In November 2024, Denmark's newly acquired Leopard 2A7 main battle tanks (MBTs) demonstrated their advanced capabilities during the RESOLUTE WARRIOR exercise at the Adazi training ground in Latvia. This advanced platform, integrated into Denmark's armored arsenal, played a key role in the exercises, which took place from November 1 to 14, 2024. With over 3,500 Allied troops participating, the event marked a key milestone for the newly formed NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, demonstrating the strength and readiness of Denmark’s modernized armored forces.
Danish forces demonstrated the enhanced mobility and firepower of the Leopard 2A7 during this NATO exercise, performing strategic maneuvers and changing positions in various tactical locations. These operations highlighted the tank’s advanced features, including improved protection, a more effective 120mm L55A1 gun, an upgraded communications system, and improved air conditioning.
The Leopard 2A7, compared to its predecessor, the Leopard 2A5DK, incorporates several significant technical improvements that enhance its combat effectiveness. It features improved protection with modular armor designed to protect against both kinetic energy penetrators and shaped charge munitions, as well as improved mine resistance and protection against IED threats. The main armament, the 120 mm L55A1 smoothbore gun, provides higher muzzle energy and is optimized for the use of next-generation ammunition, significantly increasing its ability to neutralize threats from modern armored vehicles. The tank is also equipped with state-of-the-art optics and targeting systems, including a third-generation thermal imager, which improves the situation and targeting accuracy in all weather conditions and during night operations.
The Leopard 2A7 also benefits from improved power management systems and increased mobility, making it more capable of operating in a variety of terrains. Advanced onboard systems improve crew comfort and efficiency with features such as improved air conditioning for operations in extreme climates and updated communications systems to ensure seamless integration into the modern network-oriented combat environment.
Denmark's Leopard 2A7s emerged from the acquisition of surplus German Leopard 2A4 tanks in 1998. These tanks were initially upgraded to 2A5DK standard between 2004 and 2006. In 2019, Denmark began a comprehensive modernization program to upgrade 44 of its Leopard 2A5DK tanks to 2A7 standard. The first modernized units were delivered by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) in 2019, and the last tank was received on 21 September 2023, completing the modernization process.
The deployment of the Danish Leopard 2A7 tanks to Latvia demonstrates Denmark’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense initiatives. The RESOLUTE WARRIOR 2024 exercise provided an opportunity to test the operational readiness and interoperability of these advanced MBTs in a multinational framework. The exercise highlighted the brigade’s proficiency in force planning, command and control, and communications, ensuring seamless integration between different units.