Åkers Krutbruk Designs Enhanced Armor for Swedish Leopard 2, CV9035

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Leopard 2A5 (MBT 122) fitted with the Evolution up-armoring kit. Photo: IBD
Singaporean Leopard 2A4 fitted with Evolution up-armoring kits from IBD. Photo: Cyberpioneer/MINDEF

The German company IBD along with its Swedish subsidiary Åkers Krutbruk have demonstrated the latest MBT protection study for the MBT122 and CV9040, improving the tank’s protection over 360 degrees, as required to defend from Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), Explosively Formed penetrators (EFP) and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG), all weapons typical of asymmetric threats.


The two platforms have adapted the modular Evolution Kit developed by IBD, designed and modified to meet enhanced protection at low, or no weight increase, depending on the selected protection solution. (The baseline MBT 122B Evolution configuration incurred only 350 kg in additional weight and maintained vehicle width at four meters, allowing unobstructed urban operations and bridge crossing).

Leopard 2A5 (MBT 122) fitted with the Evolution up-armoring kit. Photo: IBD

The new armor concept, sponsored by the Swedish Defense Material Administration (FMV) was displayed at the recent Swedish Armed Forces open day event. IBD has already delivered the Evolution ‘urban armor kits’ employed on the Leopard 2A4 tanks of the Singapore land forces.

Evolution up-armoring kit applied to the BAE Systems CV9035. Photo: IBD