According to news published on the “Tactical Report” website on January 13, 2022, Tunisia could be in talks with Germany to acquire military equipment including Leopard 2A5 Main Battle Tanks (MBT).
Citing the “Global Security” website, in 2014 Tunisia was considering a five-year plan aimed at developing and modernizing its army. Germany announced plans to give Tunisia funds to buy armored vehicles to help combat ISIS. The exact figure was not revealed but the “double digit million” sum would come from a 100 million euro fund to strengthen southern partner states.
According to the military balance 2021, the Tunisia army has a total of 84 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) including 30 American M60A1 and 54 M60A3. A total of 48 Austrian light tank SK-105 Kürassier armed with a 105mm cannon are also part of the current combat tracked vehicles in service with the Tunisian armed forces.
The Leopard 2A5 is the first improved variant in the Leopard 2 MBT family and it was introduced in 1990. The Leopard 2A5 has been equipped with new improved armor. The turret is fitted with a wedge-shaped add-on modular armor. The front of the hull is fitted with add-on modular armor panels.