar to that of the 2A5. Vehicle is fitted with an auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is turned off.

   Variants

   Leopard 2A6E has greater armor protection. It was jointly developed by Germany and Spain. This variant is in service with the Spanish Army;

   Leopard 2 HEL is a variant of the 2A6EX license-produced in Greece. Greek Army ordered 170 of these main battle tanks;

   Leopard 2A6M features additional protection against land mines and has a number of other enhancements foe improved survivability. This variant is in service with the Canadian Army.