Breaking news: Spain to modernize its armored forces with new Leopard 2A8 and upgraded Leopard 2EM tanks.

As reported by Infodefensa and Jon Hawkes on January 24, 2025, the Spanish Army announced during the IAV2025 conference that it plans to replace its Leopard 2A4 tanks with the Leopard 2A8 (the most modern version of the series) and upgrade its Leopard 2E fleet to the 2EM variant. The Leopard 2A4 fleet, comprising approximately 80 units, includes operational tanks and those stored in Zaragoza. Around 40 are deployed in Ceuta and Melilla, with a dozen used as opposition forces at the San Gregorio training ground.
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Compared to earlier Leopard tanks, the Leopard 2A8 incorporates updated armor systems designed to address threats such as anti-tank guided missiles and improvised explosive devices, as well as an improved fire control system and increased main gun accuracy to enhance operational effectiveness. (Picture source: EuroTrophy)

In the early 1990s, Spain initiated the "Programa Coraza 2000" to replace its aging M60 and AMX-30 tanks. In 1995, Spain and Germany signed a memorandum of understanding for the lease of 108 Leopard 2A4 tanks, which were delivered between November 1995 and June 1996 for training purposes. In 1998, Spain acquired the rights to domestically produce 219 Leopard 2E tanks based on the Leopard 2A6 but adapted to Spanish specifications. Santa Bárbara Sistemas handled production between 2003 and 2008. The Leopard 2E featured modifications to armor and systems to align with Spain's operational requirements. In 2005, Spain purchased the previously leased Leopard 2A4 tanks for €16.9 million and has since donated some of them, with other nations, to Ukraine. This process established the Leopard 2 series as a core element of Spain's armored fleet.

The Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tank, introduced as a production model at Eurosatory 2024, is the latest variant in the Leopard 2 series, developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall. It is based on the Leopard 2A7+ with updates to armor, firepower, and situational awareness systems. The tank features an omnidirectional observation system, upgraded suspension, and a 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun capable of firing programmable DM11 ammunition. Its secondary armaments include a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a 76mm grenade launcher. Armor enhancements integrate multi-layered steel, tungsten, composite fillers, and ceramics, supported by the EuroTrophy Active Protection System (APS) for intercepting incoming threats.

The Leopard 2A8 is powered by a 1,500 hp engine, allowing speeds of up to 65 km/h and a range of approximately 400 km. It has a torsion bar suspension system, ground clearance of 500 mm, and tracks designed for challenging terrains. Additional systems include a fire control system with laser rangefinders, thermal imaging, a crew compartment cooling unit, an auxiliary power unit (APU) with 20 kW output, and an NBC overpressurization system. Optional equipment, such as a remote-controlled weapon station and a laser warning system, further expand its operational flexibility.

Upgrading Spain's Leopard 2A4 tanks to the Leopard 2A8 standard would offer significant advancements in protection, mobility, and firepower. The Leopard 2A8 incorporates updated armor systems designed to address threats such as anti-tank guided missiles and improvised explosive devices. It includes an improved fire control system and increased main gun accuracy to enhance operational effectiveness. The propulsion and suspension systems are also upgraded, improving mobility across various terrains. This modernization aligns with the Spanish Army's goal of maintaining an armored force equipped for current operational requirements.

Proposed enhancements of the Leopard 2E include a Rheinmetall L55-A1 cannon, additional armor, a laser warning system, active protection systems (APS), and remotely operated weapon stations. (Picture source: Spanish Army)

Should Spain proceed with this acquisition, it would join other European nations, such as Germany, which has ordered 123 units, with initial deliveries beginning in 2025. Norway has contracted for 54 units, while Italy plans to acquire 300 tanks to replace older models like the Leopard 1 and C1 Ariete. Sweden, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic have also placed orders, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2031. Croatia and Italy are negotiating additional purchases, and the platform has attracted interest as a replacement for aging fleets across NATO and allied nations.

In parallel, the Leopard 2E fleet, comprising 239 units distributed among mechanized brigades and NATO missions, is set for a comprehensive modernization under the Fuerza 35 project. The upgrades will address command, control, communications, firepower, mobility, protection, and maintenance. Proposed enhancements include a Rheinmetall L55-A1 cannon, additional armor, a laser warning system, active protection systems (APS), and remotely operated weapon stations. Improvements in mobility and situational awareness are also planned, alongside the adoption of underbody protection and smoke protection systems.

This modernization effort builds upon a €200 million contract with Santa Bárbara Sistemas, covering maintenance, overhauls, and engineering work for both the Leopard 2A4 and 2E. The Leopard 2E, initially assembled in Spain through a partnership between Santa Bárbara Sistemas and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, features components such as the LINCE Battle Management System and Indra-built thermal imaging optics. Domestic industry involvement is expected to remain central to the modernization process, with companies like Indra, Sapa, Tecnobit, and Amper contributing.

The Leopard 2E upgrade plan involves three phases. Phase 1 focuses on addressing obsolescence and improving maintenance, transitioning the fleet to the 2E M1 configuration by 2029. Phase 2 introduces mission-specific modules, bringing the tanks to the 2E M2 configuration. Phase 3 includes the procurement of 60 mission modules for the 2E M2+ standard, with full operational capability by 2032. These tanks will feature advanced systems such as APS, multispectral camouflage, and new tracks and sprockets for enhanced mobility. Notably, the Spanish Army has also expressed interest in integrating the Trophy APS on the Leopard 2E and 2A8 to further enhance protection, including against drones.