DonateLithuania procures 44 LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tanks
On behalf of the Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence (DMA), the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has signed a contract with KNDS Deutschland for the delivery of 44 LEOPARD 2 A8 tanks to the Lithuanian Army. This is the first time in its history that Lithuania has set up an armoured unit and so becomes the 23rd LEOPARD 2 user nation.
Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tank: Key Specifications and Features
The Leopard 2A8, unveiled at Eurosatory 2024, represents the latest evolution of Germany’s renowned main battle tank (MBT) series. It incorporates significant upgrades in firepower, protection, mobility, and technology, making it one of the most advanced tanks in the world. Below is an overview of its key specifications and features:
Armament
- Main Gun: 120 mm/L55 A1 smoothbore cannon, an upgraded version of the L44 gun, offering:
- Higher muzzle velocity for improved accuracy, range (up to 6,000 meters), and penetration.
- Compatibility with advanced munitions like DM11 programmable ammunition for tailored detonation against various targets (e.g., infantry, vehicles, fortifications).
- Secondary Armament:
- Coaxial 7.62 mm MG.
- Multi-purpose 76 mm grenade launchers for smoke or special munitions.
- Optional Remote-Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS).
Protection
- Armor: Enhanced passive and active protection systems:
- Advanced composite armor on the hull and turret, including roof and underbelly mine protection.
- “Windbreaker” Active Protection System (APS) to counter anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), providing 360° coverage.
- NBC Protection: Overpressure system for operations in contaminated environments.
- Fire Suppression: Integrated systems to protect crew and engine compartments.
Mobility
- Engine: Powered by a robust MTU multi-fuel engine:
- Output: 1,500–1,600 hp.
- Speed: Up to 65–70 km/h on roads; reverse speed ~30 km/h.
- Range: Operational range of approximately 400–450 km without refueling.
- Terrain Capabilities:
- Gradient climbing: Up to 60%.
- Side slope traversal: Up to 30%.
- Vertical obstacle clearance: ~1.15 meters.
- Trench crossing: ~3 meters.
- Water fording: Up to 4 meters submerged.
Technology
- Fire Control System (FCS):
- Laser rangefinder and ballistic computer for precise targeting.
- High first-round hit probability against moving targets, even while on the move.
- Optics:
- Third-generation thermal imaging for both commander and gunner.
- Panoramic surveillance for rapid target acquisition (“hunter-killer” capability).
- Auxiliary Systems:
- Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) with ultracapacitors for silent operation when the main engine is off.
- Crew compartment cooling system (10 kW capacity) for hot climates.
Crew and Dimensions
- Crew: Four members – commander, gunner, loader, driver.
- Dimensions:
- Length: ~8.05 m (11.17 m with gun forward).
- Width: ~4.00 m.
- Height: ~2.72 m at turret roof (~3.11 m with optics).
- Weight: ~65–69 tons.
Comparison to Previous Leopard Models
The Leopard 2A8 builds upon the strengths of its predecessors while addressing modern battlefield challenges:
- Improved firepower with the L55 A1 gun and advanced ammunition like DM11.
- Enhanced survivability through upgraded armor and active protection systems.
- Greater operational flexibility due to advanced optics, FCS, and mobility improvements.
The contract is worth EUR 950 million and, in addition to the LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tanks, includes a comprehensive spare parts and logistics package.
Lithuania was the first nation to implement the plan to procure the LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tank together with the Federal Republic of Germany as part of the so-called Common Procurement Agreement, thus making a significant contribution to Europe’s common defence capability. Further countries are planning to join this joint procurement project.
This was preceded by the signing of the Purchase Confirmation by Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė for the procurement of the 44 LEOPARD 2 A8 in the presence of Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
The Lithuanian army will receive the latest version of the LEOPARD 2 main battle tank. As is already the case for Norway and Germany, the completely new LEOPARD 2 A8 will be equipped with the APS TROPHY active protection system, among other things. This provides it with the most modern and effective 360° protection against shoulder-launched anti-tank missiles and drones.
Source KNDS Download press release, Selling brochure from KNDS for Leopard 2 A8
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