Danish Leopard 2A7 DK Tanks Conduct Live-Fire Exercise in Latvia, Bolstering NATO's Baltic Defense

Danish Tank Crews Bolster NATO Readiness in Latvia

On October 21, 2025, Danish tank crews conducted live-fire ranges in Latvia with their advanced Leopard 2A7 DK main battle tanks. This exercise was a key component of ongoing efforts to strengthen NATO's combat readiness and reinforce its defensive posture in the Baltic region. The drills underscore the Alliance's commitment to its enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) on its northeastern flank.

Strategic Significance in the Baltic Region

The live-fire exercise is integral to NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP), a defensive initiative designed to deter aggression and assure the security of member states on the Alliance's eastern flank. The training contributes to the build-up of the NATO-led Multinational Brigade, Latvia, which was stood up in 2024 and has been undergoing a series of high-readiness exercises. Denmark is a significant contributor to this multinational brigade, with Canada serving as the framework nation. Such deployments and exercises demonstrate the operational maturity of the Leopard 2A7 DK program and Denmark's unwavering commitment to collective defense and strategic cohesion in the Baltic region.

Advanced Capabilities of the Leopard 2A7 DK

The Leopard 2A7 DK represents Denmark's most advanced variant of the Leopard 2 series, having completed a comprehensive modernization program in 2023. These tanks are equipped with cutting-edge features designed for modern warfare scenarios, including:

• A Rheinmetall 120 mm L55/L55A1 smoothbore gun, capable of firing next-generation kinetic and programmable munitions.
• Modular composite armor with scalable protection levels, offering enhanced defense against kinetic energy penetrators and shaped-charge munitions, as well as improved mine resistance.
• A fully digitized battlefield management system.
• Enhanced crew survivability measures, including reduced thermal signature.
• Powered by a 1,500 hp MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine, allowing for road speeds up to 70 km/h and an operational range of approximately 450 km.

The integration of these advanced tanks within the multinational brigade also highlights logistical and operational commonality among NATO partners, many of whom field Leopard tank variants, simplifying ammunition, spares, and recovery operations.

Reinforcing NATO's Collective Defense

The live-fire drills are more than just a training event; they are a clear signal of NATO's strength, unity, and preparedness on its northeastern flank. By conducting such exercises, Danish forces, alongside other Allied nations, certify their crews, validate combined arms operations, and shorten the timeline for a combat-credible response. This continuous integration of advanced armor and regular training ensures that NATO maintains a robust and adaptable force, ready to respond effectively to evolving security dynamics in the Euro-Atlantic area.