Leopard 2A8 main battle tank at Eurosatory 2024. Photo: Defence Industry Europe.
The German government plans to purchase over 100 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks manufactured by KNDS Deutschland, as reported by Der Spiegel.
The government has informed the parliament’s budget committee about its intention to acquire up to 105 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, according to the weekly magazine.
The procurement, estimated to cost taxpayers nearly EUR 2.93 billion, aims to complete the delivery of these tanks to the armed forces by 2030.
This acquisition will enable the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, to modernize its aging tank fleet and ensure that its combat brigade in Lithuania is equipped with the best possible tanks, the magazine reported.
According to defence sources, up to 35 of the new Leopard 2 battle tanks will be stationed in Lithuania as part of the German brigade deployment.
Ukraine has made it easier for defence manufacturers to obtain public premises and equipment for production by allowing eligible companies to lease them without an auction.
GE Aerospace has signed a final agreement with Poland’s Military Aviation Works No. 1 to establish licensed maintenance of T700 and CT7 engines at the company’s Dęblin facility.
The U.S. Air Force has brought a mixed-reality F-35A engine run simulator to Misawa Air Base, giving maintainers a way to practise without taking a fighter off the flight line.
The United States approved $44.51 billion in proposed arms sales to six Middle Eastern allies and partners in the first half of 2026, including $25.32 billion expedited through emergency authorities.
Lithuania has procured about €2 billion in U.S. weapons and military equipment over the past three years and is seeking a larger role in producing American defense technology in Europe.
Kongsberg has signed a framework agreement to supply and support Naval Strike Missile launch equipment for the U.S. Marine Corps, with a potential value of up to $404 million.
Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation has handed another batch of Su-57 combat aircraft to the Defence Ministry, saying the jets have a revised equipment configuration informed by the war in Ukraine.
