As every year, this year on October 26 the Austrian Armed Forces at Heldenplatz in the heart of Vienna. Although the originally planned parade fell victim to the pressure to save money, the representative presence of the Austrian Armed Forces cannot be dispensed with under any circumstances – also in view of the personnel requirements of the “Reconstruction Plan 2032+”.
In the early hours of the morning, before rush hour began, heavy vehicles rattled through Vienna on Tuesday. By far the most unusual sight was a Leopard 2A4 with a special paint job.
What the “leopardine” is all about
The 55-tonne main battle tank in the leopard design bears the name “Leopardine”. The special livery was only 20 years old in September – it was first presented on September 10, 2005 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Army Logistics Center Wels (HLogZ). The idea and realization came from Mr. Litzlbauer from the HLogZ Wels.
The “Leopardine” is still in service there today: the Army Logistics Center uses the tank for small-scale trials and training.
But the “Leopardine’s” peaceful life will soon be over – it is one of the ten Leopard 2A4 battle tanks from the HLogZ Wels that are being built by KNDS modernized and subsequently transferred to the active status of Armored Battalion 14 as the Leopard 2NV.
So if you want to see the “Leopardine” in its original state once again, you shouldn’t miss Heldenplatz on the national holiday.
Here for more news about the Austrian Armed Forces.
