Germany has commissioned key defense contractors KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetall, and Hensoldt to conduct technical studies that could pave the way for developing a next-generation main battle tank, tentatively dubbed the Leopard 3.
The German Armed Forces Procurement Office (BAAINBw) made the announcements on February 5 via the European online procurement platform TED.
The studies will focus on three critical areas: firepower, mobility, and protection. Key developments under evaluation include a more powerful engine, advanced 130mm ammunition types, an enhanced protection system, and an automated fire control system for the Leopard 2.
These upgrades are expected to be backward-compatible with existing Leopard 2 models, but if integrated into a single platform, they could result in a whole different tank, one that may ultimately be designated as the Leopard 3.
According to the German defense and security website Hartpunkt, this modernization effort—referred to as the bridging solution, “Leopard 2 AX,” or “Leopard 3″—is intended to sustain Germany’s armored forces until the arrival of the German-French Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).
The studies are set to conclude by the end of 2026, after which the final specifications of the Leopard 3 will be determined.
If the project proceeds as expected, the “bridge solution” could be introduced in the 2030s with an estimated service life of around 25 years. However, questions remain about how this new development will affect other Leopard 2 modernization efforts.
The Franco-German defense conglomerate KNDS unveiled the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 variant in 2024, a key upgrade to the existing Leopard 2 platform.
It also remains unclear how the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 fits into Germany’s long-term armored strategy in light of these new technical studies.
As the studies progress, Germany’s decision on whether to upgrade existing Leopard 2 tanks or field a completely new platform will shape the country’s armored capabilities for decades.
For now, the Leopard 3 remains in the conceptual stage, but with growing interest in maintaining battlefield superiority, its eventual development appears increasingly likely.
More Lethal, More Agile, More Secure
The series of technical studies aims to increase firepower, mobility, and protection for a potential Leopard 3 main battle tank. A key focus of the studies is Rheinmetall’s 130mm smoothbore gun, a next-generation weapon that has been under development since 2016.
The report outlined that Rheinmetall will oversee research into three types of ammunition for the system: DM13 qualification rounds for trials, DM11 multifunctional high-explosive rounds, and DM23 kinetic-energy anti-armor projectiles.
The 130mm gun is expected to provide a substantial increase in firepower, offering up to 50% more kinetic energy than the 120mm gun currently in use on Leopard 2 tanks. However, the weapon’s larger size presents challenges.
Its weight exceeds 7,700 pounds, far more than the 120mm variant, requiring crews to handle extended rounds measuring 4.2 feet in length and weighing over 66 pounds.
This also necessitates an automated loading system, as manually handling the ammunition would be impractical. Rheinmetall has already conducted firing tests, simulations, and extensive studies to refine the system’s performance.
Alongside the improved armament, Germany is also investigating a new powerplant for the Leopard 3. Engineering firm Liebherr has been tasked with developing the OLYMP engine, a potential successor to the power unit currently used in the Leopard 2.
The study of the new engine will cover the entire powertrain system, incorporating a combustion engine, steering mechanisms, manual gearbox, cooling system, air filtration, and exhaust components.
Liebherr, known for its experience in military vehicle propulsion, including engines for the Marder 1 and Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles, has been directed to incorporate as many existing Leopard 2 components as possible to guarantee compatibility.
Hensoldt and KNDS Deutschland are leading the development of upgraded protection systems, with a focus on improving the Multifunctional Self-Protection System (MUSS).
The latest iteration, MUSS 2.0, which was showcased last year for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, is expected to be further refined for the Leopard 3.
MUSS 2.0, compared to its predecessor, features a reduced weight and a more compact design while offering enhanced capabilities. It is designed to counter modern anti-tank threats, including guided missiles, tracer rounds, and laser-based targeting systems.
It uses a combination of passive sensors, missile and laser warning systems, infrared jammers, and countermeasure dispensers to detect, prioritize, and neutralize threats.
The system can operate in both semi- and fully autonomous modes, with an evolving threat database that allows for continuous updates to counter new threats. Another key aspect of the modernization program is an automated system for adjusting the tank’s main gun in the field.
Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland are responsible for developing a solution to counteract barrel bend, a phenomenon caused by temperature fluctuations that can affect firing accuracy.
Unlike the current manual adjustment process in the Leopard 2, the new system is expected to be fully automated to ensure consistent accuracy in various environmental conditions.
All in all, if approved for full-scale development, the Leopard 3 will offer better performance compared to the Leopard 2A8 (the most advanced variant of the Leopard 2 currently in production).
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