Germany’s KNDS has introduced the Leopard 2A8, the newest evolution of the long-standing main battle tank used by numerous European and international armed forces.
Unlike recent variants, which were upgrades of existing platforms, the 2A8 will be produced as an entirely new build — the first fresh manufacturing run for the Leopard line since 1992, according to German defense authorities. The German military is expected to receive 123 of these nearly 70-ton vehicles, with deliveries beginning in 2027 and concluding by 2030.
The latest model features a domestically manufactured version of Rafael’s Trophy active protection system, designed to intercept and neutralize incoming threats. After successfully testing Trophy on an earlier Leopard variant, officials opted to integrate it as a core component of the new design.
Additional enhancements outlined by the Ministry of Defense include reinforced armor and comprehensive upgrades to the tank’s situational awareness systems and fire-control technology. Rheinmetall’s 120mm smoothbore gun — a hallmark of the Leopard series — continues as the primary weapon.
The first units are set to join a Bundeswehr armored brigade stationed in Lithuania, marking Germany’s first permanent troop deployment abroad since World War II. This brigade, comprising roughly 5,000 soldiers, plays a key role in strengthening NATO’s eastern defenses in response to potential Russian threats. It is expected to reach full operational capability in 2027, aligning with the initial arrival of the Leopard 2A8.
Beyond Germany, several other nations — including Lithuania, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Norway — have also placed orders for the new tank.
