Lithuania plans to purchase 94 German KMW Leopard 2A8 tanks

Lithuania is gearing up to bolster its defense by planning to purchase approximately 100 of the latest Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany. This exciting news was released by Lithuania’s Defense Minister, Laurynas Kasciunas, on October 1, 2024. He mentioned that the National Defense Council of Lithuania would convene by the end of October to finalize the decision regarding acquiring these advanced German tanks. 

Minister Kasciunas highlighted Lithuania’s ambition to enhance military capabilities further, with plans to obtain Boxer armored personnel carriers, known locally as Vilkas, and advanced air defense systems. Despite these goals, the current top priority remains forming a robust tank battalion, working closely with German military units equipped with upgraded versions of the Leopard 2A8 tanks. 

By the year 2030, Lithuania anticipates having at least 94 Leopard 2A8 tanks, significantly boosting its defensive strength in collaboration with both Lithuanian and German forces.

This strategic deployment is crucial in the Suwalki Corridor, a narrow strip of land connecting the Baltic states to the rest of Europe while separating Belarus from Russia’s Kaliningrad. This area is a significant point in NATO’s defense against possible threats from Russia. 

By equipping its military with state-of-the-art technology like the Leopard 2A8, Lithuania aims to boost its defense autonomy and enhance its integration into NATO’s military structure, according to Lithuania’s defense minister. 

The Leopard 2A8 stands out as one of the most advanced iterations of the German main battle tank “Leopard,” celebrated for its technical prowess and operational efficiency. With a length of around 10 meters [gun forward], a width of 3.75 meters, and a height of 3 meters, this tank is engineered for performance. Weighing approximately 65 tons, it houses a powerful MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine that generates 1500 hp, allowing the Leopard 2A8 to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h on roads and about 50 km/h over rough terrain. Its fuel capacity enables it to cover up to 500 km in a single tank.

The Leopard 2A8 boasts a cutting-edge fire control system, seamlessly integrated with a digital ballistics module and stabilized aiming mechanisms. This system enhances automatic target tracking and enables firing on moving targets with precision. Equipped with advanced second-generation thermal imaging and laser rangefinders, the tank ensures remarkable accuracy even under the cover of night or in low-visibility conditions. Its computerized fire control feature optimizes reaction times and synchronizes the firing process effortlessly.

The Leopard 2A8’s sensor suite is equally impressive, featuring infrared technology, friend-or-foe identification systems, and sensors for gauging gun inclination and wind speed. These sensors automatically adjust ballistics for accurate firing. Additionally, the tank includes an active defense system designed to detect and neutralize incoming missiles and projectiles, adding an extra layer of protection. 

Constructed with composite, multi-layered armor made from materials like ceramic and steel, the Leopard 2A8 is built to withstand kinetic projectiles and cumulative warheads. Beyond passive armor, it offers optional reactive armor modules and active defense systems such as Trophy, which intercept and destroy threats before they can make contact with the tank’s hull.

The primary weapon of the Leopard 2A8 is the 120 mm Rheinmetall L55A1 smoothbore gun, capable of firing an array of munitions, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot [APFSDS] rounds and high-explosive anti-tank [HEAT] rounds. These can hit targets up to 5000 meters away. For secondary armament, the tank comes equipped with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun mounted on the commander’s hatch, ensuring additional protection against infantry and light-armored threats. 

The Leopard 2A8 will seamlessly integrate with other elements of the Lithuanian armed forces, such as the Boxer armored personnel carriers—referred to as Vilkas in Lithuania—and existing anti-aircraft systems. This coordination creates a cohesive defense structure, allowing these new tanks to operate harmoniously with other units. They will also connect to NATO’s digital communications network, enabling swift information sharing and operational coordination with allied forces. 

The advanced fire control and communication systems of the Leopard 2A8 will network with those of Vilkas APCs, enhancing tactical awareness and combined firepower. This will streamline interaction among various branches of the Lithuanian Army, allowing the force to swiftly adapt to emerging threats. Additionally, the tank’s cutting-edge sensor systems will boost reconnaissance and navigation capabilities, crucial for successful joint operations, particularly in strategic regions like the Suwalki Corridor.

The Lithuanian Defense Minister suggested that negotiations with the KNDS consortium, known for making Leopard tanks, are already in progress. If the Council approves, the contract might be finalized by November 2024. According to Kasunas, the aim is to have all tanks operational in Lithuania by the end of 2030. 

Back in July 2023, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense formally expressed its intent to buy the Leopard 2 from Germany’s KMW. By January 2024, the government decided to move forward with the acquisition.

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