Family Leo 2: More efficient due to new engines

The Bundeswehr intends to increase the number of Leopard 2 main battle tanks and other vehicles from the Leopard 2 family. In order to have a sufficient spare parts inventory for short-term and planned maintenance work in light of this planning, the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Utilization of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) recently signed a contract with Rolls-Royce for the procurement of additional engines for a so-called rotating reserve.

"This increase in the number of new engines for a rotating reserve will enhance the operational readiness of Leopard 2 main battle tanks and other vehicles from the Leopard 2 family," explains Lieutenant Colonel Jörg Schmerer, the responsible project manager at BAAINBw. Instead of initially removing and then servicing the engines as part of factory maintenance, the Bundeswehr will now have sufficient replacement engines to be able to exchange them quickly. This will significantly increase the operational readiness of the vehicles for training, exercises, and similar operational commitments. The new engines will also replace some of the aging engines in the tanks from the current inventory.

As a result of the initiated increase in the number of Leopard 2 main battle tanks by another 84 vehicles, as well as 31 other Leguan bridge laying tanks and at least 41 additional armored engineer vehicles, this procurement was initiated early by BAAINBw. The contract, which was previously tendered across Europe, has a volume of around 18 million euros. It includes the delivery of 20 new engines and extensive spare parts. The first engines are expected to be delivered in August 2023.

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