The Leopard 2A6 is a further improved version of the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Currently it is one of the best MBT's in the world outperforming its rivals such as the M1A2, Leclerc and Challenger 2 in terms of mobility, firepower and protection.
This vehicle is protected by a third generation spaced multi-layer composite armor with further possibility to mount add-on armor plates. Internal anti-splinter lining reduces a number of fragments in case armor is penetrated. The Leopard 2A6 has an improved protection against mines.
The new Leopard is armed with a smoothbore 120-mm L55 Rhein****ll gun. This gun is even longer comparing to that, found on the 2A5. The L55 has a bigger muzzle velocity, consequently it has better fire accuracy defeating targets at a long range. A newly developed ammunition for this tank gun increased penetration power. There are two main types of ammunition, carried by this MBT: the APFSDS-T anti-tank rounds and HEAT-MP-T multi-purpose rounds.
The Leopard 2A6 carries a total of 42 rounds for it's main gun. 15 of them are ready to use at any time, while remaining 27 are stored in the special magazine in the forward section of the hull. Additional armament includes two 7.62-mm machine guns.
Vehicle is powered by a rear positioned MTU V-12 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 500 hp. The Leopard 2A6 has a maximum road speed in 68 km/h. Despite increase in weight over 2A5 it retains all the mobility and cross-country characteristics.
Currently the German army operates approximaly 220 Leopards 2A6 main battle tanks. It is also in service with the Dutch army (approximately 120 vehicles). Some other countries are also planning to acquire this MBT.