To replace Soviet tanks: Hungary has already received 24 Leopard 2A7HUs
The Hungarian Ministry of Defence announced that on 20 September it took delivery of the 23rd and 24th Leopard 2A7HU tanks.
Here's What We Know
The new tanks will be used to equip the 11th Tarczai Ervin Tank Battalion. The battalion's soldiers are actively undergoing retraining to completely abandon Soviet-made T-72 tanks.
By 2028, the battalion is expected to be fully re-equipped. As part of this modernisation, Hungary will receive 44 Leopard 2A7HU tanks, 5 Wisent 2HU specialised vehicles and 3 Leguan 2HU bridge paving vehicles.
In 2018, Hungary signed a contract with the German company KMW for the purchase of 44 Leopard 2A7HU main battle tanks. The deal also included the supply of related equipment and 12 refurbished Leopard 2A4HUs to be used for training purposes. The total value of the contract is $565 million.
Leopard 2A7HU tanks are a specially adapted version of the Leopard 2A7+. The Leopard 2A7HU has improved top turret protection and a new PERI RTWL commander's sight. The Hungarian version of the Leopard also received a new fire control system
In addition, Hungary has ordered 24 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, the first of which were delivered in August 2022.
Source: Ministry of Defence
