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Lithuania Confirms Purchase of 44 German Leopard 2A8 Battle Tanks to Create New Battalion.
On December 16, 2024, Lithuania officially confirmed the acquisition of 44 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, following the signing of a purchase agreement by the country’s newly appointed Defense Minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, during her first visit to Berlin. The confirmation was announced by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in a press statement, which emphasized the financial benefits of the joint purchase under the German framework contract with the tank’s manufacturer.
The Leopard 2A8 is a next-generation main battle tank. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
According to Minister Pistorius, this cooperative purchasing model will not only reduce acquisition costs but also facilitate joint maintenance of the tanks in the future. The Leopard 2 A8, a significantly upgraded version of its predecessors, has a combat weight of approximately 70 tons and is equipped with advanced technologies, making it an essential asset for Lithuania’s defense capabilities.
Minister Šakalienė, who has been in office for just one week, highlighted the importance of strengthening Lithuania’s defense posture, confirming that her government plans to increase defense spending by over 800 million euros next year. This allocation will allow Lithuania to invest in the new tanks earlier than expected, accelerating their acquisition and delivery. Šakalienė reaffirmed her country’s strong trust in Germany, expressing the desire to deepen bilateral relations regardless of the political context.
Furthermore, Šakalienė stated that Lithuania is focused on creating an attractive environment for the German forces stationed in the country as part of the Lithuania Brigade initiative. Germany plays a key role in this defense initiative, which aims to bolster NATO’s presence in the region.
Minister Pistorius also confirmed that the establishment of the Lithuania Brigade is progressing as planned. Currently, 150 personnel are stationed on-site, with plans to increase that number to 500 by the end of next year.
With the acquisition of 44 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, Lithuania is set to form a tank battalion, significantly enhancing its armored capabilities. This purchase will allow the country to establish a robust armored unit, strengthening its defensive posture and its ability to contribute to NATO operations. The Leopard 2A8, equipped with advanced protection systems and firepower, will provide Lithuania with a formidable force capable of responding to modern threats. This tank battalion is expected to play a critical role in Lithuania's defense strategy and its military collaboration with Germany and other NATO allies.
The Leopard 2A8 is a next-generation main battle tank, designed and manufactured in Germany. It represents an advanced version of the Leopard 2, with significant improvements in protection, performance, and equipment. Its main armament is a 120 mm L55 smoothbore gun, which provides it with significant firepower. Additionally, it is equipped with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and the Trophy APS countermeasure system, which protects the tank from modern threats such as rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). This active protection system enables the Leopard 2A8 to detect, intercept, and destroy threats before they reach the vehicle, significantly enhancing its survivability on the battlefield.
In terms of protection, the Leopard 2A8 is equipped with a new generation of both active and passive all-around armor. This armor is designed to offer protection against modern threats, including anti-tank guided weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. This enhanced defensive capability ensures that the Leopard 2A8 is more resilient to high-tech attacks, further solidifying its role as a key strike force in modern conflicts.
With a weight ranging between 65,000 and 67,000 kg, the Leopard 2A8 remains relatively mobile, reaching a maximum speed of 70 km/h on roads. Its operational range is 450 km, allowing it to conduct prolonged operations without the need for frequent refueling. The tank is equipped with several support systems to ensure the comfort and safety of its four-member crew. These include a collective NRBC (Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, Chemical) system, a preheating system for the engine, a crew compartment heater, an auxiliary power unit, and a crew compartment cooling system. These features guarantee optimal performance, even under extreme conditions.
The Leopard 2A8 measures 7.7 meters in length, 4.0 meters in width, and 3.0 meters in height. These dimensions provide good maneuverability while offering enough space for advanced technologies and integrated protection systems. This tank, used by Germany and the Czech Republic, is a major asset for modern armored forces, combining firepower, mobility, and cutting-edge protection.
Lithuania’s decision to purchase Leopard tanks was first announced by the National Defense Council in January. However, it was only now that the exact number, model, and acquisition details have been finalized.