European manufacturer KNDS has confirmed receiving 350 orders for the new Leopard 2A8 main battle tank, the most significant upgrade to the Leopard line in more than three decades. The Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Norway, and the Netherlands placed their orders before the 2A8 was officially presented at KNDS’s facility in Munich. Company officials also revealed ongoing negotiations with additional nations, expecting further purchases in the near future.
Germany has placed the largest order so far, purchasing 123 Leopard 2A8 tanks with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027 and plans to add 75 more. In a historic move, the first German units will be deployed permanently in Lithuania, marking Germany’s first long-term tank stationing abroad since World War II. Lithuania and the Czech Republic will each receive 44 tanks, with Prague ordering an extra 19 specialized variants such as recovery and engineering vehicles. Norway’s procurement includes 54 tanks to modernize its armored forces.
The Leopard 2A8 preserves the core combat loadout of the Leopard 2 series: a 120mm smooth-bore gun, two 7.62mm machine guns, and a four-member crew. What sets the new model apart are its advanced defensive and offensive systems engineered for modern threats. The integration of the Trophy active protection system provides all-around shielding by detecting, tracking, and neutralizing incoming projectiles, including anti-tank missiles and small drones.
Additional upgrades include a significantly enhanced fire control system, improved situational awareness tools, and superior blast protection designed to withstand modern battlefield explosives. Together, these enhancements establish the Leopard 2A8 as one of NATO’s most capable and survivable main battle tanks.
