Summary and Key Points: The German Leopard 2A8, considered one of the best main battle tanks (MBTs) today, will see increased deployment to NATO's eastern flank to deter Russian aggression.

-Germany plans to acquire 105 Leopard 2A8 tanks from KNDS in a deal worth €2.93 billion ($3.14 billion), with some tanks to be stationed in Lithuania.

-The Leopard 2A8 features advanced upgrades, including the "Trophy" Active Protection System and a new 120mm L55 smoothbore gun. This acquisition underscores Germany's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities amidst growing security concerns.

Coming Soon: More German Leopard 2 MBTs on Russia's Doorstep

The German Leopard 2A8 is considered one of the absolute best main battle tanks in service today. Though a few Leopard 2s have been lost in the fighting in Ukraine, reports suggest the MBTs have stood up to a great deal of punishment, while offering greater survivability for their crews. The importance of that assessment cannot be overstated.

The 2A8 variants are greatly enhanced and could certainly stand up to the best that any adversary could throw at it. One hundred and five of the upgraded Leopard 2 MBTs could soon be deployed to support NATO's flank in order to deter Russian aggression.

The tanks will be by German tank crews – also considered among the best in the world. 

Reuters reported last week that Berlin has plans to buy the 105 Leopard 2A8s from Franco-German arms maker KNDS in a deal worth 2.93 billion euros ($3.14 billion). Though the draft of the contract still requires German parliamentary approval, it isn't expected to meet any significant opposition.

Germany announced in May that it would seek to acquire 35 additional Leopard 2A8s. It seems that number has grown to meet demands at home and abroad.

Headed to the Baltic States

The news service further noted that at least some of those Leopard 2s would be headed to NATO ally Lithuania, where they would be put into service with a German combat brigade that is being set up in the Baltic State as a NATO deterrence measure.

The rest of the Leopard 2A8s will reinforce the German Bundeswehr's 300-strong tank force, with delivery beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2030. Around one-third of the tanks will be delivered in the first half of the contract period, while the remaining 70-odd MBTs will be delivered during the final two years of the program.

Reuters also reported that the purchase of the new MBTs was "unfunded" since there was "insufficient money" in the budget, but Berlin has sought to increase spending to beef up its military after allowing the Bundeswehr to stagnate since the end of the Cold War. 

Advanced MBT

The Leopard 2A8 is the most advanced version of the famed German MBT. Based on the Leopard 2A7+, the new model is outfitted with several notable improvements, including the "Trophy" Active Protection System and a better all-around (360-degree) awareness system. 

The upgraded variant features the newest generation of passive multi-layer composite modular armor – made up of steel, tungsten, composite filler, and even ceramics.

The tank is fitted with a three-man turret that houses the main 120mm L55 smoothbore gun produced by Rheinmetall AG. This is an upgraded version of the L44 gun installed on previous models of the Leopard 2. The L55 is reported to be about 1.3 meters (4.2 feet) longer, which gives it higher muzzle velocities, and it has greater accuracy, range, and penetration. The improved gun can fire a variety of ordnance, including APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot), HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank), and multipurpose ammunition.

The overall layout of the modernized tanks is similar to other models. It is powered by an upgraded 1,600 hp engine that allows the Leopard 2A8 to reach speeds over 70 kilometers per hour (44 miles per hour).

The Leopard 2A8 promises to be a capable MBT operated by capable tankers, and more than able to blunt a Russian attempt to invade the heart of Europe.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu 

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected]. 

All images are Creative Commons or Shutterstock. 

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