The new aromored vehicle is another milestone in the Defense and Military Development Program.Continue reading
The first Leopard 2A7HU armored vehicle, the Leguan 2HU bridge launcher, and the Wisent 2HU technical combat vehicles were handed over at the barracks of the Klapka György 1st Armored Brigade in Tata (northwestern Hungary).
Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky described the Leopards as the crown jewels of Hungarian force development, and said that the new tanks are more modern than those of the German forces and are the most advanced combat vehicles in the world.
To renew the Hungarian armed forces, 44 Leopard A7s will be delivered to Hungary by 2028, as well as five Wisent technical combat vehicles and three Leguan bridge launchers.
The minister stressed that the Leopard tank is the backbone of the armed forces of more than 20 countries, and the version in service in Hungary is the basis for the further development of the type.
The 70-ton vehicle can travel at a speed of up to 70 kilometers in the field. It is equipped with layered armor and an ammunition store to ensure the safety and survival of the crew.
Szalay-Bobrovniczky recalled that three years ago, in 2020, the 12 Leopard 2A4HU vehicles arrived, giving the personnel the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the German armored technology, which is significantly different from the previous ones, and to prepare for the deployment, application, and operation of this modern, new military equipment.
Photo via honvedelem.hu
The minister also noted that the Tata unit was a priority, and that the “Man for Iron” recruitment campaign would aim to recruit the best Hungarian young people to join the Defense Forces alongside the new equipment.
Tata is now recruiting gunners to operate PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers,
he added.
Photo via honvedelem.hu
Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KMW-Nexter Defense Systems, the German tank manufacturer, stressed that the Hungarian Defense Forces will indeed receive the most modern tanks. He added that the Leopard family is the backbone of deterrence and the battle tank of 21st century European armies.
To hand over the most advanced military technology to a renowned equestrian hussar nation is a real honor,”
he highlighted.
Photo via honvedelem.hu
Via MTI, honvedelem.hu; Featured image via honvedelem.hu