Germany to Purchase 75 More Leopard 2 Tanks in Latest Model

The German Armed Forces plan to buy 75 additional Leopard 2 main battle tanks in the newest version.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced this, according to Hartpunkt.

He said the defense ministry is currently preparing a proposal for this purchase for next year.

It is most likely referring to the Leopard 2A8 – the most advanced variant of Germany’s main battle tank of this model.

The Bundeswehr has already ordered 123 Leopard 2A8 tanks from KNDS to modernize its armored units. This model is expected to become the German Army’s primary tank for the coming decades, replacing earlier versions.

Other European countries, such as Lithuania, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, have also ordered the tanks.

According to media reports, the so-called system price of the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank is expected to be around €20 million.

According to Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KNDS Germany, several more countries – such as Spain or other Baltic states – could potentially become customers for the Leopard 2A8.

There is also demand in Southeastern Europe. Croatia already announced last year its intention to purchase up to 50 of the latest Leopard tanks.

The use of a standardized Leopard tank version across Europe is intended to simplify interoperability and reduce costs.

KNDS Germany yesterday unveiled the Leopard 2A8 in Germany, marking the first tank built from scratch for the Bundeswehr in more than 30 years.

The combat vehicle features several upgrades, including the integration of the Trophy active protection system and an all-around situational awareness system. The Leopard 2A8 is protected by next-generation multilayered passive armor. The developers also enhanced the vehicle’s mine protection and its defense of the upper hemisphere against cluster munitions and small drones.