In May 2017, the Bundeswehr decided to deploy the Leopard 2 A7V to improve the combat effectiveness of its main battle tanks. The A7V is a further development of the Leopard 2 A7, a refurbished version of the Leopard 2 A6, which has been in service since 2001. The A7V is a further development of the Leopard 2 A7, in which the front of the vehicle has been additionally armoured. The body has been improved to increase its defensive power. The suspension has also been adapted to the increased weight of the vehicle. The main gun is a 120 mm 55 calibre gun with the same diameter as the A6, but the projectile allows it to attack targets up to 5,000 m away. In addition, every detail has been updated, including the introduction of a travelling support system, which ensures combat capability even in poor visibility, as well as improved track links. The A7V, of which 104 vehicles will be produced by refurbishing existing vehicles, will be deployed in combat units in September 2021, reinforcing its presence as a cornerstone of defence not only in Germany but across the EU.