Lithuania strengthens defense with historic tank purchase
The Lithuanian authorities have signed an agreement to enhance their army with Leopard 2A8 tanks. Although these are among the most modern tanks in the world, Lithuania, which currently has no tanks, will purchase only 44 units, significantly fewer than initially planned.
12:33 PM EST, December 17, 2024
According to Defence Express, Lithuanian authorities originally aimed to acquire as many as 100 Leopard 2A8s by 2030. Later, these plans were adjusted to include one fully-fledged battalion, totaling 54 tanks, by NATO standards. However, even this goal could not be met, as the agreement signed by the defense ministers of Lithuania and Germany includes only 44 units.
Lithuania is buying 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks
The reasons for Lithuania's plan adjustment have not been officially disclosed. Analysts at Defence Express suggest that it is unlikely to be related to Lithuania's financial capacity, as the country plans to spend 3.03% of its GDP on defense in 2025, with increased limits on defense credits. The challenge may lie in the production capabilities of the German defense industry. Several other European countries have also recently ordered the Leopard 2A8 tanks, and over 100 units are to be delivered to the German army.
“The agreement to purchase Leopard 2 tanks is the largest contract in Lithuania's history. This is an extremely important stage in modernizing our armed forces and strengthening regional security. These tanks will also open new opportunities to enhance the cooperation and integration of Lithuanian and German armed forces," said Lithuania's defense minister.
Baltic countries without tanks
Despite the scaled-back plans and the acquisition of only 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks, this development is still a significant breakthrough for Lithuania's armed forces. Like Latvia and Estonia, Lithuania currently does not have any tanks. Only tanks from NATO-allied countries, including Poland, are stationed there.
The Leopard 2A8 is the latest version of the widely distributed German tank. It is notable for its active defense system, Trophy, which is also equipped on other renowned Western tanks, such as the American M1A2 Abrams. The Leopard 2A8 is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun and boasts an engine with 1600 horsepower, needed to support the entire structure, which weighs approximately 70 tons (154,000 pounds).
