Leopard 2 E: This tank is a cooperative improvement project between Spain and Germany based on the original A5 type. The plan originated in 1995 when the Spanish Ministry of Defense applied to Germany to purchase 108 Leopard 2A4 tanks within five years and requested authorization to produce them domestically. On December 23, 1998, the Spanish cabinet finally approved the arms purchase plan and designated Santa Barbara as the main contractor. The production of Leopard 2E/EX is supported by German technology, and all products are made as locally produced as possible.