Lithuania accelerates Leopard 2A8 procurement, replenishes ammunition stocks

Lithuania is procuring 44 Leopard 2A8 MBTs by 2030. (Dutch MoD)

Lithuania is accelerating its Leopard 2A8 procurement with the aim of the main battle tanks (MBTs) being produced for delivery by 2030, while continuing to replenish its ammunition stocks, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence (MND) has announced on its website.

On 13 August, Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė said, “Collective defence is our essential pillar, and Lithuania's main contribution to it is a mechanised division that meets NATO standards. Tanks are the main platform in this type of unit. Their integration into the forces is the most time-consuming, therefore any delay is not possible.”

The Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), Germany's Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, signed a contract with KNDS Deutschland for the delivery of 44 Leopard 2A8 MBTs to the Lithuanian army, KNDS announced on 19 December 2024. Šakalienė signed the purchase confirmation in the presence of German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius. The EUR950 million (USD1.1 billion) contract includes a spare parts and logistics package.

Šakalienė noted the Leopard 2A8's “powerful armament” and mobility as well as its sensors, laser warning systems, and other modern equipment to protect the MBT, including up-to-date electronic and kinetic counter-unmanned aircraft systems, that will be installed during production. The Trophy active protection system is standard equipment for the Leopard 2A8.

According to Šakalienė, the acquisition of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks is vital for the effectiveness of the Lithuanian 1st Division and a new stage in the modernisation of the Lithuanian army, as well as being necessary for co-operation with the German division assigned to defend Lithuania, ensuring smooth joint operations of Lithuania and its allies to defend its national territory.