[Coming Soon] Leopard 2A4M Platoon: Feline Squad

Leopard 2A4M Platoon (Rank XI)

Historical note

The Leopard 2A4M CAN modification was created specifically for the Canadian Army to enhance tank protection in the Afghan theater of war. As part of the upgrade, 20 Leopard 2A4 tanks received additional armor for the front and sides of the turret and hull, as well as lattice screens on the rear sections. The tanks were equipped with an improved fire control system with modern thermal imagers and commander sights, while the running gear and braking system were reinforced to compensate for the increased weight. All work was completed by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann by 2010, after which five units were sent to Afghanistan.

The decision to upgrade was made after searching for a replacement for the outdated Leopard C2A1 MEXAS, which required increased protection against mines and improvised explosive devices. In 2007, Canada purchased 80 Leopard 2A4 tanks from the Netherlands. Twenty of them underwent extensive modernization to the 2A4M CAN standard, while the rest were used for crew training.

Leopard 2A4M

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: reinforced protection, good dynamics, accurate gun with an effective APFSDS.
• Weaknesses: high vulnerability of the hull to AP shells, limited vertical guidance angles in the rear hemisphere.
• Opportunities: versatile main battle tank, good in both active combat and defensive positions.
• Threats: hits to the sides and rear.

In battle

The Canadian version of the Leopard 2A4M CAN has received significant protection enhancements in line with modern combat requirements. Additional armor modules effective against high explosive anti-tank munitions, including ATGMs, have been installed on the sides of the hull. The front of the turret has been reinforced with additional armor. Special attention has been paid to mine protection — the reinforced bottom and upgraded lower front section have significantly increased the vehicle's survivability when these areas are hit or when there are nearby explosions.

The increased weight of the tank required modifications to the braking system and suspension components. This slightly reduced the maximum speed but didn't affect the outstanding dynamic characteristics of the Leopard 2 series. The vehicle retained its excellent cross-country mobility and ability to quickly reach key positions on any terrain. The protection is almost identical to that of the latest modifications of the tank. The main gun with a barrel length of 44 calibers remained unchanged, retaining its effectiveness against most targets.

In our game, the Leopard 2A4M will be an absolutely versatile tank that can easily perform any role on the battlefield, quickly change tactics without limiting the commander in how to approach their mission. Yes, the tank is still vulnerable to armor-piercing shots to the hull and turret. However, additional armor modules and slatted screens increase the Leo's protection against ATGMs and HEAT shells. The main advantages of the series remain unchanged: excellent dynamics, high speed, fast turret rotation, and good armament, thanks to which the Leopard 2A4M will become one of the main heroes of any battle!

It's time to meet the other vehicles in the platoon!

Leopard 2 PL

The Polish modification of the Leopard 2 features additional armor modules on the turret and a new powerful APFSDS shell. A versatile fighter that will be especially good in urban combat at short ranges!

PUMA

The German IFV PUMA will be one of the most protected vehicles in its class. Additional armor and spaced armour screens will allow the vehicle to survive even the most dangerous hits. The MUSS soft-kill active protection system will interfere with the guidance of incoming ATGMs!

Gepard

Another “cat” in the platoon – the Gepard SPAAG! Built on a tank chassis, this combat vehicle with 35 mm rapid-fire cannons is equally good at shooting down aircraft and destroying light armored vehicles of the enemy team.

*Platoon vehicle lineup, vehicle specifications and camouflages are still under development and may differ from those in this article.

The Leopard 2A4M (Rank XI) platoon will be available once you reach level 22* in the tank campaign. You have the option to instantly upgrade your campaign level using Golden Eagles to gain faster access to this platoon compared to other players, or you can progress through battles to level up.