Krzysztof Salaj-Bobrovniczki, Hungary’s Minister of Defense, heralded the arrival of these tanks as the dawn of a transformative chapter for Hungary’s military modernization. According to the Hungarian Ministry of Defense, the Leopard 2A7 tanks are described as “versatile, highly reliable, and exceptionally maneuverable.” These advanced tanks are set to replace the Russian T-72M1 tanks currently in service.

The Leopard 2A7HU, tailored specifically to meet Hungarian military needs, stands at the forefront of modern armored technology. With a hull length of 10.97 meters, a width of 3.75 meters, and a height of 3 meters, this machine weighs approximately 64 tons, positioning it as one of the heaviest combat platforms in its class.

The Leopard 2A7HU is powered by a robust 1500 hp MTU MB 873 Ka-501 12-cylinder diesel engine. This engine offers a maximum speed of up to 68 km/h and provides an operational range of approximately 500 kilometers when traveling on highways. The engine’s power is efficiently transmitted to the tracks through the RENK HSWL 354 transmission, ensuring remarkable maneuverability, even over challenging terrain.

Central to the Leopard 2A7HU’s formidable firepower is the advanced 120mm Rheinmetall L/55A1 smoothbore gun. It can fire a variety of munitions, including armor-piercing sub-caliber [APFSDS] rounds and high-explosive multi-purpose [HE-MP-T] rounds. This versatility enables it to accurately engage targets up to 4 kilometers away.

Featuring a digitized fire control system built on cutting-edge computer technology, the tank benefits from real-time ballistic calculation software, which facilitates quick and precise targeting, even while in motion. The gun boasts dual-axis stabilization, and the tank is equipped with an automated ammunition loading system, further enhancing its rate of fire.

Equipped with cutting-edge sensor systems, the Leopard 2A7HU offers impressive target recognition capabilities, thanks to its upgraded thermal imaging cameras and laser rangefinders. These technologies allow you to detect targets both day and night, no matter the weather. Plus, its infrared sensors take reconnaissance to a whole new level. With enhanced thermal visibility and advanced surveillance devices, you’ll find that tracking multiple targets, such as infantry and enemy armored vehicles, becomes second nature in combat conditions.

For secondary armament, the Leopard 2A7HU doesn’t disappoint. It features a 7.62 mm machine gun module mounted alongside the main gun and a remote-controlled 12.7 mm machine gun located on the roof. This setup lets you tackle light armored and aerial threats effectively, all while ensuring the crew stays safe even when close to enemy lines.

Surviving in intense combat scenarios is made possible by the tank’s active protection systems. These include both active and passive defenses, like dynamic protection and anti-tank missile detection systems. With these, the Leopard 2A7HU stands as a formidable presence on the battlefield.

The transformation of Hungary’s battle tank fleet goes beyond the introduction of the new Leopard 2A7HU and sets the stage for future advancements through a significant partnership established last year. This collaboration coincides with the arrival of the first KNDS tanks, involving Rheinmetall in the development of the anticipated KF51 Panther tank.

Unveiled in June 2022 at Eurosatory, a prestigious French defense exhibition, this ambitious project marks a substantial investment of 288 million euros by the Hungarian government in partnership with the German company. Rheinmetall’s commitment includes the construction and testing of a demonstration vehicle, which will lead to full-scale production. This initiative involves cooperation with Hungary’s state-owned holding company N7, holding a 49% interest in the Rheinmetall Hungary joint venture.

Currently, Hungary operates 34 T-72M1 tanks, with an additional 164 in storage. These tanks were originally acquired in 1978 during the Cold War era when Hungary was part of the Warsaw Pact. The primary provider of these tanks was the Soviet Union, delivering over 200 units by 1980. The T-72M1 is an enhanced variant of the original T-72, featuring reinforced armor and an improved fire control system, tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Hungarian Army, which adhered to Soviet military strategies at that time.

Over the years, Hungary has made multiple attempts to modernize the T-72M1. Yet, the challenges stemming from limited access to technology in the post-Warsaw Pact era have rendered significant improvements difficult. After the Cold War ended in the early 1990s, the Hungarian military concentrated on maintaining their existing fleet and making partial enhancements to communication and combat management systems. However, the absence of resources for comprehensive modernization has inevitably led to their gradual phase-out from active duty.

More notable strides toward modernization emerged in the early 21st century. Hungary started integrating Western components into select T-72M1 tanks, such as improved protection systems and advanced sensors. These enhancements, however, were applied to a limited number of tanks and did not drastically alter their combat capabilities. The upgrades primarily involved major overhauls to the electronics and connectivity systems to align with NATO standards after Hungary acceded to NATO in 1999.

Presently, of the 34 active T-72M1 tanks, a portion has received upgrades, but the Hungarian Armed Forces are shifting them gradually to reserve status due to the introduction of new platforms like the Leopard 2A7HU. Out of the 164 tanks in storage, many are in varying states of disrepair, with some being cannibalized for spare parts or held in deep reserve for crisis scenarios. Looking ahead, Hungary is focusing on transitioning to more modern combat platforms, such as the Leopard, even as the T-72 continues to serve as a reminder of a bygone era in the Hungarian military.