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Canadian Leopard 2A4M Tank Upgrades

The Leopard 2A4M CAN is an upgraded version of the Leopard 2A4 tank for the Canadian military. In the 2000s, Canada realized it needed a better protected tank for Afghanistan, so it acquired Leopard 2A4 and 2A6 tanks from Dutch surplus. In 2009, 20 ex-Dutch Leopard 2A4 tanks were upgraded to the Leopard 2A4M CAN standard with improved armor protection against IEDs and ambushes. Between 2010-2011, 5 Leopard 2A4M tanks were deployed in Afghanistan. The Leopard 2A4M retains the original 120mm gun but has enhanced armor, controls, and crew systems for Canadian operations.

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434 views1 page

Canadian Leopard 2A4M Tank Upgrades

The Leopard 2A4M CAN is an upgraded version of the Leopard 2A4 tank for the Canadian military. In the 2000s, Canada realized it needed a better protected tank for Afghanistan, so it acquired Leopard 2A4 and 2A6 tanks from Dutch surplus. In 2009, 20 ex-Dutch Leopard 2A4 tanks were upgraded to the Leopard 2A4M CAN standard with improved armor protection against IEDs and ambushes. Between 2010-2011, 5 Leopard 2A4M tanks were deployed in Afghanistan. The Leopard 2A4M retains the original 120mm gun but has enhanced armor, controls, and crew systems for Canadian operations.

Uploaded by

Mobil Boy
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Leopard 2A4M CAN

 The Leopard 2A4M CAN is a Canadian upgraded version of the Leopard 2A4 tank. In the mid
2000s Canadians realized the importance of main battle tanks when their Leopard C2 tanks
were rushed in to Afghanistan. Canadians needed a better protected tank, especially against
land mines and improvised explosive devices than their C2. There was no point to further
upgrade the C2s that are nearly 40 years old and were become increasingly harder to maintain.
In an attempt to renovate their heavy armor fleet and for their immediate needs in Afghanistan
in 2007 Canada acquired 80 Leopard 2A4, and 20 Leopard 2A6 tanks from Dutch surplus
stocks. Another 20 Leopard 2A6 tanks were borrowed from Germany. The oldest and less
capable Leopard 2A4 tanks were used by Canadian training squadrons. It is worth noting that
Canada actually acquired more Leopard 2A4 and Pz.87 tanks, however these were converted
to support vehicles, such as combat engineer vehicles and armored recovery vehicles. In 2009
Canada commissioned Krauss-Maffei Wegmann of Germany to refurbish and upgrade 20 ex-
Dutch Leopard 2A4 tanks to the Leopard 2A4M CAN standard. All of these tanks were
completed in 2010. Between 2010 and 2011 five Leopard 2A4M tanks were deployed in
Afghanistan.
   Upgraded tanks have improved overall protection and are less vulnerable to ambushes. The
Leopard 2A4M is fitted with add-on composite armor kit, optimized for protection against
improvised explosive devices. This kit resembles that found on the Krauss-Maffei
Wegmann Leopard 2A7 tank, but is different in detail. A mine protection belly plate was added.
Areas at the rear of the hull and turret were fitted with cage armor. The cage armor provides
protection against RPG rounds and anti-tank guided missies. Other modification include electric
rather than hydraulic turret controls.
   The Leopard 2A4M tank retains a 120 mm/L44 smoothbore gun of its predecessor. Originally
it was planned that these tanks will be fitted with a longer barreled 120 mm/L55 guns, as used
on the Leopard 2A6M tanks. The 120 mm/L55 gun has longer range is is more accurate, as the
longer barrel allows ammunition to attain higher velocities. It is optimized to engage enemy
tanks. However in Afghanistan there was no need for such weapon. Therefore it was decided to
retain the original 120 mm/L44 guns.
   A total of 42 rounds are carried for the main gun. 15 rounds are stored in the turret bustle and
are ready to use, while remaining rounds are stored in the hull.
   Secondary armament consists of two C6 7.62 mm machine guns. One of them is mounted
coaxially with the main gun. Another one is mounted on top of the roof.
   The Canadian Leopard 2A4M tanks are operated by a crew of four, including commander,
gunner, loader and driver. Some upgrades were made to commander's control systems and
driver's viewing aids.
   The Leopard 2A4M tank retains its MTU MB-873 Ka-501 turbocharged diesel engine,
developing 1 500 hp. Brakes and suspension were upgraded to coupe with increased weight.
Maximum road speed is 72 km/h, while maximum off-road speed is 55 km/h. Cross-country
performance is similar to that of its predecessor. These tanks can be fitted with mine plough,
mine rollers, or dozer blade.

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