The Hungarian Armed Forces lately welcomed a cargo of six state-of-the-art Leopard 2A7HU tanks. This addition brings Hungary’s complete to 24 of those Krauss-Maffei Wegmann [KMW] license-produced tanks, a part of an order for 48 models. The primary tank rolled out in direction of the top of 2023, marking a swift acquisition of those domestically produced, superior tanks.
Krzysztof Salaj-Bobrovniczki, Hungary’s Minister of Protection, heralded the arrival of those tanks because the daybreak of a transformative chapter for Hungary’s navy modernization. In line with the Hungarian Ministry of Protection, the Leopard 2A7 tanks are described as “versatile, extremely dependable, and exceptionally maneuverable.” These superior tanks are set to exchange the Russian T-72M1 tanks at the moment in service.
The Leopard 2A7HU, tailor-made particularly to fulfill Hungarian navy wants, stands on the forefront of recent armored know-how. With a hull size of 10.97 meters, a width of three.75 meters, and a top of three meters, this machine weighs roughly 64 tons, positioning it as one of many heaviest fight platforms in its class.
The Leopard 2A7HU is powered by a strong 1500 hp MTU MB 873 Ka-501 12-cylinder diesel engine. This engine presents a most velocity of as much as 68 km/h and supplies an operational vary of roughly 500 kilometers when touring on highways. The engine’s energy is effectively transmitted to the tracks by the RENK HSWL 354 transmission, guaranteeing exceptional maneuverability, even over difficult terrain.
Central to the Leopard 2A7HU’s formidable firepower is the superior 120mm Rheinmetall L/55A1 smoothbore gun. It may possibly fireplace a wide range of munitions, together with armor-piercing sub-caliber [APFSDS] rounds and high-explosive multi-purpose [HE-MP-T] rounds. This versatility permits it to precisely have interaction targets as much as 4 kilometers away.
That includes a digitized fireplace management system constructed on cutting-edge laptop know-how, the tank advantages from real-time ballistic calculation software program, which facilitates fast and exact focusing on, even whereas in movement. The gun boasts dual-axis stabilization, and the tank is supplied with an automatic ammunition loading system, additional enhancing its charge of fireside.
Outfitted with cutting-edge sensor methods, the Leopard 2A7HU presents spectacular goal recognition capabilities, due to its upgraded thermal imaging cameras and laser rangefinders. These applied sciences will let you detect targets each day and night time, regardless of the climate. Plus, its infrared sensors take reconnaissance to a complete new degree. With enhanced thermal visibility and superior surveillance gadgets, you’ll discover that monitoring a number of targets, equivalent to infantry and enemy armored autos, turns into second nature in fight circumstances.
For secondary armament, the Leopard 2A7HU doesn’t disappoint. It incorporates a 7.62 mm machine gun module mounted alongside the primary gun and a remote-controlled 12.7 mm machine gun situated on the roof. This setup helps you to sort out mild armored and aerial threats successfully, all whereas guaranteeing the crew stays secure even when near enemy traces.
Surviving in intense fight eventualities is made attainable by the tank’s energetic safety methods. These embody each energetic and passive defenses, like dynamic safety and anti-tank missile detection methods. With these, the Leopard 2A7HU stands as a formidable presence on the battlefield.
The transformation of Hungary’s battle tank fleet goes past the introduction of the brand new Leopard 2A7HU and units the stage for future developments by a major partnership established final yr. This collaboration coincides with the arrival of the primary KNDS tanks, involving Rheinmetall within the growth of the anticipated KF51 Panther tank.
Unveiled in June 2022 at Eurosatory, a prestigious French protection exhibition, this formidable challenge marks a considerable funding of 288 million euros by the Hungarian authorities in partnership with the German firm. Rheinmetall’s dedication consists of the development and testing of an indication automobile, which is able to result in full-scale manufacturing. This initiative entails cooperation with Hungary’s state-owned holding firm N7, holding a 49% curiosity within the Rheinmetall Hungary three way partnership.
At present, Hungary operates 34 T-72M1 tanks, with a further 164 in storage. These tanks have been initially acquired in 1978 in the course of the Chilly Battle period when Hungary was a part of the Warsaw Pact. The first supplier of those tanks was the Soviet Union, delivering over 200 models by 1980. The T-72M1 is an enhanced variant of the unique T-72, that includes strengthened armor and an improved fireplace management system, tailor-made to fulfill the particular necessities of the Hungarian Military, which adhered to Soviet navy methods at the moment.
Over time, Hungary has made a number of makes an attempt to modernize the T-72M1. But, the challenges stemming from restricted entry to know-how within the post-Warsaw Pact period have rendered vital enhancements troublesome. After the Chilly Battle ended within the early Nineteen Nineties, the Hungarian navy targeting sustaining their present fleet and making partial enhancements to communication and fight administration methods. Nonetheless, the absence of sources for complete modernization has inevitably led to their gradual phase-out from energetic responsibility.
Extra notable strides towards modernization emerged within the early twenty first century. Hungary began integrating Western parts into choose T-72M1 tanks, equivalent to improved safety methods and superior sensors. These enhancements, nevertheless, have been utilized to a restricted variety of tanks and didn’t drastically alter their fight capabilities. The upgrades primarily concerned main overhauls to the electronics and connectivity methods to align with NATO requirements after Hungary acceded to NATO in 1999.
Presently, of the 34 energetic T-72M1 tanks, a portion has acquired upgrades, however the Hungarian Armed Forces are shifting them steadily to order standing as a result of introduction of latest platforms just like the Leopard 2A7HU. Out of the 164 tanks in storage, many are in various states of disrepair, with some being cannibalized for spare components or held in deep reserve for disaster eventualities. Wanting forward, Hungary is specializing in transitioning to extra trendy fight platforms, such because the Leopard, even because the T-72 continues to function a reminder of a bygone period within the Hungarian navy.
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