KNDS France Advances 120mm Tank Ammunition Compatibility with Leopard 2 MBTs

KNDS France has achieved a significant milestone by successfully qualifying its latest 120mm tank ammunition for use with the Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank (MBT). This breakthrough marks the culmination of a three-year-long project aimed at expanding the ammunition's compatibility beyond the French Leclerc MBT, paving the way for new markets across Europe and Asia.

The Leopard 2, a widely adopted MBT, features two primary variants of 120mm smoothbore guns—the shorter L44 and the extended L55, found in the Leopard 2A4/A5 and Leopard 2A6/A7/A8 models, respectively. The challenge for KNDS was ensuring seamless performance of its ammunition across these variants. The compatibility tests included three types of munitions: the high-explosive (HE), high-explosive anti-tank target practice (HEAT-TP), and the cutting-edge armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), branded as "SHARD."

A Precision-Driven Process

KNDS began the project in 2021 with Phase 1 focused on design and dimension compatibility. This phase laid the groundwork for subsequent bench tests in 2022-2023, which assessed muzzle velocities and firing characteristics using both L44 and L55 barrels. These tests revealed key insights into the SHARD’s optimized design.

SHARD is a state-of-the-art APFSDS round tailored for peak terminal performance. By deliberately moderating its muzzle velocity to 1,720 m/s (lower than the training variant's 1,750 m/s), the engineers at KNDS reduced barrel wear and prolonged the gun’s service life. The projectile incorporates a lightweight sabot with a streamlined shape, minimizing energy loss and aerodynamic drag, while its extended tungsten alloy penetrator enhances armor penetration efficiency.

The SHARD round's advanced propulsion charge, co-developed with Eurenco, features a proprietary propellant powder, and its combustible case is manufactured to the highest standards. These innovations contribute to a 10% improvement in penetration performance over comparable KE ammunition.

Real-World Testing in Portugal

In October 2024, live firing tests were conducted at Portugal’s Alcochete Field Firing Range, utilizing Leopard 2A6 tanks equipped with L55 guns. These tests involved both static and dynamic firing scenarios. Engineers evaluated the ammunition's resilience through repeated loading and unloading, its storage compatibility within the Leopard 2's ammunition racks, and its environmental adaptability under extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +63°C.

KNDS also prioritized crew safety by monitoring toxicity levels and overpressure during firing. External safety considerations were addressed through sensors measuring blast effects on nearby infantry. Additionally, precision targeting trials at a range of 1,500 meters demonstrated consistent accuracy.

Market Implications and Production Readiness

With the successful completion of these tests, KNDS is now positioned as a comprehensive supplier for MBT operators. The SHARD’s compatibility with both L44 and L55 guns makes it a versatile solution for mixed fleets, such as those operated by Greece and the Czech Republic. Unlike other advanced ammunition that relies on higher chamber pressures and is restricted to L55/L55A1 barrels, SHARD’s design ensures broader applicability without sacrificing performance.

KNDS has already received strong interest from European and Asian markets, driven by the ammunition's ability to modernize tank fleets while maintaining logistical simplicity. Its production capabilities, centered in France, are robust and scalable, with the option to establish localized assembly lines if required by export customers.

This development not only solidifies KNDS's reputation as a leader in tank ammunition innovation but also underscores its ambition to serve as a one-stop shop for MBT solutions worldwide. The successful qualification of SHARD ammunition reaffirms the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of modern armored warfare.