Preview: Meng's Leopard 2A4 (Ukraine) in 35th scale

Meng has developed the Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 with Kontakt armour, next up in their 35th scale range. Art, CADs & the real things in our preview...

Preview: Meng's Leopard 2A4 (Ukraine) in 35th scale

Leopard 2A4 (Ukraine)

Kit No. #TS-058

1/35th scale

There is one marking choice provided in the box.

Expected release: August 2026

Product Link on the Meng Website

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.

Ukrainian technicians gradually have been fitting the Leopard 2A4s with blocks of locally made Kontakt explosive reactive armour. The ERA explodes outward when an incoming shell or missile strikes it, thus partially deflecting the blast.

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.

A 33rd Mechanised Brigade Leopard 2A4 during summer operations.(this one doesnt have so much armour around the turret - still an option with this kit.)

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. To counter the dense anti-tank threats on the front lines, Ukrainian forces have implemented field modifications by equipping these tanks with Soviet-era "Kontakt-1" explosive reactive armour (ERA).

Leopard 2A4 of the Ukrainian Army with locally made Kontakt explosive reactive armour.

Soviet-designed reactive armour modules, originally engineered to defeat NATO weaponry, are now laid across the hull and turret of the German-made Leopard 2A4. This modification transforms the NATO tank—once characterised by its clean, sharp lines and modern industrial aesthetic—into a vehicle draped in a rugged, violent matrix of Soviet-style plating. The dramatic collision of a Cold War Western heavy tank with Eastern reactive armour not only significantly bolsters its ballistic protection but also bestows the tank with a unique, visually striking battlefield appearance. 

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

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.

The Kit:

Meng will release their TS-058 1/35 German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2A4 (Ukraine) model kit. The assembled model will be 276mm long, 108mm wide and 85mm high. This kit includes precision PE parts and provides one paint scheme. This kit includes precisely replicated torsion bar suspension and easy-to-assemble, cement-free, double-pin workable track links. 

The hybrid Leopard 2A4—a fusion of rigorous German industrial design and hardcore Soviet-style ERA—is now available for pre-order! Featuring exquisitely replicated "Kontakt-1" ERA modules and meticulously researched real-vehicle details,

The kit faithfully reproduces the distinctive appearance of the main battle tank Leopard 2A4.

The Kontakt armour is a main feature of the Ukrainian A4 Leopard 2, as shown here.

The rear grilles and tow cables are both metal/etch.

The tracks are a snap-together fit that are workable once built.

The suspension in unison with the tracks is fully workable

The hatches can be posed open or closed.

The main gun can be elevated & depressed in line with the real thing.

You can see more info on this kit and others from Meng on the Meng Models website...