Leclerc vs Leopard 2A7
Main battle tanks ยท ๐ซ๐ท France vs ๐ฉ๐ช Germany
The fastest Western MBT thanks to a light hull and hydropneumatic suspension, and the only one with an autoloader, cutting the crew to three.
The standard European main battle tank, praised for its gun, mobility and ergonomics. Serves in nearly 20 armies and saw combat in Syria and Ukraine.
Key differences
- Leclerc is faster: 72 vs 68 km/h (+6%).
- Leclerc flies farther: 550 vs 450 km (+22%).
- Leopard 2A7 is cheaper: ~$11M vs ~$13M per unit.
- Leopard 2A7 is far more numerous: 3,600+ built vs 862+.
- Leclerc is the newer design (entered service 1992 vs 1979).
Specifications side by side
| Leclerc | Leopard 2A7 | |
|---|---|---|
| ๐ซ๐ท France | Country of origin | ๐ฉ๐ช Germany |
| 1992 | In service since | 1979 |
| 72 km/h | Top speed | 68 km/h |
| 550 km | Range | 450 km |
| 57.4 t | Weight | 66.5 t |
| 3 | Crew | 4 |
| 120mm CN120-26 with autoloader, 12.7mm coax | Armament | 120mm Rheinmetall L55, 2ร 7.62mm MG3 |
| ~$13M | Unit cost | ~$11M |
| 862+ | Units built | 3,600+ |
Tables compare stated specifications; real combat outcomes depend on crew training, situation, support and rules of engagement โ not stats alone.