The Hungarian Army has officially received the last of 44 Leopard 2A7HU main battle tanks, marking the completion of one of the central phases of the country’s land forces modernization program.
The final delivery was celebrated with a ceremonial parade featuring the participation of the 1st Armored Brigade.
During the ceremony, the Hungarian Minister of Defence awarded a special recognition to KNDS, the company responsible for supplying the systems.
The award was received by Ralf Ketzel, project manager Mario Gall, and Peter Ulbrich, director of KNDS Hungary Kft., who oversees maintenance activities and the operational readiness of the tanks in Hungarian territory.
According to the Ministry of Defence, all deliveries scheduled under the contract were completed within the established timeframe. In addition to the 44 Leopard 2A7HU tanks, the agreement included the supply of 24 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, three LEGUAN bridge-laying systems, and five WiSENT engineering vehicles, significantly enhancing the combat, support, and mobility capabilities of the Hungarian Army.
The contract also provided for the creation of a state-of-the-art training and simulation center, aimed at training and qualifying crews and technical teams, reinforcing operational readiness and interoperability with NATO forces.
The Leopard 2A7HU represents a version specially adapted from the Leopard 2A7+, incorporating specific improvements requested by Hungary. Highlights include enhanced protection against threats to the upper turret area and the adoption of the new PERI RTWL commander’s sight. The vehicles are also equipped with a platform ready for the installation of the remotely controlled FN Herstal RWS combat module, in addition to an updated fire control system compared to the standard version.
With the completion of deliveries, Hungary consolidates a qualitative leap in its armored forces, strengthening its land defense capabilities and its role within the European security architecture.
Source and images: Hungarian Ministry of Defence. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
