Krauss-Maffei Wegmann is designing a new version of the LEOPARD 2 MBT for Peace Support Operations (PSO), intended for peacemaking and peacekeeping deployments. The future vehicle is claimed to feature higher military assertiveness, sustainability, mobility, and protection.
It will be a tank that is suitable for use in both built-up and non-built-up terrain. KMW presented the first demo LEOPARD 2 PSO - mainly financed from its own funds - at the 2006 Eurosatory.
The new LEOPARD 2 variant concentrates on those components that allow it to accomplish assignments in urban areas and asymmetric threats. They include highly effective all-round protection, a secondary weapon station that is operable under protection, an option for equipping with non-lethal effective means, a high-performance camera system for close observation, an enhanced reconnaissance ability, search light and a dozer-blade for barricade removal.
The LEOPARD 2 PSO also has additional components making it highly suitable for deployment in urban areas under all climatic conditions. It has a high-performance cooling unit, APU (auxiliary power unit), and modern guiding systems.
Sergyi Way
03.07.2006