Germany has introduced the Leopard 2 A8, described as the Bundeswehr’s (German Armed Forces) most modern battle tank. A total of 123 units have been ordered, and these tanks are the first newly built Leopard 2 tanks produced from scratch for the German Army since 1992.
This procurement eliminates the need to withdraw existing tanks for modernization, allowing the fleet to grow and remain operational.
Technical Equipment and Protection
The Leopard 2 A8 draws its power from the 120-millimeter L55 A1 cannon, produced by Rheinmetall and capable of using modern ammunition types with a range of up to 5 kilometers. The tank’s most critical innovation, however, is its integration as standard with the proven “Trophy” active protection system (Hard-Kill) from the Israeli manufacturer Rafael. This system maximizes the tank’s safety by destroying incoming enemy projectiles in the air.
Testing Process and Orders From Europe
According to the German news agency dpa, the Bundeswehr will receive its first test vehicles in 2026 and subject them to comprehensive suitability tests. Initial deliveries to units are expected to begin in 2027, and all 123 tanks are planned to be incorporated into the inventory by 2030.
Among the first users are soldiers of the Lithuanian Brigade, which is tasked with protecting NATO’s eastern flank. Meanwhile, a number of European countries—including the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the Czech Republic—have placed orders for the Leopard 2 A8.
SOURCE: C4Defence
