According to information provided by Europäische Sicherheit & Technik, Germany plans to replace the 18 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks currently supplied to the Ukrainian army with an equal number of Leopard 2A8 advanced tanks, instead of the originally proposed Leopard 2A7+ models. Germany is contemplating a substantial order of Leopard 2A8 tanks from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The Leopard 2A8 will be constructed on the Leopard 2A7HU chassis and will incorporate a new engine and active protection systems, with the first shipment expected around 2025. Hungary ordered 44 of these tanks in 2018, and the Leopard 2A8 is anticipated to serve as a stepping stone to a more advanced tank model.
The Leopard 2A8 will significantly enhance the Leopard 2A7+ in several ways. For instance, it will have a new armor package that will enhance its resistance to mines and rocket-propelled grenades. It will also be equipped with improved situational awareness and communications systems, as well as a superior fire control system. As per publicly available information, the MBT Leopard 2A8 will feature advanced protection using third-generation composite multi-layer armor spaced throughout its structure, consisting of high-strength steel, tungsten, plastic filler, and ceramic components, offering unparalleled protection for the tank and its crew.
Incorporating the Rafael Trophy Active Protection System (APS) within the Leopard 2A8 tank will considerably enhance the tank’s defensive capabilities. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, this Israeli defense firm’s Trophy APS can detect and intercept incoming shells, protecting the tank and its crew.
The Leopard 2A8 will retain the same primary armament as the Leopard 2A7+, a 120mm L55 gun designed to replace the L44, which was installed as standard on all Leopard 2 series (MBT) main battle tanks. The L55’s barrel is 1.30 meters longer than the L44’s, which significantly increases muzzle velocity, making it especially useful when firing the latest APFSDS-T (Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot-Tracer) rounds, which contain more propellant and feature new penetrator designs.
The Leopard 2A8 will offer several upgrades that will significantly improve its performance, reconnaissance capabilities, and crew comfort. The tank’s turret and chassis will each have their own cooling system for the crew compartment, which will increase operational efficiency and crew endurance by keeping the crew at a tolerable temperature throughout long missions in harsh environments. An additional, higher-performance power generator will be included in the Leopard 2A8 to assist with checkpoint operations. This enhanced generator will supply electricity to the tank’s many systems during extended stationary operations.
The tank’s driver will have enhanced night vision due to working with a low-light amplifier and thermal imager, increasing awareness and reducing the danger of nighttime travel. The Leopard 2A8 will offer better optronics, particularly day/night capabilities, allowing for long-range reconnaissance, yielding invaluable intelligence on the opponent’s whereabouts and capabilities. The Leopard 2A8 will feature a digitized, multifunctional operator concept that will simplify user interfaces and controls to make the vehicle easier to use, allowing tank personnel to control systems better. The Leopard 2A8’s built-in command and information system will provide for real-time data, communications, and coordination, allowing for better, more well-informed decision-making in the field.
Finally, the Leopard 2A8 will be compatible with programmable detonation ammunition, offering greater flexibility and efficiency when engaging various targets. This advanced ammunition type allows precise control of the moment of detonation, maximizing damage and minimizing collateral damage. In conclusion,