The Leopard 2A8 tank is fitted with a three man turret armed with a 120 mm/L55 smoothbore gun. The L55 gun is produced by the German company Rheinmetall AG. It's an upgraded version of the L44 gun that was initially installed in earlier versions of the Leopard 2 tank. The L55 is known for its greater length, which 1.3 meters longer than the L44 is allowing the L55 to achieve higher muzzle velocities, and thus, improve accuracy, range, and penetration. It can fire a variety of munitions, including APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot), HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank), and multipurpose ammunition. The gun can also fire the DM11 ammunition. One of the unique features of the DM11 is its ability to be programmed to detonate at a specific point in its trajectory. This programming can be done either at the point of firing or in-flight, and it's controlled by the tank's fire control system. This feature makes the DM11 highly versatile and effective in a wide range of scenarios. It can be used against lightly armored vehicles, infantry in the open or in cover, as well as against fortifications or buildings. By programming the round to explode above ground or at a specific point after penetrating a target, it can have a significantly greater effect than conventional high-explosive rounds. The second armament of the Leopard 2A8 includes one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun mounted to the left side of the main armament.

The layout of the Leopard 2A8 is similar to the previous version of the Leopard 2 with with the driver at the front right side of the hull, the turret in the middle, and the engine at the rear. It has a crew of four including the driver, the gunner, the loader, and the commander. The driver has three periscopes for visibility. The central periscope can be replaced with a passive night vision periscope for operations in low-light conditions. The driver enters and exits the tank through a single-piece hatch. The turret houses the remaining three crew members: the commander, the gunner, and the loader. The commander and the gunner are located on the right side of the turret, while the loader is on the left. The commander and loader have their hatches for entry and exit. The design of the turret is slightly modified by the integration of new armor and the addition of an APS system. The front of the hull has been also fitted with improved armor.

The Leopard 2A8 variant boasts enhanced armor protection, elevating its defensive capabilities significantly. This modernized model employs the latest generation multi-layered armor, an intricate fusion of steel, tungsten, composite filler, and ceramic components, all contributing to its robust defensive structure. Moreover, it comes equipped with an additional passive armor kit, further fortifying its defenses. Advancements in protective measures are particularly apparent in areas such as the turret roof and the underbelly of the tank, enhancing protection against mine detonations. A notable addition to the Leopard 2A8's defense system is the incorporation of a variant of the renowned Israeli Trophy Active Protection System (APS), colloquially referred to as the EuroTrophy. This cutting-edge system further bolsters the tank's resilience, adding an active, responsive layer of defense against incoming threats.

A crucial element of the Trophy APS is its radar system. Providing 360-degree coverage, this radar is proficient in detecting incoming threats. Its sophisticated design allows for the simultaneous tracking of multiple targets, from which it collects initial data about each threat's velocity and trajectory. One radar is mounted on each side at the front and rear of the turret. Following the radar's threat detection and tracking, a 'countermeasure device' swiftly comes into play. This subsystem fires a dense cloud of explosively formed penetrators (metal pellets) that neutralize the incoming threat at a safe distance from the vehicle. The boxes containing the countermeasure devices are mounted on each side of the turret.