New Leopard 2A8 Tanks Will Soon Be Parked Right Near Russia | The National Interest

Oct 27, 2024

Germany and Lithuania are bolstering their tank forces with the acquisition of the advanced Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks (MBTs). Lithuania plans to form a new tank battalion equipped with the German-made Leopard 2A8 and Swedish CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles to strengthen NATO's eastern flank.

What You Need to Know: Germany and Lithuania are bolstering their tank forces with the acquisition of the advanced Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks (MBTs). Lithuania plans to form a new tank battalion equipped with the German-made Leopard 2A8 and Swedish CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles to strengthen NATO's eastern flank.

-Germany will station its new tanks in Lithuania, where the construction of a German military base is underway.

-The Leopard 2A8 is regarded as one of the best MBTs in service, featuring the "Trophy" Active Protection System and advanced armor. The Netherlands also plans to acquire 50 Leopard 2A8s as part of NATO's defense buildup.

Earlier this year, Germany announced plans to bolster its tank force, and acquire 105 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks (MBTs) – with some of the German-operated armored vehicles stationed in Lithuania to reinforce NATO's eastern flank. It is likely that even more of the advanced tanks could be heading to the Baltic nation.

Lithuania's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has unveiled its own plan to purchase the German-made tank, along with the Swedish CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle. The tanks and auxiliary vehicles will be used to equip a newly formed Lithuanian Army tank battalion – which is being restructured from an existing mechanized battalion.

It wasn't announced how many MBTs or IFVs will be acquired, but Vilnius has sought to increase NATO's presence to deter Russian aggression. This year, Lithuania also boosted its defense spending to 3% of its GDP. In August, the Baltic State began the construction of a German military base – the first permanent foreign facility for the Bundeswehr. Upwards of 4,000 combat-ready German troops will be stationed at the base; the first permanent deployment of German soldiers in another nation since World War II.

Germany and Lithuania aren't the only NATO members that will be acquiring the Leopard 2A8. Last month, the Royal Netherlands Army secured a deal for 50 of the advanced MBT, while it will also establish a new tank battalion. The Dutch government is further committed to meeting the NATO defense spending goal of 2% of its GDP.

At its height, during the Cold War, the Dutch military operated nearly 1,000 armored vehicles including the Leopard 1 and later Leopard 2. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the force was significantly reduced. Until recently, the Royal Netherlands Army leased fewer than 18 MBTs – but those were integrated into a German unit and even stationed aboard.

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.

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

The 28A model 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).

As Russia has seen its tank fleet decimated on the battlefield, NATO is building up its arsenal and will be more than ready should the Kremlin look to strike westward.

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].

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May 25, 2024