War Thunder is adding the Indonesian Leopard 2RI to Japan’s Ground Forces tree, and Gaijin Entertainment detailed the tank in a Steam announcement on June 22, 2026. The Rank VIII MBT will bring add-on armor, DM53 APFSDS, and the speed players expect from a Leopard-family vehicle.
Gaijin said the 2RI is built on the Leopard 2A4, but the export upgrade gives it a very different look. The tank keeps thermal imaging, a refined fire control setup, and enough mobility to support active pushes instead of slow, careful trading.
The armor package is the biggest selling point. According to Gaijin, the Evolution upgrade adds protection meant to help against shaped-charge HEAT rounds, which should give the tank more breathing room against IFVs, ATGM carriers, and helicopters. APFSDS remains a real threat, so the 2RI still looks like a vehicle that rewards smart positioning rather than reckless brawling.
Gaijin also placed the tank in the wider context of Japan’s top-tier lineup. The TKX and Type 10 represent domestic Japanese design, the Thai Oplot-T adds another regional flavor, and the Leopard 2RI rounds out the roster with a Western European hull.
The real-world background is straightforward as well. In May 2013, Germany approved heavy-weapons deliveries to Indonesia, and the initial shipment included refurbished and upgraded armored vehicles along with ammunition and related materials. The Leopard 2 fleet later received Revolution-program upgrades for extra armor, hot-weather equipment, and gun changes for newer ammunition.
Gaijin added the usual caveat that vehicle specs can still change before the tank reaches the game. If you have thoughts on the Leopard 2RI, share them in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram for more War Thunder coverage.
War Thunder
Developed by Gaijin Entertainment
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armored vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea.
- Genre: Shooter, Simulator, Tactical
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac, Xbox One
- Modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
- Release: 2013-01-28
- Publisher: Gaijin Entertainment
- Age Rating:
PEGI 12 / USK 12 / CERO B / ACB PG / GRAC 12+ / ESRB T - IGDB Rating: 74.2/100
