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Leopard 2 A8 is expected to become the most advanced main battle tank in the world.
The 18 main battle tanks Leopard 2 A8 will be based on the Leopard 2 A7V. Image credit: Bundeswehr
At the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair (IDET) 2023 in Brno, Czech Republic, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), the leading German defense company, showcased its vision for the future of armored warfare.
The event’s highlight was the debut of KMW’s state-of-the-art Leopard 2 A8 Main Battle Tank (MBT) demonstrator, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the latest upgraded variant of the renowned Leopard 2 tank family.
The Leopard 2 A8 MBT represents the newest evolution in the Leopard 2 series and will feature an advanced protection system, while also incorporating the latest generation of multi-layered armor.
Furthermore, the Leopard 2 A8 will be equipped with an additional passive armor kit, specifically designed to strengthen the tank’s defense. Notable improvements have been made to enhance mine protection and fortify the defense of the turret roof, ensuring the utmost safety for the tank’s crew in diverse combat scenarios.
In addition to its impressive defensive capabilities, the tank is fitted with a version of the Israeli Trophy active protection system, renamed the EuroTrophy. This advanced system is renowned for its high effectiveness in intercepting incoming threats.
Trophy APS is already used in the Israeli main battle tank Merkava Mk 4M, as well in some other heavy armored vehicles. Image credit: IDF via Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
While KMW did not disclose detailed specifications, the showcased design indicates a significant advancement in operational capabilities, firepower, and protection within the Leopard 2 series.
A representative from KMW stated, “With the unveiling of our Leopard 2 A8 demonstrator, we’re demonstrating our dedication to staying at the forefront of tank technology. The Leopard 2 A8 is designed to deliver unparalleled battlefield performance while meeting the dynamic challenges of modern warfare.”
More details about Leopard 2 A8 should be unveiled in the near future.
The Leopard 2 A7V in move. Image credit: Bundeswehr.
When could Ukraine have Leopard 2 A8 in its military service?
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) has been awarded a production contract by Germany to procure 18 new Leopard 2 A8 main battle tanks, which will replace an equal number of Leopard 2A6 vehicles that were supplied to Ukraine.
The first A8 machines will be delivered to the Armed Forces of Germany. Later, they will also be supplied to countries that provided tanks to Ukraine from their own stocks.
The initial acquisition of 18 units was approved by the country’s parliament, with funding amounting to approximately €525 million ($563 million), as stated by the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw).
Delivery of the 18 tanks for Germany’s own needs is set to commence in 2025, and all units are expected to be handed over to the German army by the end of 2026. This means that Ukraine’s acquisition of Leopard 2 A8 will most likely be postponed by at least four or five years from now.
The Leopard 2 A8 tanks will be based on the 2A7V variant and will incorporate Rafael’s Trophy Active Protection System.
Trophy is an advanced protection system developed to safeguard military vehicles against a range of threats, including anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), anti-tank rockets, and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds. It uses a number of explosively formed projectiles to hit incoming threats, thereby effectively neutralizing them before they reach the vehicle.
A German Army Leopard 2 A6 tank. Image credit: U.S. Army
Ukraine now has Leopard 2A6, 2A5 will be arriving, too
After initial hesitation due to concerns about escalating the conflict, Germany announced in January 2023 its decision to supply heavy weaponry to Ukraine. This included the approval of 14 Leopard 2 A6 vehicles, with an additional four provided subsequently.
Germany also granted re-export permissions for other European Leopard operators to supply tanks to Ukraine. Furthermore, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands confirmed in February 2023 that they would gift “at least” 100 Leopard 2 A5 tanks from their own stocks to Ukraine.
Written by Alius Noreika
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