Austria has received its first modernized Leopard 2A4 tanks and Ulan infantry fighting vehicles as part of a large-scale effort to extend the service life of its tracked combat fleet.The initial vehicles were handed over at Jansa Barracks in Großmittel. The modernization program, launched in 2023, covers 170 platforms and is scheduled to continue through 2029.The fleet includes 58 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and 112 Ulan infantry fighting vehicles. The estimated cost of the entire program has risen to €765 million, significantly above the original projection of €561 million.The upgrade is an important component of Austria’s Development Plan 2032+. Rather than purchasing an entirely new family of tracked combat vehicles, Vienna is investing in improved versions of equipment already operated by its armed forces.KNDS is responsible for modernizing the Leopard 2A4 fleet. The work includes replacing the tanks’ hydraulic turret drives with electric systems, restoring their night-combat capabilities, and upgrading fire-control and optical equipment toward standards associated with the Leopard 2A7.General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr is conducting the Ulan life-extension effort. Its work focuses on electronic circuits, optics, turret systems, and drive-related components.Once the Leopard tanks complete their modernization, they will undergo additional integration activities at the Austrian Army Logistics Center before being returned to service.The upgraded Ulan vehicles will instead move directly to operational military units.The program allows Austria to improve the combat effectiveness and reliability of its armored forces while avoiding the cost and complexity of replacing the entire fleet with new vehicles.
