The decision was made during a meeting of the State Defence Council, where Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas and Chief of the Armed Forces General Raimundas Vaikšnoras announced that final approval for the tank purchase had been secured following detailed cost assessments provided by Germany.
Lithuania plans to acquire 54 Leopard 2A8 tanks, the latest and most advanced version of the battle-proven Leopard series. These tanks, along with auxiliary vehicles, will equip a newly-formed tank battalion, which will be restructured from an existing mechanised battalion under the Iron Wolf Brigade.
The procurement will be executed in phases, enabling Lithuania to fast-track other critical defence projects, including air defence systems. A contract for the tanks is expected to be signed soon, with funding to be provided through Lithuania’s Defence Fund.
The Leopard 2 tanks are expected to significantly enhance the country’s armoured capabilities, providing superior firepower, mobility, and protection for its forces. This acquisition underscores Lithuania’s commitment to strengthening its national defence in response to the evolving security landscape in Europe.
