German defense contractor KNDS has signed an agreement to maintain the Canadian Army’s Leopard 2 main battle tanks.
The 600-million-euro ($669.7-million) deal includes management, spare parts supply and repairs, and accompanying technical support services to the fleet.
KNDS will also support the construction of a sustainment facility in the country to bolster future overhaul projects for the vehicles.
Canada’s procurement authority is partnering with KNDS segments in Munich and Ottawa to complete the effort.
Work for the agreement will be facilitated from September 2024 through March 2031, with an option for five additional years.
“As a system house and manufacturer of the LEOPARD 2, we have felt a strong connection with Canada and the Canadian Army for almost 20 years,” KNDS Deutschland Service Head Markus Schmidt stated.
“For KNDS, the contract for long-term support of the systems is an honor. We are aware of the responsibility of ensuring the operational readiness of 74 LEOPARD 2 battle tanks and 29 family vehicles.”
The Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank
The Leopard 2 measures 10 meters (33 feet) and is protected with armor composed of steel, tungsten, plastic, and ceramic parts.
It is equipped with a smooth-bore gun, medium machine guns, multi-barrel grenade launchers, and explosives.
The tank is powered by a NATO-standard V12 diesel engine for a top speed of 68 kilometers (42 miles) per hour and a range of 340 kilometers (211 miles).
Canada first adopted the vehicle in 2007 to replace its older main battle tank fleet, operational since the 1970s.
Currently, five variants of the Leopard 2 are in service under Ottawa’s military.