Leopard 2RI (PBR)

Known for its powerful firepower, the Leopard 2 is a high-profile European tank. It has been upgraded several times and is a proven combat weapon.

The Leopard 2 was designed to fight against enemy tanks, while also focusing on other targets such as trucks and infantry. Its main gun, the Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore, could hit a target at up to 70 km/h.

Another advantage of the Leopard 2 was its large stock of spares and repair parts. This allowed the Germans to quickly resupply their units in combat, says Dr. Christian Molling, head of the Center for Security and Defence Studies at the German Council on Foreign Relations.

A large number of countries have Leopards in their armies, including Turkey (about 300), the Netherlands, Finland and Poland. Germany has more than 2,000 in service, though it doesn't have all of them in use.

In addition to its main gun, the tank can also be fitted with a remotely-operated 50 cal machine gun. This is mounted above the turret and is operated by the commander or loader.

It is a modular system which can be modified to suit the needs of a particular mission. It can be equipped with Advanced Armor Protection (AMAP) composite armour which consists of ceramic nano-materials to create a totally different look and feel for the vehicle, according to the manufacturer.

Turkey was able to purchase the Leopard 2 from Germany under a controversial agreement in which Berlin agreed not to allow Turkish forces to use them against Kurds, but Ankara reportedly wanted an upgrade in return. As the situation in eastern Ukraine deteriorated, Ankara announced it would proceed with an upgrade of its fleet of Leopards.

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