The Hungarian Defence Forces recently welcomed the delivery of three Leopard 2A7HU main battle tanks and their inaugural Leguan 2HU armored vehicle-launched bridge, marking a significant step in modernizing the nation’s military capabilities under a contract initiated in 2018. This initiative, in partnership with KNDS Deutschland, aims to integrate up to 44 advanced tanks along with essential support equipment to enhance Hungary’s ground-based armored firepower.
The newly acquired Leopard 2A7HUs and Leguan 2HUs will be allocated to the 1st Armored Brigade, stationed in the northwestern town of Tata, where these modern vehicles will operate. As part of this ongoing upgrade, the aim is to gradually phase out the older T-72 M1 main battle tanks, which date back to the Soviet era.
Hungary’s 2018 procurement plan encompasses a comprehensive array of vehicles that includes not only the three Leguan 2HU armored bridge layers and the Leopard tanks but also five Wisent 2HU armored recovery vehicles and 12 refurbished 2A4HU training tanks. All of these assets leverage the robust Leopard chassis from Germany. The total value of this military modernization effort is estimated at approximately $565 million, with the final shipments projected for completion by 2028.
The Leopard 2A7HU tank features specific modifications tailored to meet the requirements of the Hungarian armed forces. It is equipped with a Rheinmetall smoothbore gun, a standby machine gun, and a heavy machine gun mounted on the roof for enhanced firepower. With a powerful 1,500-horsepower engine, the tank boasts a range of 500 kilometers (approximately 311 miles) and can reach speeds of up to 68 kilometers per hour (about 42 miles per hour).
In addition, the Leguan 2HU offers remarkable capabilities with a payload capacity exceeding 70 tons (63,503 kilograms). It is designed to deploy a 24-meter (79-foot) bridge composed of two 14-meter (26-foot) sections, allowing for rapid maneuvering in the field. Remarkably, the Leguan’s bridging system is designed for remote operation by a single individual, capable of being positioned in as little as five minutes, thus enhancing operational effectiveness in various combat scenarios.
This strategic procurement reflects Hungary’s commitment to bolstering its defense infrastructure and aligning with modern military standards, ensuring greater readiness and operational capability in the face of evolving security challenges.
