German Defense Ministry Approves Procurement of 105 Leopard 2 A8 Tanks for €2.9B

The German Ministry of Defense has greenlit several key procurements, including the acquisition of 105 Leopard 2 A8 main battle tanks, military vehicles and ammunition.

In a statement on July 11, the defense ministry said the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag authorized the procurement of 105 Leopard 2 A8 battle tanks last week. These tanks, valued at approximately €2.9 billion, are slated to be delivered between 2027 and 2030.

The Leopard 2 A7V is the current top-tier main battle tank for armored troops. Last year, 18 Leopard 2 A8 tanks were ordered to replace those transferred to Ukraine, and the budget committee's recent decision allows for further procurement of this latest tank generation.

The decision underscores Germany's commitment to fortifying its military presence on NATO's Eastern flank, particularly in Lithuania, where the tanks will augment the capabilities of the German brigade stationed there.

The Leopard 2 A8 variant is equipped with enhancements such as a stand-off active protection system aimed at increasing its combat effectiveness.

On July 3, the committee also approved funds for the acquisition of Wolf-type military vehicles, 155-millimeter artillery shells, several million rounds of machine gun ammunition valued around €450 million, and 30,000 specialized headsets for troops.

The first vehicles are scheduled to be delivered gradually from the end of this year until 2027. These vehicles signify a complete upgrade from the predecessor Wolf-type vehicles.

These procurements, funded through the Bundeswehr special fund and the regular defense budget, underscore Germany's commitment to meeting its NATO obligations and strengthening its defense posture.

The approval also includes a framework agreement for the manufacture and delivery of off-road light trucks, crucial for logistical support in challenging terrain. This initiative, set to commence with the production of over 1,000 vehicles, will aid in fulfilling Germany's logistical needs within NATO operations.

Furthermore, the committee sanctioned the purchase of several hundred thousand 155-millimeter caliber projectiles for artillery systems including Panzerhaubitze 2000 for €1.3 billion. This procurement, part of a larger framework agreement, emphasizes Germany's strategic investment in munitions production, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2031.