Germany and Hungary Collaborate to Enhance Leopard 2A7HU Tank Combat Performance
KNDS Deutschland and Hungarian defense company HM Currus Zrt. have established LEOPARD Hungary MRO Kft., a joint venture for long-term maintenance and logistical support of Hungary’s KNDS military systems. Founded on February 20, 2025, in Gödöllő, Hungary, the company is 51% owned by Currus and 49% by KNDS.
LEOPARD Hungary MRO Kft. will handle the maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) of key military vehicles, including the Leopard 2A7HU main battle tank, PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer, Wisent 2HU recovery vehicle, and Leguan bridge-layer system. Additionally, the company will oversee the maintenance of simulation and training facilities to support the Hungarian Armed Forces. This partnership ensures efficient and long-term operational support for Hungary’s advanced military fleet, enhancing its defense capabilities. The collaboration between Hungary and Germany extends beyond the procurement of tanks. The Hungarian Ministry of Defense has established a cooperation agreement with the German company KNDS Group, encompassing additional services, simulation, and maintenance support.
Hungarian army. (Picture source: Hungarian MoD)
Hungary is modernizing its military with a major defense contract signed in December 2018 with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). The deal includes 44 Leopard 2A7HU main battle tanks, 24 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, and support vehicles. As part of the agreement, Hungary also leased 12 Leopard 2A4HU tanks for training, which have been stationed at the Tata Brigade since December 2020 and will remain in Hungarian ownership after the lease ends. The first Leopard 2A7HU tanks arrived in Hungary on December 5, 2023, with the complete fleet expected to be operational by 2025, replacing the aging T-72M1 tanks currently in service and strengthening Hungary’s armored capabilities.
The Leopard 2A7HU is a variant of the Leopard 2A7, featuring several key upgrades for enhanced performance and protection. It is equipped with a 120mm Rheinmetall L55A1 smoothbore gun, capable of hitting targets up to 5,000 meters away, along with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm FN Herstal remote-controlled weapon station. The tank includes an upgraded fire control system with automatic target tracking, the PERI RTWL stabilized commander’s sight and reinforced roof protection. Weighing around 67.5 tons, it is powered by a 1,500-horsepower MTU MB 873 engine, reaching speeds of up to 72 km/h with an operational range of up to 500 km. The Leopard 2A7HU also benefits from digital upgrades, modular protection kits, and enhanced sustainability features, making it a powerful addition to Hungary’s military fleet. This partnership ensures that the Hungarian Armed Forces receive not only cutting-edge equipment but also sustained support for operational readiness.