The Austrian Armed Forces have begun receiving upgraded Leopard 2A4 tanks and Ulan infantry fighting vehicles under a modernization program designed to keep its mechanized units operational for the long term.The first refurbished platforms have arrived at Jansa Barracks in Großmittel, marking the beginning of deliveries under the 2023 upgrade initiative.In total, Austria plans to modernize 170 tracked vehicles by 2029. The program covers 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks and 112 Ulan IFVs, with total expenditure now estimated at €765 million.The investment forms part of the country’s Development Plan 2032+, which seeks to improve military readiness through modernization of existing equipment rather than relying exclusively on new procurement.For the Leopard 2A4, KNDS is installing electric turret drives in place of the original hydraulic systems. The tanks will also receive improved optical equipment, digital fire-control components, and restored night-fighting capability.The Ulan upgrade is being handled by General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr. Improvements include new electronic systems, updated optics, turret electronics, and enhancements to vehicle drive components.Modernized Leopard tanks will receive further integration work through the Austrian Army Logistics Center before returning to operational formations. Ulan vehicles will be delivered directly to units once their refurbishment is complete.By upgrading the existing platforms, Austria aims to extend their useful service life and improve battlefield performance while avoiding the immediate expense of acquiring a completely new tracked vehicle fleet.
