Italian government approves the purchase of 132 German Leopard 2A8 tanks.

On February 21, 2023, the Defense Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies approved the purchase of German Leopard 2 tanks. Nino Minardo, the President of the Defense Committee, declared, "This is a very important vote, as it will effectively enable the initiation of a comprehensive multi-year program to renew the Army's armored component. Such renewal has become imperative due to the obsolescence of existing systems and the evolving requirements of NATO, shaped by recent international developments." According to information from the website "ANALISIDIFESA," the specific version of the Leopard 2 tank could be the Leopard 2A8.
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A demonstrator of the Leopard 2A8 was unveiled during the IDET defense exhibition in Czech Republic in May 2023. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)

The Leopard 2A8 acquisition program is expected to last a total of 14 years (until 2037) and is divided into two phases: the first phase (2024-2026) for substantial preparation, while the second phase (2027-2037) will see the actual acquisition of 132 Leopard 2A8 tanks. These tanks are intended to form two tank regiments and up to 140 derived armored platforms to equip units of heavy, medium, and light brigades, all engineering regiments, and logistic regiments of the Army, as well as training institutes.

The Leopard 2A8, a recent advancement in the Leopard tank series, marks a significant upgrade over its predecessors, with its development efforts becoming more prominent in the early 21st century. This version embodies substantial improvements in armor protection, firepower, and technology integration. Compared to earlier models, the Leopard 2A8 features enhanced composite armor, including modular armor that can be easily upgraded to counter emerging threats. Its firepower is bolstered by an advanced 120mm smoothbore gun capable of firing a wider range of ammunition, coupled with improved targeting and fire control systems that ensure higher accuracy and lethality.

Additionally, the Leopard 2A8 integrates state-of-the-art digital systems for battlefield management, communication, and situational awareness, setting a new standard in armored vehicle performance. These advancements ensure that the Leopard 2A8 remains competitive on the modern battlefield, offering superior protection, firepower, and technological capabilities.

The total cost is estimated at 8.246 billion euros. "The acquisition of existing German-made vehicles is the fastest solution that meets our needs," Minardo noted. "However, the positive impact this operation could have on Italian SMEs should not be underestimated. It could create a supply chain oriented towards technological growth and skill development that would also allow for the relocation of some parts and subsystems production and stimulate the demand for labor," concluded Minardo.

All 272 armored vehicles, including 140 recovery tanks, bridge-laying tanks, and engineering vehicles, will be produced in Italy at the Leonardo facilities in La Spezia (formerly Oto Melara). This will involve the adoption of numerous national electronic systems and the involvement of the CIO (Iveco-Oto Melara Consortium), Leonardo (which in December signed an ad hoc agreement with KNDS), and, of course, the two German companies responsible for the battle tank (Krauss Maffei Wegnman – KMW) and for special vehicles (Rheinmetall).

In the Italian Army, the Leopard 2A8 tanks will join the 90/125 Ariete C2 tanks. The related contract, which includes the upgrade of 90 C1 version tanks plus an option for another 35, was awarded in August 2023.

This news outlines Italy's significant investment in modernizing its armored forces, highlighting the strategic importance of updating military capabilities in response to evolving international security requirements and the potential benefits to the national economy through the involvement of local industries.

Defense News February 2024