Indra, Rheinmetall sign MOU to upgrade Spain's Leopard 2E C4I and fire-control systems

A Leopard 2E of the Spanish Army. (Indra)

Indra and Rheinmetall signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 13 March to upgrade the fire-control system and command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) system of Spain's Leopard 2E main battle tanks (MBTs).

While upgrading the systems, the two companies sought to maintain compatibility with other Leopard 2 versions.

Leopard 2E is the designation for the Spanish version of the Leopard 2A6. Spain now has 219 Leopard 2Es operational. The MBT first entered Spanish service in 2004. Compared with previous versions, the Leopard 2E has a KPz BK 120 mm L55 gun, improved modular armour on the turret and hull, turret roof armour, a new battlefield management system (BMS), thermal sights, communication systems, as well as uprated air conditioning and engine cooling systems.

Rheinmetall is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the Leopard 2's fire-control systems. Indra has experience producing and servicing the C4I system for Spain's Leopard 2E fleet and has produced training simulators for the MBT. The tank's second-generation Raytheon thermal-imaging unit is built under licence in Spain by Indra. Its night-vision devices have also been replaced with locally designed Indra-manufactured items.

Following a development announcement in July 2021, the Spanish Army upgraded the Leopard Information and Control Equipment (LINCE) BMS to a new version developed by Indra and Thales designated BMS-ET (Battlefield Management System Ejercito de Tierra).

Indra also develops electro-optics and its Maestre mission system to support platforms such as the Pizarro infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and VCR 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle alongside the Leopard 2E.