Germany ramps up defense with $3,2 billion purchase of Leopard 2A8 tanks
According to the Ukrainian RBC agency, the Bundestag Defense Committee has decided to purchase 105 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. The agency cites Marcus Faber, a member of the German Bundestag. The vehicles will be stationed near Poland.
3:49 PM EDT, July 3, 2024
The German authorities' plan to buy over 100 tanks emerged a few months ago, but specific steps were taken only in mid-June this year. At that time, Germany decided to secure the necessary funding to implement the framework agreement terms for 105 Leopard 2A8 machines. Now, however, the RBC agency reports that the Bundestag has approved the purchase of the tanks.
Marcus Faber, a member of the German parliament, explained that the machines will primarily be added to the Lithuanian brigade, replacing older Leopard models and simultaneously creating space for further vehicle deliveries to Ukraine. "Such large orders show that we are taking defense and long-term support for Ukraine seriously," said Faber.
The contract for the purchase of over 100 tanks, which will be stationed in Lithuania, near Poland, amounts to nearly 3 billion euros, according to publicly available information. The deliveries of the tanks for the Bundeswehr are expected to last several more years – until 2030.
Leopard 2A8 tanks
Not only are the Germans interested in the newest Leopard 2A8s. The German company Rheinmetall has already received orders for the production of these modern variants from Norway, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, and the Czech Republic. The large popularity of these tanks is not without reason. This is because the Leopard 2A8 is currently one of the most modern European tanks.
The manufacturer has ensured the presence of reinforced armor in this vehicle, covering the top of the turret and the hull. Thanks to this, the new Leopard is expected to be durable against fire from today's popular drones and cluster munitions.
The Rafael Trophy protection system, which is included in the Leopard 2A8, is also significant. It is designed to eliminate the threat from incoming anti-tank missiles.
The Leopard 2A8 has also been upgraded in terms of its mobility. It features a power unit that generates about 1,600 HP. This engine has quite a bit of work to do, as the weight of the new version of the Leopard is estimated to be around 154,000 lbs. The offensive capabilities of the Leopard 2A8 are provided by a 120 mm smoothbore gun, with a length of 55 calibers. Accuracy when attacking enemy units is ensured by a modern fire control system based on a laser rangefinder.
