◐Leopard 2HEL
In 1998, the Greek Armed Forces held a tank procurement tender, evaluating the Leopard 2A5, the M1A2 Abrams, the Leclerc, the T-84, the Challenger 2E, and the T-80U. The Leopard 2A5 was selected as the preferred option, but in 2003, Greece decided to acquire a more advanced version of the tank. As part of negotiations with Germany, they developed the Leopard 2HEL based on the Leopard 2A6.
A total of 170 tanks were planned for production. The first 30 vehicles were manufactured in Germany, and the remaining 140 were assembled in Greece. The Leopard 2HEL (HEL stands for "Hellenic Army") received several improvements over the Leopard 2A6, including updated command and communication systems, modern thermal imaging systems, and enhanced hull protection. The first Leopard 2HEL tanks officially entered service in May 2008 and now form the backbone of the Greek Armed Forces' armored fleet.
The Greek Leopard 2HEL was introduced in Update 2.59 "Sky Odyssey", as part of the Israeli ground vehicle research tree. The tank's most notable feature is its additional composite armor panels on the front of the hull, which are similar to those found on the Leopard 2A7V and Strv 122. For added authenticity, the tank can be equipped with camouflage netting. Otherwise, it is a typical Leopard 2 featuring a powerful L/55 120mm cannon with high-penetration APFSDS rounds, thermal imaging systems, and other modern equipment. Its most significant drawbacks are the limited gun traverse angles over the sides and rear of the hull, as well as an ammo rack near the driver.
| Ammunition | Type | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
| HEATFS | 480 | 480 | 480 | 480 | 480 | 480 | |
| APFSDS | 564 | 562 | 555 | 545 | 535 | 525 | |
| APFSDS | 653 | 650 | 641 | 629 | 617 | 605 | |
| Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
| AP/T | 13 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
| Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
| AP/T | 13 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
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