The Austrian Armed Forces took delivery of the first modernized Leopard 2 A4NV main battle tank and the first modernized Ulan infantry fighting vehicle on August 25. As part of comprehensive service life extension programs, KNDS Deutschland and General Dynamics European Land Systems Steyr (GDELS-Steyr) bring both weapon systems up to the latest state of technology. The aim of these measures is to ensure the operational readiness of the mechanized forces under the ÖBH 2032+ development plan and to keep the vehicles fit for operation into the 2040s.
Already in December 2022, Austria signed contracts to modernize the Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and the Ulan infantry fighting vehicles, the platforms of the mechanized brigade’s combat team. In total, the Army is investing 765 million euros.
Modernization Concept of the Leopard 2A4NV
The modernization concept of the Leopard 2A4NV main battle tank follows the principle inside A7, outside A4, preserving the exterior turret shape while the interior is fully digitized. Among the most significant technical innovations is the replacement of the maintenance-intensive turret hydraulics with a fully electric turret drive. This increases crew safety in the event of a hit and, together with the renewed weapon stabilization, enhances accuracy when firing while moving.
Video from the handover. (Video: Austrian Armed Forces)
In addition, outdated components were replaced as part of obsolescence management, and the crew’s workstations were digitally upgraded. A central focus is restoring night combat capability. The commander, the gunner and the driver have been equipped with high-resolution optics, camera systems and thermal imaging devices, which improves the situational picture with the hatch closed.
The measures are complemented by a refurbished suspension as well as new digital radio and command-and-control systems for networked combat. In the modernization, the armor and the onboard cannon were left out.
Upgrade for the Ulan
At the same time, the Ulan infantry fighting vehicle undergoes modernization of optics, electronics, running gear and electrical system. Here too, new thermal imaging and night-vision systems replace outdated components, whereby the optics are digitally networked to enhance reconnaissance range and target engagement with the 30 mm autocannon. The driver receives a new digital camera system for poor visibility. Through the unified radio system, the Ulan is seamlessly networked with the Leopard 2A4NV.
Timeline
Overall, 58 Leopard 2A4 and a large part of the 112 Ulan infantry fighting vehicles are scheduled for the upgrade. The tanks will be withdrawn from service in stages, handed over to the manufacturer KNDS, and after the conversion returned directly to the battalions. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2029.
While the first infantry fighting vehicles go directly to the troops, the Leopard will undergo a final adaptation at the Army Logistics Center before delivery.
Author: Gerhard Heiming, editor, Wehrwirtschaft
