The Leopard 2A4 is the most produced variant of the German Leopard 2 main battle tank. It entered production in 1985. Compared to earlier models, the Leopard 2A4 has a new turret with enhanced armor and a digital fire control system. It also has numerous minor improvements that increase operational convenience.

The Netherlands expressed interest in the Leopard 2 while it was still a prototype. The country already operated German tanks, including the Leopard 1, and sought to replace its outdated AMX-13 and Centurion tanks. On March 2, 1979, the Netherlands ordered 445 Leopard 2A4NLs. These differed from the German version in that they had a new smoke launch system, FN MAG machine guns, upgraded radios, a periscopic driver night vision device, and minor turret modifications. By January 1993, the government had decided to sell 115 tanks to Austria and upgrade the remaining 330 to the Leopard 2A5NL standard.

The Dutch Leopard 2A4NL was introduced in Update 2.41 "Firebirds" as a part of the French ground research tree. It is a versatile tank with high mobility, excellent firepower, and good armor. However, only 16 rounds are protected by blow-out panels, and the armor has several weak spots. Compared to the German Leopard 2A4, the Dutch version features different smoke grenade launchers and different machine gun armament.