Großmittel, Austria — The Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) have received their first modernized Leopard 2A4Ö main battle tank and Ulan NV infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The handover ceremony was held at Jansa Barracks in Großmittel, Lower Austria, and was attended by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, Chief of Defense Procurement Lieutenant General Harald Vodosek, Colonel Michael Lex, commander of Panzergrenadier Battalion 35, and military and industry representatives.
The vehicles are part of the “Mech Package”, a modernization program under Austria’s broader Aufbauplan ÖBH 2032+ force-development plan. The program began in 2023 and covers 170 tracked vehicles, including 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks and 112 Ulan IFVs. The total investment is about €765 million, including around €305 million for the Leopard modernization and €460 million for the Ulan program. Completion of the full fleet is planned for around 2029–2030.
Leopard 2A4Ö Modernization
The 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks are being modernized by KNDS Deutschland, formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. Austria selected the upgrade program instead of purchasing new tanks because of budget considerations.
The modernization brings the turret to a level comparable to the Leopard 2A7 standard. It includes new digital surveillance and sighting systems for the commander, gunner and driver, an updated electronic architecture, improved reconnaissance, night-fighting and fire-control capabilities, and replacement of the hydraulic turret drives with electric systems for improved aiming precision.
The tank’s external appearance, armor protection and 120 mm L/44 main gun remain at the original A4 standard. Outdated components are replaced, while night-fighting capability is restored. The upgraded tanks will first go to the Army Logistics Center for final adaptation before entering full service. The package is intended to extend the fleet’s service life while retaining existing logistics support.
Ulan NV Modernization
Austria is modernizing all 112 Ulan (ASCOD) IFVs through a €460 million program conducted by GDELS-Steyr at its Vienna-Simmering facility.
The Ulan NV service-life extension includes an overhaul of the electrical system, renewed optics and electronic components, replacement of drivetrain parts, updated turret-drive components, new driver-vision systems, an updated heating unit and a more advanced main sighting system. The rear stowage bin has also been reconfigured to increase capacity, while some vehicles receive improved air-conditioning and related systems.
The first upgraded Ulan vehicles are being delivered directly to active troop units.
The Leopard 2A4 remains Austria’s primary tank weapon system, while the Ulan is used by armored infantry. The Ulan is designed to operate alongside the Leopard, carrying a 30 mm cannon, an infantry squad and its crew. Austria considers the combination of tanks and armored infantry a central part of its conventional military defense.
Defense Minister Tanner said the modernized tank fleet strengthens Austrian military capabilities for national defense and makes the objectives of the 2032+ development plan visible.
The modernization program allows Austria to extend the service life of its existing heavy armored forces instead of replacing the vehicles with entirely new platforms. The vehicles are being modernized in stages, with Leopard tanks sent to the manufacturer in Munich and Ulan vehicles to Vienna. Austrian officials have also said that the Leopard upgrade package has attracted interest from other operators of similar vehicles.
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