Leopard 1 Tank

Manufacturer: Germany
Category: Tanks & Armored Vehicles
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Main Gun Caliber 105 mm L7 Rifled
Engine Power 600 hp Diesel
Maximum Speed 65 km/h (road)
Armor Type Rolled Steel

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Vehicle Name	Leopard 1 MBT
Type / Role	Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer	Krauss-Maffei, Germany
Country of Origin	West Germany
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	1965
Unit Cost	Approx. USD 1.2 million
Crew	4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver)

2. Dimensions & Weight

Length (Gun Forward)	9.54 m
Width	3.37 m
Height	2.38 m
Weight	42.2 tons
Ground Clearance	0.40 m
Chassis Material	Rolled Steel

3. Performance

Engine Type	MTU MB 838 CaM Diesel
Engine Power	600 hp
Power-to-Weight Ratio	14.2 hp/ton
Maximum Speed (Road)	65 km/h
Maximum Speed (Off-Road)	45 km/h
Operational Range	600 km
Suspension Type	Torsion Bar

4. Armament

Main Gun	105 mm L7 Rifled
Ammunition Capacity	50 rounds
Secondary Armament	1 × 7.62mm MG, optional roof MG
Gun Elevation/Depression	+20° / -10°
Fire Control System	Optical with basic ballistic computer

5. Protection & Armor

Armor Type	Rolled Homogeneous Steel
Reactive Armor	Optional
NBC Protection	Yes
Smoke Grenade Launchers	2 × 6-barrel

6. Mobility & Capability

Maximum Gradient	60%
Side Slope	30%
Trench Crossing	2.5 m
Vertical Obstacle	1.0 m
Fording Depth	1.2 m

7. Sensors & Electronics

Fire Control Computer	Basic Infrared
Night Vision	Basic Infrared
Communication System	Radio VHF/UHF

8. Operational Info

Service Branch	U.S. Army (limited use), Allies
Primary Operator	Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Turkey
Combat Experience	Gulf War, Peacekeeping Ops
Upgrade Packages	Leopard 1A5, Leopard 1A6
Production Status	Retired in Germany, export active

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Highly mobile and fast for an MBT
Reliable 105mm main gun with long-range accuracy
Modular upgrades for modern battlefield relevance
Proven combat record in multiple conflicts
Diesel engine with excellent operational range

CONS

Light armor compared to modern MBTs
Vulnerable to advanced anti-tank guided missiles
Limited survivability in high-intensity conflicts
Outdated electronics without upgrades
Smaller ammunition capacity than newer tanks

Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank

Manufactured in West Germany, the Leopard 1 was designed for both defensive and offensive operations, featuring a highly mobile chassis and a powerful 105mm Royal Ordnance L7 rifled main gun capable of engaging enemy armor at long distances. The tank’s diesel-powered engine provides up to 600 hp, giving it a top road speed of 65 km/h and an operational range of approximately 600 km, ideal for rapid maneuvers across varied terrain.

The Leopard 1’s modular design allows for multiple upgrade packages, including enhanced fire control systems, stabilized guns, and improved night-fighting capabilities. Secondary armament includes a coaxial 7.62mm MG and a roof-mounted machine gun, offering balanced protection against infantry and light vehicles.

This tank’s lightweight armor emphasizes mobility while still providing protection against small arms and artillery fragments. Its combat record spans decades, with deployment in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, proving its reliability and adaptability.

Today, the Leopard 1 continues to serve in nations requiring a cost-effective, high-performance MBT for training and operational readiness. Its enduring design demonstrates how strategic engineering can deliver an effective balance of speed, firepower, and tactical flexibility.

Leopard 1 Tank Price

The Leopard 1 is a classic German main battle tank (MBT) that revolutionized armored warfare during the Cold War era. Developed by Krauss-Maffei in the 1960s, it was designed to prioritize speed, mobility, and firepower over heavy armor, making it a versatile platform for modern mechanized forces. The tank quickly became a standard in NATO armies and remains operational in several countries today.

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