Leopard MBT: Alpha beast gets a reboot (updated 2026)
Germany is the largest operator of Leopard MBTs. (Photo: BAAINBW)
Leopard MBTs are German-made main battle tanks that have been in service since the Cold War and have undergone several upgrades to remain competitive in modern warfare. This article traces the history and development of the Leopard 1 and 2 as well as its variants, operational service and future prospects.
The original Leopard main battle tank (MBT) was born as an idea and design in the darkest days of the Cold War in the mid-1950s, before coming to life in the 1960s as the chill between East and West continued. Its successor, Leopard 2, emerged in the 1970s with first deliveries just before the decade ended.
It was conceived as a western European MBT which, in one likely scenario, might have to face the massed ranks of Warsaw Pact armour.
The Cold War may have ended by the early 1990s, but six decades later, the scenario of facing off against
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
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability]()
Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability
MARSS became part of EOS Defence earlier this year, bringing together the former’s C2 NiDAR and Nation Shield air defence products with the latter’s suite of effectors and sensors.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Pearson Engineering to send AI mine detecting systems into Ukraine]()
Eurosatory 2026: Pearson Engineering to send AI mine detecting systems into Ukraine
Pearson Engineering’s Threat-Sense system is designed to use imaging from drones to geolocate scattered mines and support uncrewed systems in defeating the threats.
-
![Is motorisation set to be the next evolution of towed artillery?]()
Is motorisation set to be the next evolution of towed artillery?
Artillery remains a key tool on the modern battlefield. Artillery platforms, however, are increasingly at risk from enemy fire, whether from other artillery or uncrewed …
