Kampfpanzer Leopard 1

In the early years of its existence, the Bundeswehr was dependent on lend-lease from the Americans. But with the development of the Leopard 1 main battle tank, the first in-house development since 1945, a new era began in 1966 - for the Bundeswehr's armoured weapon as well as for the battalions of its western allies: The new main battle tank's qualities were so impressive that it became the new benchmark in its class. So it's no wonder that it formed the backbone of the German and various other armoured forces in various versions and further developments for decades. Rolf Hilmes knows all the details.