German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2 A7V

Tamiya 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Summary

Introduction

The Leopard 2A7V represents the latest evolutionary step in Germany’s long-serving Leopard 2 family, a design lineage that has consistently balanced firepower, protection and mobility since its introduction during the Cold War.

By the early 2010s, changing operational requirements—particularly those shaped by asymmetric warfare and urban combat—had begun to expose limitations in earlier Leopard 2 variants. In response, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, in cooperation with the German Army, initiated a comprehensive upgrade programme aimed at enhancing survivability, situational awareness and sustained combat effectiveness.

The resulting Leopard 2A7V (the “V” denoting verbessert, or improved) builds upon the interim 2A7 standard, incorporating a suite of refinements rather than a wholesale redesign. Chief among these is an upgraded armour package, including modular add-on protection tailored to counter modern threats such as improvised explosive devices and advanced anti-tank munitions. Internally, improved mine protection reflects lessons learned from deployments in Afghanistan.

Firepower remains centred on the Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gun, now optimised for the latest generation of kinetic energy and programmable high-explosive ammunition. Enhanced fire-control systems and updated thermal imaging sights for both commander and gunner provide improved target acquisition and engagement capability, day or night, in all weather conditions.

Mobility, always a hallmark of the Leopard series, is retained through the proven MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine. Despite the increase in combat weight, the 2A7V maintains impressive cross-country performance and road speed, supported by refinements to the suspension and running gear.

Crew effectiveness has also been a key focus. Upgraded digital architecture improves connectivity within modern battlefield networks, while ergonomic enhancements reduce fatigue during extended operations. Auxiliary power units allow onboard systems to operate without running the main engine, reducing fuel consumption and thermal signature.

Entering service with the Bundeswehr in the late 2010s, the Leopard 2A7V underscores Germany’s commitment to maintaining a capable and adaptable armoured force. It is not a radical departure, but rather a thoughtful and deliberate refinement of a proven design—one that ensures the Leopard 2 remains relevant on the modern battlefield.

F i r s t L o o k

Tamiya's latest addition to its modern armour range is this 1/48 scale Leopard 2 A7V. This is the first Tamiya Leopard in this scale but they recently released a superb example in 1/35 scale during 2024.

There is barely any compromise compared to its larger sibling.

Tamiya's 1/48 scale Leopard 2 A7V comprises 172 parts in dark green plastic, four small polythene caps plus markings for two vehicles.

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The sleek lines of the Leopard are accurately portrayed, and the surface textures are just as good as we have seen on Tamiya's recent 1/35 scale Leopard 2 A7V. The hull is moulded with subtle anti-skid patches.

The turret features larger areas of non-skid texture. I think this looks particularly good.

Hatches, hinges and other features including a moulded-on pack and straps, all crisply done.

The circular engine deck vents are moulded as solid plastic parts but the mesh effect is incredibly good, being veing very convincing.

I like the plastic moulded tow cables too.

The lower hull, upper hull and turret are all made up from separate panels for the top, bottom and sides as applicable.

The inside of the hull floor is moulded with four recesses that are intended for chrome plated ingots for scale weight. The ingots themselves are not included - you may buy them separately if you like the concept. I actually do!

The swing arms are moulded to the lower hull sides. Each two piece road wheel is simply glued to the swing arm axles, while the drive sprockets remain workable thanks to polythene caps. This is really helpful when fitting the link and length tracks.

The tracks are injection moulded plastic lengths and links. Detail looks excellent and with the straight top and bottom runs, assembly should be straightforward.

The gun barrel is also fitted via poly caps, allowing it to be moveable after assembly. The main gun barrel is a single piece with a separate muzzle and a two-part fume collector, split into left and right halves.

The full-sized Leopard features dense and finely perforated stowage bins. Tamiya has supplied decals with the perforations and the national markings printed in place. Both inner and outer decals are offered.

The Commander’s hatch is a separate parts and may be posed open to fit the included (and very nicely sculpted) Commander figure.

Clear parts are not included, but the rangefiner, Thermal Viewer and vision block lenses are all represented with decals. This is a nice easy solution that will look good in this scale.

Markings are supplied for two vehicles.

They are nicely in register and should snuggle down nicely under a coat of setting solution.

C o n c l u s i o n

Tamiya’s 1/48 scale Leopard 2A7V is an impressive and thoroughly modern addition to the company’s growing small-scale armour range. In many respects, it mirrors the finesse of its 1/35 scale stablemate, but in a more compact and accessible format that will appeal to a wide cross-section of modellers.

Surface detail is consistently sharp, with the anti-skid textures and fine moulding around the turret and hull standing out as particular highlights. Engineering is clever without being overcomplicated, and the use of polythene caps for the running gear and main armament adds a welcome degree of flexibility during construction and finishing. The link-and-length tracks strike a good balance between realism and ease of assembly, while thoughtful touches—such as the optional hull weighting—demonstrate Tamiya’s ongoing attention to the modeller’s experience.

The use of decals in place of perforated stowage bin mesh and optical elements may not suit everyone, but in practice they offer a clean and effective solution that keeps the build straightforward without sacrificing overall appearance. I like the idea.

In the final analysis, this is a kit that captures the purposeful lines and presence of the Leopard 2 A7V with impressive fidelity. For enthusiasts of modern armour—or anyone looking to explore 1/48 scale—this release comes highly recommended.

Purchased by the reviewer
Tamiya products are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited