On behalf of the Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence (DMA), the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has signed a contract with KNDS Deutschland for the delivery of 44 LEOPARD 2 A8 tanks to the Lithuanian Army. This is the first time in its history that Lithuania has set up an armoured unit and so becomes the 23rd LEOPARD 2 user nation.
The contract is worth EUR 950 million and, in addition to the LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tanks, includes a comprehensive spare parts and logistics package.
Lithuania was the first nation to implement the plan to procure the LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tank together with the Federal Republic of Germany as part of the so-called Common Procurement Agreement, thus making a significant contribution to Europe’s common defence capability. Further countries are planning to join this joint procurement project.
Sweden, which had delivered ten of its LEOPARD 2 systems to the Ukraine, is replacing these with 24 LEOPARD 2 A8. Delivery of the newly manufactured LEOPARD 2 A8, which will be designated STRV 123 B in Sweden, is expected to begin in the second half of 2027.
The modernization of 66 LEOPARD 2, as well as the 44 systems already under contract, includes a higher level of protection, a new weapon system, new driving and operator concepts, an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) and further digitalization measures. The upgrade work is expected to begin in 2028, after completion of the first modernization contract.
© KNDS
This was preceded by the signing of the Purchase Confirmation by Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė for the procurement of the 44 LEOPARD 2 A8 in the presence of Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
The Lithuanian army will receive the latest version of the LEOPARD 2 main battle tank. As is already the case for Norway and Germany, the completely new LEOPARD 2 A8 will be equipped with the APS TROPHY active protection system, among other things. This provides it with the most modern and effective 360° protection against shoulder-launched anti-tank missiles and drones.
Sweden, which had delivered ten of its LEOPARD 2 systems to the Ukraine, is replacing these with 24 LEOPARD 2 A8. Delivery of the newly manufactured LEOPARD 2 A8, which will be designated STRV 123 B in Sweden, is expected to begin in the second half of 2027.
The modernization of 66 LEOPARD 2, as well as the 44 systems already under contract, includes a higher level of protection, a new weapon system, new driving and operator concepts, an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) and further digitalization measures. The upgrade work is expected to begin in 2028, after completion of the first modernization contract.