Germany enhances military power with next-gen Leopard 3 tank PHOTO / VIDEO

The German Defence Ministry has announced the signing of the first contracts for the delivery of the Leopard 3 main battle tank.

As an interim solution between the fully developed Leopard 2A8 and the future tank under the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) programme, which is expected to enter service in the mid-2040s, the Bundeswehr aims to maintain the Leopard main battle tank's duel capabilities with the latest technologies, Caliber.Az reports, citing the message of SavunmaSanayiST.com on X.

Almanya Leopard 3 hamlesine başladı

Almanya Savunma Bakanlığı, Leopard 3 ana muharebe tankı için ilk sözleşmelerin imzalandığını duyurdu. 

Leopard 3’ün, 2045’te hizmete girmesi planlanan Ana Kara Muharebe Sistemi (MGCS) öncesinde, geçiş sürecinde önemli bir rol üstlenmesi… pic.twitter.com/g820z0iNBn

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) February 9, 2025

The decision regarding the configuration of this "transitional" tank is expected to be made in the second half of 2026, with its introduction into service anticipated in the early 2030s. Given the anticipated radical changes compared to its predecessors, this transitional solution, which will still be developed as a single platform may be named the Leopard 3. 

The Leopard 3 is expected to be equipped with a 130mm cannon manufactured by Rheinmetall. Contracts have also been signed for the development of at least three different types of 130mm ammunition for this weapon system. The German Defence Ministry has begun collaborating with Hensoldt and KNDS Deutschland on the development of the tank's fire control system and strike mechanism. 

Hensoldt will design automatic field adjustment systems compatible with all Leopard 2 models, while KNDS Deutschland will conduct research to balance the thermal factors affecting the accuracy of direct-fire shots. KNDS Deutschland will also develop the power system for the Leopard 3 tank. This system, named OLYMP, will be paired with an engine manufactured by Liebherr. The engine is expected to enhance the maneuverability of the drive chain by utilizing components from existing systems, while integrating alternative internal combustion engine technologies. 

The design process is expected to be completed by November 2026, with the Leopard 3 slated to enter service in the early 2030s. With this next-generation tank, Germany aims to strengthen its military capabilities through cutting-edge technologies and contribute to shaping a unified European defence strategy.

By Naila Huseynova