Hungary strengthens its army with Leopard 2A7HU tanks of new version supplied by Germany
Photo: Hungary received Leopard tanks from Germany (Getty Images)
Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced that Germany has delivered new Leopard 2A7HU tanks to his country. The total number of these combat vehicles in the Hungarian army has reached 24 units, Army Recognition reports.
According to the news agency, the tank deliveries are part of a program to modernize Hungary's armed forces that began a few years ago. The deliveries took place between September 25 and August 28.
The new tanks are designated for the 11th Tank Battalion of the 1st Armored Brigade, which is gradually phasing out the old T-72M1 tanks.
In addition to the Leopard 2A7HU, the Hungarian government also ordered five WiSENT 2 recovery vehicles, three Leguan 2HU bridge layers, twelve Leopard 2A4 tanks for training, and 24 PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery systems in 2018.
The total cost is estimated at €1.6–1.8 billion, with deliveries expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Rheinmetall has announced plans to build a factory in Lithuania for the production of 155mm artillery shells. The factory is expected to become one of the largest investment projects in Lithuania's history and significantly strengthen the country's defense capabilities.
