Austria Returns Modernized Leopard 2 and Ulan Vehicles

Austria has begun returning modernized Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and Ulan infantry fighting vehicles to its armed forces as part of a €561 million program covering 170 armored vehicles. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner attended the handover of the first modernized vehicles in Großmittel on August 25, marking a new phase in Austria's effort to rebuild its heavy mechanized forces under the Aufbauplan ÖBH 2032+ modernization plan.

The program covers all 58 Austrian Leopard 2A4 tanks and 112 Ulan infantry fighting vehicles. The Austrian Armed Forces launched the modernization in 2023 to extend the operational life of both fleets and restore capabilities that had deteriorated as components aged.

Austria is modernizing all 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks

Austria's Leopard 2A4 modernization focuses heavily on the tank's internal systems rather than replacing its main armament or fundamentally changing the vehicle's external configuration.

Obsolete components are being replaced and the Leopard's night-fighting capability is being restored. The modernization also replaces the existing hydraulic turret drive with an electric system, according to the Austrian Armed Forces.

KNDS is carrying out the Leopard work in Germany. Austria began transferring tanks to the company in 2023, with the modernization of the 58-vehicle fleet accounting for approximately €240 million of the broader mechanized vehicle package.

The work represents a significant internal upgrade while retaining the Leopard 2A4 designation. The Austrian tanks continue to use the 120 mm L44 smoothbore gun, which is not being replaced under the current KNDS contract.

The Austrian Armed Forces list the Leopard 2A4 at 55 tonnes, with a crew of four, a 1,500-horsepower engine and a maximum speed of 72 km/h. The tank serves as the principal heavy weapon system of Austria's armored force.

All 112 Ulan infantry fighting vehicles are being overhauled

Austria is simultaneously modernizing its complete fleet of 112 Ulan infantry fighting vehicles.

The work includes new optics, replacement electronic components, refurbishment of the electrical system and replacement of elements of the running gear. The modernization also addresses electronic components associated with the turret drive.

General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr is carrying out the Ulan work in Austria. The company produces and supports armored vehicles from its Vienna operation, giving the Ulan portion of the program a significant domestic industrial component.

The first modernized Ulan vehicles presented on August 25 are going directly to operational units. The modernized Leopard 2A4 tanks, by contrast, are being sent to an Austrian Armed Forces logistics center for final adaptation before entering unit service.

The Ulan is the primary combat vehicle of Austria's Panzergrenadiere and is operated by Panzergrenadierbataillon 13 and Panzergrenadierbataillon 35.

It weighs approximately 28 tonnes and carries a crew of three plus eight infantry soldiers. The vehicle uses a 30 mm cannon, has a 720-horsepower engine and can reach 70 km/h, allowing it to operate alongside the Leopard 2A4 in Austria's mechanized formations.

€561 million program rebuilds Austria's heavy forces

The Leopard and Ulan programs form part of a wider €561 million mechanized modernization package launched as Austria increased defense investment under Aufbauplan ÖBH 2032+.

Austria's 4th Panzergrenadier Brigade concentrates the country's heavy mechanized forces. The Austrian Armed Forces describe the formation as their heavy brigade and assign it a central role in maintaining conventional territorial defense capabilities.

The brigade includes Panzerbataillon 14, Austria's sole Leopard 2 tank battalion, while its two Panzergrenadier battalions operate the Ulan.

The modernization therefore affects essentially the complete tracked combat vehicle inventory underpinning Austria's heavy brigade rather than a limited number of selected vehicles.

That distinction gives the August 25 handover broader significance. Austria is not introducing a new tank or IFV fleet but extending and restoring the combat effectiveness of the existing systems while larger European armored vehicle programs continue to develop.

Austria also plans to receive additional modernized vehicles during 2026. Austrian Armed Forces planning published earlier this year identified 16 Leopard tanks for Panzerbataillon 14 and nine Ulan vehicles for the two Panzergrenadier battalions among the armored systems scheduled to enter service during the year.

Austria retains the Leopard 2A4 gun while replacing internal systems

The modernization does not transform Austria's Leopard fleet into the Leopard 2A7 or Leopard 2A8 configuration.

The vehicles retain the 120 mm L44 main gun and their Leopard 2A4 designation. Earlier reporting on the program indicated that the modernization concentrates on electronics, night-fighting equipment and other internal systems required to extend the fleet's service life.

Rheinmetall has offered the L44A1 as a potential replacement for the existing gun, but Austria has not made a decision to adopt it.

The approach allows Vienna to retain its existing fleet while addressing obsolescence and readiness without financing an immediate replacement of all 58 tanks.

It also fits a wider Austrian rearmament effort that includes new Pandur Evolution armored vehicles, Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, Leonardo AW169M helicopters and investments in ground-based air defense.

The next measure of the armored modernization program will be the rate at which Leopard 2A4 and Ulan vehicles return to operational units. With all 170 vehicles covered by the program, completion will determine how quickly Austria can restore the full strength of the tracked component of its heavy brigade.

Austria Leopard 2 and Ulan modernization: key questions

How many Leopard 2 tanks is Austria modernizing?

Austria is modernizing its complete fleet of 58 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks. KNDS is carrying out the modernization work in Germany.

How many Ulan infantry fighting vehicles are being upgraded?

The program covers all 112 Ulan infantry fighting vehicles operated by the Austrian Armed Forces. General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr is carrying out the Ulan modernization.

How much does Austria's Leopard 2 and Ulan modernization cost?

The combined mechanized modernization package is valued at approximately €561 million. Around €240 million is associated with the modernization of the 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks.

What is being upgraded on Austria's Leopard 2A4?

The work replaces obsolete components, restores night-fighting capability and replaces the hydraulic turret drive with an electric system. The existing 120 mm L44 main gun remains in service under the current modernization program.