Polish Leopard 2PLs Replace Twardy Tanks in Latvia

Until now, Poland had deployed a tank company equipped with PT-91 Twardy tanks from the 16th and 18th Mechanized Divisions (specifically the 9th, 15th, and 19th Brigades) as part of PKW Łotwa. These tanks became a symbol of Poland’s presence in Latvia and an opportunity for many tank crews (and others) to train abroad since 2017.

However, they have now been replaced by soldiers from the 11th “Lubuska” Armored Cavalry Division, equipped with the more modern Leopard 2PL tanks, accompanied by at least one Bergepanzer 2 ARV. This generational shift, first reported in October, sees the withdrawn Twardy tanks returning to Poland. They will be allocated to units that have donated 60 of these tanks to Ukraine or to units still operating older T-72M1/M1R tanks. Replacements for these tanks include modern models like the K2 Black Panther.

This change improves the homogenization of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup (eFP NATO) in Latvia, led by Canada, with an increased reliance on Leopard 2 family vehicles. Alongside the “Polish Cats”, the group operates Canadian Leopard 2A4M tanks (15 units), Spanish Leopard 2E tanks (6 units), and Italian C1 Ariete tanks (8 units). As a result, the equipment rotation in PKW Łotwa marks a significant enhancement in combat capability and likely facilitates cooperation with tank crews from other countries.