Completion of Further Investigation on Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank Incident

The Singapore Army has concluded its investigation into the technical issue experienced by a Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank (L2SG) on 5 July 2025. With the cause of the incident identified and rectified and additional precautions taken, the L2SGs will resume their participation in National Day Parade 2025.

The incident had occurred as the L2SG concerned was turning towards North Bridge Road within the cordoned area. The investigation ascertained that an internal component within the transmission – specifically the conduit for the transmission fluid to the service brake – had malfunctioned. This resulted in a loss of transmission oil pressure, causing the L2SG to experience a partial loss in its steering and braking power in the service brake.

The L2SG operator, a full-time National Serviceman, responded with the appropriate standard operating procedure, and activated the parking brake^[1] to bring the affected L2SG to a stop.

This is the first time the Singapore Army has experienced such a technical fault in its L2SG fleet. All Mobile Column assets, including the L2SGs, undergo thorough checks before deployment. No issues were detected for the affected L2SG before it moved out.

Comprehensive checks performed across the L2SG fleet since the incident have determined that it was an isolated one. RENK GmbH, the transmission’s original equipment manufacturer, also indicated that this malfunction was previously unknown. It will work with the Singapore Army on a maintenance regime for the affected component to prevent reoccurrence. Additional checks have been conducted across the L2SG fleet as a precautionary measure, and established that all their transmissions are in good working order.

The safety and well-being of the public and our crews remain of paramount importance. Our crews are trained to respond to different situations with established standard operating procedures.

Members of the public are advised to follow road marshals’ instructions and maintain safe distance from the vehicles.

[1] The service brake operates independently of the parking brake.