Leopard 2A7 vs M1A2 Abrams: how to tell them apart

Two main battle tanks that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

Leopard 2A7

Main battle tank, Germany. In service since 2014

What gives it away

Seven road wheels, arrowhead add-on armour on the turret front, long 120 mm gun.

Used by

Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Qatar

M1A2 Abrams

Main battle tank, USA. In service since 1993

What gives it away

Seven road wheels, wide flat slab-sided turret with a separate commander's sight box on the roof; very hot gas-turbine exhaust at the rear.

Used by

USA, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Taiwan, Australia

Leopard 2A7 · M1A2 Abrams · All guides