Lithuania has officially confirmed the purchase of 44 German Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, following the signing of a purchase agreement by newly appointed Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė during her first visit to Berlin.
The confirmation of the deal was also announced by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in a press statement, highlighting the financial benefits of purchasing the tanks under a German framework contract with the tank manufacturer. According to Minister Pistorius, this procurement model will not only reduce acquisition costs, but will also make them easier to maintain in the future.
According to Lithuanian media reports, the Leopard 2A8, a significantly upgraded version of its predecessors, has a combat weight of around 70 tons and is equipped with advanced technologies, which will make it an important asset in enhancing Lithuania’s defence capabilities. Minister Šakalienė, who has been in office for only one week, stressed the importance of strengthening Lithuania’s combat capabilities, confirming that her government plans to increase defence spending by more than €800 million next year. The funds will allow Lithuania to invest in the new tanks earlier than expected, which will speed up their acquisition and delivery. Šakalienė reiterated her country’s deep trust in Germany, expressing a desire to deepen bilateral relations regardless of the political context. Šakalienė also said that Lithuania is focused on creating attractive conditions for German troops stationed in the country as part of the Lithuanian Brigade initiative, a joint NATO brigade planned to be stationed in Lithuania. Germany is noted to play a key role in this defense initiative, which aims to strengthen NATO's presence in the region. Minister Pistorius also confirmed that the establishment of the Lithuanian Brigade is progressing according to plan. There are currently 150 troops on site, with plans to increase this number to 500 by the end of next year.
With the acquisition of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks, Lithuania intends to form a tank battalion, thereby significantly increasing its armored capabilities and making a greater contribution to NATO operations.
The Leopard 2A8 is a next-generation main battle tank designed and manufactured in Germany. It is an advanced version of the Leopard 2, with significant improvements in protection, performance, and equipment. Its main armament is the 120 mm L55 smoothbore gun, which provides it with significant firepower. In addition, it is equipped with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and an APS countermeasure system that protects the tank from modern threats such as rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).
In terms of protection, the Leopard 2A8 is equipped with a new generation of both active and passive all-round armor. This armor is designed to provide protection against modern threats, including anti-tank guided weapons and rocket-propelled grenades.
Weighing up to 67,000 kg, the Leopard 2A8 remains relatively mobile, reaching a maximum road speed of 70 km/h. Its range is 450 km, allowing it to carry out long operations without the need for frequent refueling. The tank is equipped with several auxiliary systems to ensure the comfort and safety of its four-man crew. These include the NRBC (Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, Chemical) collective protection system, engine preheating system, crew compartment heater, auxiliary power unit and crew compartment cooling system.
The Leopard 2A8 is 7.7 metres long, 4.0 metres wide and 3.0 metres high. These dimensions provide good manoeuvrability while still providing enough space for advanced technologies and integrated protection systems. Used by Germany and the Czech Republic, the tank is positioned as an important weapon of modern armoured forces, combining firepower, mobility and state-of-the-art protection.
Lithuania's decision to purchase Leopard tanks was first announced by the country's National Defence Council in January. However, the exact number, model and details of the acquisition have only now been finalised.
The confirmation of the deal was also announced by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in a press statement, highlighting the financial benefits of purchasing the tanks under a German framework contract with the tank manufacturer. According to Minister Pistorius, this procurement model will not only reduce acquisition costs, but will also make them easier to maintain in the future.
According to Lithuanian media reports, the Leopard 2A8, a significantly upgraded version of its predecessors, has a combat weight of around 70 tons and is equipped with advanced technologies, which will make it an important asset in enhancing Lithuania’s defence capabilities. Minister Šakalienė, who has been in office for only one week, stressed the importance of strengthening Lithuania’s combat capabilities, confirming that her government plans to increase defence spending by more than €800 million next year. The funds will allow Lithuania to invest in the new tanks earlier than expected, which will speed up their acquisition and delivery. Šakalienė reiterated her country’s deep trust in Germany, expressing a desire to deepen bilateral relations regardless of the political context. Šakalienė also said that Lithuania is focused on creating attractive conditions for German troops stationed in the country as part of the Lithuanian Brigade initiative, a joint NATO brigade planned to be stationed in Lithuania. Germany is noted to play a key role in this defense initiative, which aims to strengthen NATO's presence in the region. Minister Pistorius also confirmed that the establishment of the Lithuanian Brigade is progressing according to plan. There are currently 150 troops on site, with plans to increase this number to 500 by the end of next year.
With the acquisition of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks, Lithuania intends to form a tank battalion, thereby significantly increasing its armored capabilities and making a greater contribution to NATO operations.
The Leopard 2A8 is a next-generation main battle tank designed and manufactured in Germany. It is an advanced version of the Leopard 2, with significant improvements in protection, performance, and equipment. Its main armament is the 120 mm L55 smoothbore gun, which provides it with significant firepower. In addition, it is equipped with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and an APS countermeasure system that protects the tank from modern threats such as rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).
In terms of protection, the Leopard 2A8 is equipped with a new generation of both active and passive all-round armor. This armor is designed to provide protection against modern threats, including anti-tank guided weapons and rocket-propelled grenades.
Weighing up to 67,000 kg, the Leopard 2A8 remains relatively mobile, reaching a maximum road speed of 70 km/h. Its range is 450 km, allowing it to carry out long operations without the need for frequent refueling. The tank is equipped with several auxiliary systems to ensure the comfort and safety of its four-man crew. These include the NRBC (Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, Chemical) collective protection system, engine preheating system, crew compartment heater, auxiliary power unit and crew compartment cooling system.
The Leopard 2A8 is 7.7 metres long, 4.0 metres wide and 3.0 metres high. These dimensions provide good manoeuvrability while still providing enough space for advanced technologies and integrated protection systems. Used by Germany and the Czech Republic, the tank is positioned as an important weapon of modern armoured forces, combining firepower, mobility and state-of-the-art protection.
Lithuania's decision to purchase Leopard tanks was first announced by the country's National Defence Council in January. However, the exact number, model and details of the acquisition have only now been finalised.