July 24, 2025

MENG Model's new German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2A4 in 72nd scale

Meng has developed a new Leopard 2A4 for their popular new 72nd scale range that fits in with their recent Leopard 2A7 & German PzH2000. We have art, CADs & the real thing in our preview...

MENG Model's new German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2A4 in 72nd scale

German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2A4
Kit No. #72-009
1/72nd scale
There are three marking choices in the box.
Expected release: August 2025
The subject:
The Leopard 2A4 is a variant of the German-made Leopard 2 main battle tank, developed by Krauss-Maffei in the late 1970s and refined over the following decades. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the 2A4 became one of the most widely produced and exported models of the Leopard 2 series. It's recognised for its modular armour design, distinctive angular turret, and significant improvements over earlier versions in fire control and survivability. Countries such as Canada, Finland, Poland, and Sweden have incorporated this tank into their armed forces, often modifying it to meet national requirements.

Bundeswehr leopard 2a4's in their natural habitat...
Mechanically, the Leopard 2A4 is powered by a 1,500 hp MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine, enabling a top speed of around 72 km/h and excellent manoeuvrability across various terrain. The tank's armament consists of the Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gun, which offers high accuracy and lethality against both armoured and soft targets. It also features advanced fire control systems for its time, including thermal imaging and laser rangefinding, allowing the crew to identify and engage threats in day or night conditions.
One of the defining traits of the 2A4 is its composite armour protection, which includes spaced and multi-layered steel designed to withstand kinetic energy penetrators and shaped-charge warheads. While newer variants like the 2A6 or 2A7 boast additional layers of armour and digital upgrades, the 2A4 remains a formidable battlefield platform, especially when retrofitted with modern enhancements. Many countries have upgraded their 2A4s with additional armour kits, digital battlefield management systems, and improved crew survivability measures to extend operational relevance.

One of the Polish army's Leopard 2A4s before being transferred to Ukraine.
Today, the Leopard 2A4 is often used both as a frontline tank and as a base for modernisation programmes. Its longevity and versatility have made it a cornerstone of armoured warfare among NATO and allied nations. Whether in conventional deterrence roles or urban combat scenarios, the Leopard 2A4 showcases a blend of German engineering precision and combat resilience that has kept it active for decades—a true workhorse in the evolution of modern armoured vehicles. 

A Czech Leaopard on operations.
The Leopard 2A4 has played a significant role in Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression, with over 40 units deployed by the 33rd Mechanised Brigade in southern combat zones. Supplied by NATO allies including Germany, Spain, Poland, and Finland, these tanks have bolstered Ukraine’s armoured capabilities, showcasing impressive firepower and precision—such as in a widely circulated video where a Leopard 2A4 destroyed two Russian APCs in under a minute. Despite their effectiveness, the tanks have faced logistical challenges, including maintenance difficulties and vulnerability to drone strikes, highlighting the evolving nature of modern warfare.

A modified Leopard 2A4 with extra ERA in service in Ukraine.

The Kit:
MENG will release the 1/72nd scale "German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2A4" plastic model kit. The assembled size is approximately 134 mm in length, 53 mm in width, and 41 mm in height. The kit includes high-precision water-transfer decals.
The driver’s and crew’s hatches can be built in either an open or closed position; the movable suspension system is perfectly reproduced; cement-free workable track links are easy to assemble; the metal barrel is time-saving and easy to assemble; moreover, it can increase a sense of reality.

The kit faithfully reproduces the distinctive appearance of the German main battle tank Leopard 2A4.
The modular design makes assembly easy while paying attention to fine details.
The kit precisely recreates the engine's heat dissipation cover.
Link & length type tracks are designed for easy assembly.
Combine with the same scale "German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2A7" and "German PzH2000 Self-Propelled Howitzer" (sold separately) to enhance your German tank collection.
You can see more info on this kit and others from Meng on the Meng Models website...