Product Information

At the end of the 1950s- the German Bundeswehr decided to replace its M 47 / M 48 tanks of American origin as soon as possible with a new main battle tank built in West Germany. In many respects- the American designs did no longer correspond with German tactical ideas and operational requirements for the Central European theatre of operations. Thus- starting from scratch again- West Germany began new tank construction. As early as November 1956- the army"s joint staff had already formulated its requirements for the first German tank design- "Kampfpanzer Standard" or standardised concept tank- since World War Two. Finally- on 09 September 1965- the first German post-war tank design- the series-produced and aptly named Leopard main battle tank was handed over to the Panzertruppe.