New Leopard 2PL Tanks Boost Multinational Brigade Latvia’s Capabilities
28 November 2024 – Military Base Ādaži, Latvia – NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia (MNB-LVA) Headquarters
On 28 November 2024, NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia received shipment of new Polish Leopard 2PL tanks to replace the current Polish PT-91 tank squadron.
The new tanks arrived via rail in Garkalne from Poland, were transferred onto truck flatbeds before being transported to Military Base Ādaži.
The Leopard 2PL is a third-generation main battle tank that offers significant improvements over the PT-91. It features advanced armor protection, superior firepower with a modernized 120mm smoothbore gun, and enhanced mobility due to its upgraded engine and suspension system.
Quotes
“The arrival of the Polish Leopard 2PL tanks in Latvia marks a significant enhancement to our firepower arsenal. Their presence underscores our commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture, sending a clear message that NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia is united and ready to protect against any threat. We look forward to integrating the Leopards fully as we continue to build up the Brigade over the next two years. Our strength comes from all sending nations contributing their best soldiers, expertise, and equipment, and our steadfast commitment to building one unified Brigade to face any challenge together.”
Colonel (OF-5) Cédric Aspirault, Commander, Multinational Brigade Latvia
“We are thrilled to receive the Leopard 2PL tanks, a modern addition equipped with advanced targeting and night vision systems. While the PT-91 tanks have served our soldiers for many years, demonstrating their success in various missions, the arrival of the Leopard 2PL represents a significant step forward in our operational capabilities within the Multinational Brigade Latvia and NATO’s collective defense.”
Major (OF-3) Maciej Trepiak, Senior Representative, Polish contingent, Multinational Brigade Latvia
Quick Facts
• The Leopard 2PL’s armor has been enhanced with additional modules around the turret, improving ballistic resistance.
• It also features a more powerful engine compared to the PT-91, providing better protection and mobility.
• The Leopard 2PL has a more modern fire control system and improved optics including thermal imaging cameras enhancing its combat effectiveness.
• The gun stabilizer and turret drive systems were converted from hydraulic to electric.
• The optics system was upgraded with Polish third-generation thermal imaging cameras, and a digital communication bus was introduced.
Social Media
Multinational Brigade Latvia – Flickr
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Contacts
OF-2 Kary-Anne Poirier
Public Affairs Officer
Multinational Brigade Latvia Headquarters
Phone: +371 2 54 16870
Email: MNB-LVA-PublicAffairs@forces.gc.ca
