Main battle tank
Leopard 2A8 – that’s what the latest update of the German main battle tank can do
The A8 stage is a significant leap from the A6 that was delivered to Ukraine.
© KMW / PR
The Bundeswehr procures 18 Leopards – in the upgraded 2A8 version. The deal shows that the “old lady” Leopard is far from finished. Further versions will follow, because the “main battle tank of the future” is a long time coming.
The Bundeswehr has ordered 18 new Leopard 2. That alone is not a sensation, it was to be expected that the main battle tanks given to Ukraine would be replaced. The real news is that the Bundeswehr is procuring the Leopard 2A8 type. The Leopard 2 has been built since the Cold War. The heavy machine was continuously improved and adapted to new challenges. This is how several generations were created, which were then also adapted to the respective customer requirements. The older variants were in turn modernized differently by the different countries. The easiest to spot is the change from the Leopard 2A4 to the 2A6. At that time, the steep slabs of the tower disappeared.
Leo and no end
The 2A8 is the biggest jump in 15 years. And behind it is a groundbreaking decision. The Bundeswehr’s next tank was actually supposed to be a new Franco-German development, the so-called Main Ground Combat System, or MGCS for short. Europe’s answer to Putin’s T-14 Armata. The introduction of Putin’s “super tank” is accompanied by problems and delays. The Franco-German project of the dispute between the partners. But even with harmonious cooperation, the earliest that the MGCS could be put into service would be 2035; a time frame of 2040 plus is realistic. In view of the Russian threat today, it is clearly too late. So now the “old lady” Leopard 2 is being further developed. The 2A8 is only intended to be an interim result, further evolutionary stages under the working title 2AX will follow. The A8 is a further development of the model that Hungary ordered and which still bears the number “7” – 7A2020HU or A7HU for short.
Significant improvement
This variant is designed from the start for the integration of an active protection system. A system that destroys anti-tank missiles on approach. EuroTrophy is an evolution of Rafael’s pioneering Israeli system. The tower and its numerous “extensions” are better protected against fragmentation ammunition. The “roof” is protected against bomblets. Armor taken to a new level of protection. The 2A8 features the latest generation of multi-layer armor, a combination of steel, tungsten, composites and ceramic components. Presumably the “belly” of the hull will be better protected against mines. The tank’s sensors have been improved. Among other things, the tank has a radar with a coverage of 360 degrees – indispensable for the Trophy system. A small generator now makes it possible to keep the tank’s systems operational without the actual engine running. Such an auxiliary unit means significantly less fuel consumption and thus longer operating times without having to refuel.
Not really a new design
There will be no fundamental changes to the design. The engine will sit further back, but is now 100 hp more powerful. The range of the Leopard 2A8 is 450 kilometers. Considering the impressive weight of almost 70 tons, the Leopard 2A8 is amazingly agile. It can overcome ditches three meters wide. It endures a side slope of 30 percent and can climb 60 percent incline. However, as is always the case with this information, these amazing values do not apply to every surface. The main gun will not be auto-loaded in the future either, it will stay with the 120mm/L55 smoothbore gun. The secondary armament consists only of a MG mounted parallel to the main weapon. And the crew will not sit in a shelter separate from the exposed tower.
Necessary reinforcement
The Leopard 2A8 will not have any other modules that are already required at launch. An additional turret on the tower that can be used to fend off kamikaze drones or the integration of your own observation drones would be worth mentioning. Also missing is an armament for combating infantry at close and medium ranges – for example a remote-controlled turret with a heavy machine gun and/or an automated grenade launcher. Not to mention new developments on the battlefield. The Russians have recently put their tanks in a shell reminiscent of an anorak. The “cloak” is designed to drastically reduce the radar shadow and heat signature.
Replenish stocks instead of emptying magazines
The 2A8 is an intermediate step that is being ordered now for delivery as soon as possible. The first Leopard 2A8s are expected to flow to troops in early 2025. The decision is correct insofar as the Bundeswehr cannot give up material in the current situation and then wait years for a groundbreaking new development. Especially since it is possible that if the war in Ukraine continues, Kiev will need more battle tanks. In addition to the firm order for the 18 main battle tanks, there is a framework agreement for the construction of up to 123 units. It is unclear whether the other 107 Leopard tanks will go to the Bundeswehr or to other countries. The framework agreement guarantees an influx of tanks that will keep the Bundeswehr operational and make Berlin capable of acting. This puts an end to the situation of only supporting the war in Ukraine from the – mostly modest – inventory.
Source: Army Recognition, Meta Defense, Esut