Acquisition and introduction of Leopard 2A4 and 2A5 tanks for and into service in the Polish Armed Forces

Abstract

On the basis of literature on the subject and generally available public information, the author presents the process of acquisition and introduction of Leopard tanks for and into service in the Polish Armed Forces in the first two decades of the 21st century. He verifies the usefulness of this undertaking and at the same time shows, among others, problems related to technical capabilities of the Polish arms industry as well as provision of logistic support; above all, he uses this example to draw attention to the lack of continuity of actions and numerous changes in the plans for technical modernisation of the army in terms of armoured vehicles.