European defense giant KNDS has reportedly secured 350 orders for the Leopard 2A8, the newest and most advanced variant of the Leopard 2 main battle tank since its 1992 iteration. The orders were placed by Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Norway, and Lithuania even before the official unveiling of the 2A8 at the company’s Munich facility in late November. According to KNDS, discussions with additional customers are underway, signaling that more deals may follow.
Germany has emerged as the largest buyer under the initial batch, committing to 123 tanks, with deliveries set to begin in 2027, and an additional 75 tanks planned afterward. The first Leopard 2A8s will be stationed in Lithuania, marking Berlin’s first permanent tank deployment outside Germany since World War II—a move intended to strengthen NATO’s eastern defenses. Lithuania and the Czech Republic will each receive 44 tanks, with Prague seeking 19 more variants including engineering, recovery, bridge-layer, and driver-training models. Norway will receive 54 Leopard 2A8 units under its procurement program.
The Leopard 2A8 retains the proven weapon suite of the Leopard 2 family: a 120mm smoothbore cannon, twin 7.62mm machine guns, and a four-person crew layout. However, the new variant introduces major upgrades to meet modern battlefield threats. Central to these improvements is the Trophy active protection system, which offers full 360-degree defensive coverage, detecting and intercepting incoming anti-tank missiles, drones, and guided munitions.
Additional enhancements include a revamped fire control system for improved accuracy and engagement speed, along with upgraded blast-resistant armor for greater survivability. These capabilities position the Leopard 2A8 as one of the most advanced and combat-ready Western main battle tanks available today.
