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Croatia and Germany Sign Letter of Intent for Acquisition of 50 Leopard 2A8 Tanks.
On October 28, 2024, Croatia and Germany took a step in strengthening their defense capabilities by signing a letter of intent in Berlin. This document marks the beginning of negotiations for Croatia's acquisition of 50 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, one of the latest and most technologically advanced models in the renowned Leopard series. The agreement, brokered by Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, paves the way for a major modernization of the Croatian military’s armored fleet.
Under the proposed agreement, Germany will compensate Croatia for the M-84 and M-80 vehicles, thus reducing the overall cost of the Leopard 2A8s (Picture source: German MoD)
The Leopard 2A8 is a modern main battle tank developed in Germany, known for its combination of firepower, advanced protection, and mobility on the battlefield. It is armed with a 120 mm L55 smoothbore gun capable of engaging a variety of targets at long range with precision, while a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun adds defensive capability against light threats. To improve survivability in hostile environments, the tank is equipped with the Trophy active protection system, which intercepts incoming anti-tank missiles and rockets.
Featuring a new-generation armor system that combines active and passive defenses, the Leopard 2A8 can withstand contemporary threats such as Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs). Weighing between 65 and 67 tons, it maintains agility with a top speed of 70 km/h and a range of 450 km. It also includes advanced features for extreme conditions, such as NBC (nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical) protection, enhanced thermal imaging, and an auxiliary power unit for extended operations. Primarily used by Germany and the Czech Republic, the Leopard 2A8 is a key asset for modern militaries, combining firepower, protection, and versatility for contemporary combat requirements.
The acquisition plan forms part of a joint procurement program led by Germany, inviting Croatia to participate. According to available information, a comprehensive model for the transaction has been developed. Part of the cost will be offset by the sale of 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles from the Croatian Army’s inventory. Once this sale is completed, the vehicles will be transferred to Ukraine by Germany as part of ongoing military assistance.
Under the proposed agreement, Germany will compensate Croatia for the M-84 and M-80 vehicles, thus reducing the overall cost of the Leopard 2A8s. This innovative approach aims to optimize available resources while contributing to international support efforts for Ukraine. For Croatia, the deal represents a significant step in modernizing its armored forces, replacing older equipment with cutting-edge technology.
Currently, Croatia operates approximately 70 M-84 tanks, which form the backbone of its armored fleet. While these tanks are considered well-maintained, they do not match the capabilities of the latest-generation Leopard 2A8s, which offer significant enhancements in protection, firepower, and advanced electronic systems. The Leopard 2A8 features upgraded modular armor and sophisticated battlefield management systems, providing improved efficiency in modern combat scenarios.
The exact financial details of the acquisition and the delivery schedule for the Leopard 2A8 tanks have not yet been disclosed. However, the project is a strategic priority for Croatia, aiming to strengthen its position within NATO and align with the latest defense technology standards. The signing of the letter of intent marks the start of formal negotiations with the manufacturer, and discussions on specific terms are expected to continue in the coming months.
The sale of the M-84 and M-80 vehicles to Germany, followed by their donation to Ukraine, aligns with the increased support from Western nations for the Ukrainian military, which continues to face Russian aggression. This transfer aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities by providing battlefield-proven equipment while allowing Croatia to transition to a more modern armored vehicle fleet, potentially including specialized training for crews and maintenance personnel to adapt to new technologies.