The Canadian Armed Forces will replace its 30-year old Leopard 1 tanks with 100 Leopard 2A6 tanks, as well as accept the loan of 20 Leopard 2A6 tanks by Germany for use in Afghanistan this summer.

The Leopard 2A6 tanks are newer, more heavily armored and more technologically advanced than the Leopard 1. What really sets the 2A6 apart from the rest of the world's 120-mm equipped tanks is its longer L55 120-mm cannon. With an increase in 130 cm in barrel length over previous L44 cannon, projectiles fired from the L55 achieve higher muzzle velocities — and correspondingly higher levels of kinetic energy. The L55 chamber has also been redesigned to accept more powerful, higher-chamber-pressure charges that will impart even more velocity and kinetic energy on anti-tank munitions.

Other advanced features include significantly increased personnel protection against explosive devices and landmines, an ability to travel considerably faster in difficult terrain and more powerful engines.

Because of its notable features such as replaceable armor, advanced gun sighting, and a longer, more powerful cannon than the American Abrams M1A2, the Leopard 2A6 has a strong claim to the title of "world's most powerful tank."

The 100 Leopard 2A6 tanks will be purchased from the Netherlands for the long-term requirements of the Canadian Forces. Canada will upgrade and modernize the Leopards at its own expense. The Netherlands will provide training for Canadian instructors as part of the agreement. Training will begin in May. In addition, the 20 combat-ready Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks to be loaned by Germany will be deployed to Afghanistan this summer with the next rotation of Canadian troops.

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