In the mid-2000s, Canada began searching for a replacement for its Leopard C2A1 Mexas tanks, which needed to provide improved resistance against anti-tank mines and improvised explosive devices. In 2007, Canada purchased 80 Leopard 2A4 tanks from the Netherlands, and in 2009 contracted the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann to repair and upgrade 20 of them to the Leopard 2A4M CAN standard, while the remaining 60 were used for training purposes. The Leopard 2A4M CAN tanks were equipped with additional composite armour packages protecting the front and sides of the turret and hull. The rear sections of both the turret and hull were reinforced with slat armour screens. The fire-control system was upgraded, and the tank received a modern thermal imager and commander’s sight. Due to the increased vehicle weight, the brakes and suspension were modified. By 2010, all 20 tanks had been upgraded, and between 2010 and 2011, five Leopard 2A4M CANs were deployed to Afghanistan.

This special version of the Leopard 2A4M was introduced as part of the 2025 Senrai Maidens event. Compared to the other premium version, this tank features a unique appearance inspired by the character Elsa, who embodies precision and control. Otherwise, the two are identical. The Canadian Leopard retains all the advantages of this proven machine: a reliable 120 mm gun, blowout panels, good mobility, and third-generation thermal imagers for both the gunner and commander. Its protection is further enhanced with additional anti-HEAT modules along the hull sides, providing increased resistance against shaped-charge projectiles and ATGMs.