General Dynamics to upgrade Ukraine-bound Spanish Leopards
A Leopard 2A4 with a Ukrainian crew during training in Zaragoza, Spain, in 2023. (Photo: Ministry of Defence, Spain)
The 120mm-armed Leopard 2 MBT was developed in the 1970s as a replacement for the German Army’s 105mm Leopard 1s. Spain’s fleet of Leopard 2A4s were originally leased from Germany for five-years but eventually purchased in 2005.
General Dynamic Europe Land Systems (GDELS) will upgrade 20 mothballed Spanish Army Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks for use by Ukrainian forces against the Russian Army.
The Spanish Leopards, stored at Casetas Logistics Center in Zaragoza, will join 10 others already donated by Spain and take the number of Leopards provided to Ukraine by NATO nations to close to 75 vehicles. A number of the delivered Leopards have already been destroyed or abandoned.
The company stated that work will take place at the GDELS facility in Santa Barbara Sistemas facility in Sevilla and will include overhaul and replacement of parts and systems.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![NATO demonstrates equipment and prototype innovations in Crystal Arrow Exercise]()
NATO demonstrates equipment and prototype innovations in Crystal Arrow Exercise
The Crystal Arrow Exercise is being used by NATO as a way to put new equipment such as uncrewed ground and aerial vehicles into the hands of alliance users, particularly Latvian and Baltic forces.
-
![UK finally signs $1.35 billion British Army howitzer deal but with scaled-back numbers]()
UK finally signs $1.35 billion British Army howitzer deal but with scaled-back numbers
The deal will provide the British Army with five times the number of guns it currently operates as an interim measure, but it still leaves the force with comparatively fewer weapons than partner forces.
-
![NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine]()
NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine
The war in Ukraine remains a focus of procurement, concepts of operation, tactics and training for NATO countries. The Crystal Arrow Exercise in Latvia, ongoing until 15 May, is a reflection of this.
