Lithuania’s Ministry of Defense has approved the purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks from the German government.
The sale is part of the Baltic state’s objective to form new armored battalions and increase its land-based interoperability with NATO co-members and allies, considering the system’s employment in more than 30 countries.
Vilnius’ intent to adopt the third-generation heavy armored vehicle was revealed in July 2023, with its determination to procure it announced by January.
In October, the Lithuanian defense agency’s review was accepted by the State Defense Council.
“The agreement on the acquisition of Leopard 2 tanks is the largest contract in the history of Lithuania,” Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė stated at the recent contract signing with German counterpart Boris Pistorius in Berlin.
“This is a critically important stage in modernizing our military and strengthening regional security. These tanks will open up opportunities to strengthen the integrity and interoperability of the Lithuanian and German armed forces.”
Artillery Plant by 2026
Lithuania’s Leopard project follows the country’s cooperation with Germany to establish an ammunition factory in the Baltic nation in response to growing tensions in Eastern Europe.
Costing $190 million, the future plant will supply 155-millimeter artillery shells for the armed forces, the German troops permanently stationed in Lithuania, and other international allies.
The center is expected to reach full operational capability by 2026.
The Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tank
Originating in Germany, the Leopard 2A8 is an 11-meter (36-foot) tank operated by a crew of four.
It can be fitted with protection kits against other heavy vehicles, rocket-propelled grenades, mines, and improvised explosive devices.
The tank is armed with a 120-millimeter L55 main gun, a machine gun, a multi-purpose grenade launcher, and a remote-controlled weapon station to engage ground targets at 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) and aerial targets at 2,500 meters (8,202 feet).
The Leopard 2A8 is powered by a 1,500-horsepower MTU engine for speeds up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour and a range of 400 kilometers (249 miles).
Additional components of the platform include turret and compartment cooling systems, a 20-kilowatt electrical output, day and night cameras, thermal imaging, and a laser finder technology.
