The next stage in the evolution of the Leopard 2 tank is expected to be a vehicle referred to as the Leopard 3. It is envisioned as an intermediate step between existing tanks and the future MGCS (Main Ground Combat System), which Germany and France are jointly developing.
The need for the so-called Leopard 3 arises from the fact that the MGCS is not expected to enter service until the 2040s. This was stated by Colonel Armin Dirks, head of the joint project group, during the IAVC armored vehicle conference in Farnborough, UK, as reported by Europäische Sicherheit & Technik. Given the MGCS's projected timeline—spanning 15 to 24 years—European countries must maintain their armored forces at an adequate level in the interim.
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As of now, the hypothetical Leopard 3 is expected to feature a new 130 mm gun with an autoloader, drone integration, and extensive digitalization. However, the final decision on its configuration will be made in the second half of 2026, with its debut planned for the early 2030s.
Given the anticipated changes, the designation Leopard 3 is more appropriate than the provisional Leopard 2A9, as the vehicle is expected to receive a new turret and significant modifications to the hull. Considering current trends—such as the introduction of hybrid powertrain systems in the Abrams M1E3—similar advancements could be incorporated into the Leopard 3.
Particular attention should be paid to the proposed 130 mm gun. This caliber does not correspond to the KNDS-developed 140 mm ASCALON gun intended for the MGCS, which has already been demonstrated on a new turret with the Leopard 2 A-RC concept at Eurosatory 2024.
Instead, the 130 mm caliber aligns with Rheinmetall’s Rh-130 L/51 gun, which features an autoloader and is mounted on the Panther KF51 in a newly designed turret based on the Leopard 2 chassis. The rationale behind transitioning from a 120 mm gun to a 130 mm one—only to later adopt a 140 mm gun—remains unclear.
Notably, plans for a new tank bridging the gap between the Leopard 2 and the MGCS were first outlined in 2021 under the provisional name Leopard 2AX. At the time, it was described as incorporating a 130 mm gun with an autoloader, reduced weight, reactive armor, and an active protection system (APS).
However, if the Leopard 3 is to be lighter, equipped with a new gun, improved protection, an advanced powertrain, drone integration, and digitalization, an important question arises: how will it conceptually differ from the MGCS?
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