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Practical trials of the Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank are underway at Záhorie

Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic

20.03.2023

Practical trials of the first Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank (MBT), delivered to Slovakia under an equipment exchange programme with Germany in exchange for gifting its BVP-1 IFVs to Ukraine, are underway on the test tracks and firing range at the Záhorie Military Technical and Testing Institute.

The trials of the Leopard 2A4 MBT are taking place to verify some the tank's technical specifications and tactical performance parameters as the Leopard 2A4 MBT along with tank ammunition is being accepted into service with the SVK Army.

As part of the live-firing test, the 120mm Rh120 L/44 gun as the main armament and the 7.62mm MG3 machine gun as the secondary armament on-board the tank platform were test-fired, both from a static vehicle and while on the move. In addition, the smoke screen test showed how the smoke grenades would generate a thick smoke screen to mask the tank's location and movement.

Test procedures to check for the tank's technical specifications, mobility, ammunition, and ergonomics are still scheduled to be conducted over the next two weeks. So far, no problems with the MBT have been reported. The trails are due to be complete on 31 March 2023.

A total of 15 Leopard 2A4 MBTs will be delivered into service with the Slovak Armed Forces this year, whilst deliveries of tank ammunition, spares, logistics support and training of tank crews and technicians will continue throughout 2023-2025.

The Slovak Army will start fielding the Leopard 2A4 MBTs to its Tank Battalion, which forms part of the Slovak Army's Heavy Mechanised Brigade. Building up the Brigade to full strength is Slovakia's key commitment to NATO Allies.