This is one of two articles on FR today about the Leopard II. The second one is at: https://warisboring.com/germanys-leopard-2-tank-was-considered-one-of-the-best-until-it-went-to-syria/ The ‘War is Boring’ article provides a good discussion of good and bad points for the Leo II, it is worth reading versus the DM article that only has good photographs.
If I remember correctly the Leo II was fielded during the early 80’s when we had M-60A3’s in Germany and were slated to begin receiving the first M-1’s in 1986. It is more of a contemporary with the T-72.
Thanks for the ping.