German Defense Minister Confirms Order of 105 Additional Leopard 2A8 MBTs for German Army.

On July 12, 2024, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the order of an additional 105 Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) for the German army, which was approved by the Finance Committee of the Bundestag, the parliamentary assembly of the Federal Republic of Germany.
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The new Leopard 2A8 was presented for the first time to the public during Eurosatory 2024, a defense exhibition that was held in Paris, France, in June 2024.  (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

To recall, this purchase project had opportunely "leaked" in the press on June 20, 2024, just as Mr. Pistorius was negotiating an increase in the Bundeswehr's (German Army) budget.

It is worth noting that, according to the German ministry's statement, the deputies granted this authorization on July 3, 2024, two days before German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the budget decisions.

The contract amount for these 105 Leopard 2A8 MBTs is 2.9 billion euros. It will be funded by both the Bundeswehr's special fund and the ordinary budget of the German Ministry of Defense. Mainly assigned to the German armored brigade deployed in Lithuania, they will enter service between 2027 and 2030. According to budget documents mentioned by Press Agency Reuters, the cost of ownership of these tanks has been estimated at 750.53 million euros for the period 2032-40.

"With the Leopard 2 A8, the tank battalion of the brigade stationed in Lithuania will have the best possible equipment to protect NATO's northeastern flank," assured the ministry.

In total, the Bundeswehr will have 123 Leopard 2A8s, 18 of which were ordered in 2023 to replace the Leopard 2A6s supplied to the Ukrainian army.

The Leopard 2A8 represents a significant evolution over its predecessors, incorporating a range of enhancements to armament, mobility, and protection. The previous versions, such as the Leopard 2A4, 2A6, and 2A7, laid the groundwork with features like the 120mm smoothbore gun and advanced fire control systems. The Leopard 2A8 builds on this foundation with substantial upgrades.

The production model of the Leopard 2A8 MBT was unveiled during the Eurosatory Defense Exhibition that was held in Paris, France in June 2024.

In terms of armament, the Leopard 2A8 maintains the powerful 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun used in the Leopard 2A6 and 2A7, but it integrates more advanced fire control systems and the capability to fire a wider variety of ammunition, including programmable airburst munitions. There are considerations for future upgrades to a more powerful 130mm gun, enhancing its firepower and versatility.

Mobility improvements in the Leopard 2A8 are evident through its upgraded engine and transmission systems, which provide greater horsepower and more efficient fuel consumption. This results in enhanced acceleration, maneuverability, and operational range, making the tank more effective in diverse combat scenarios.

Protection is significantly enhanced in the Leopard 2A8. It features advanced composite armor and improved modular armor packages, offering superior protection against kinetic and chemical energy threats. The tank is also equipped with active protection systems (APS) that can detect and neutralize incoming projectiles, increasing survivability on the battlefield. Additionally, the Leopard 2A8 incorporates better electronic warfare and countermeasure systems to protect against modern threats, including drones and guided missiles.

Overall, the Leopard 2A8 represents a comprehensive upgrade over its predecessors, ensuring it remains a formidable main battle tank capable of meeting the challenges of modern warfare.