The Bundeswehr will receive tanks of the next modification Leopard 2A8

Tank serial modification Leopard 2A7

The state of the tank fleet of the German ground forces is far from ideal. There are also difficulties and restrictions in the line of production and modernization of new equipment. However, the German leadership intends to deal with these problems. It is proposed to restore the production of modern tanks, and with its help replenish the Bundeswehr fleet with the latest Leopard 2A8 modifications.

Contract preparation

At the end of January, a number of foreign states announced their intention to transfer the main Leopard 2 tanks to the Kyiv regime from the presence of their armies. The leading role in these processes should be played by Germany, which developed and produced such equipment. Official Berlin expressed its readiness to allocate a certain number of tanks and auxiliary equipment, and also promised to issue permits for the re-export of "Leopards" from third countries.

In the wake of these events, the head of the German military department, Boris Pistorius, announced that 18 MBTs of the Leopard 2A6 modification would be transferred to Ukrainian formations. To make up for these "losses" it is planned to purchase the same number of new tanks. However, the details of such plans until recently remained unknown.

They were revealed by Europaische Sicherheit & Technik (ESUT) in their article "Neue Kampfpanzer - Bundeswehr soll Leopard 2A8 erhalten" dated 14 March. With reference to its own unnamed sources in the German leadership, it reports the preparation of a new contract. According to it, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann will have to build from scratch 18 tanks of the latest Leopard 2A8 modification at the moment.

Now preparations are underway for the signing of the contract, and it will appear in the foreseeable future. The entire batch will be manufactured over the next few years and handed over to the customer by the end of 2025. It is curious that for the first time since 1992, the German armed forces will receive the new Leopard-2 MBT. Since the beginning of the nineties, the Bundeswehr has managed to modernize cash machines or buy equipment from foreign countries.

Prototype MBT Leopard 2A7HU for Hungary

According to ESUT, the German command considers the Leopard 2A8 tank mainly as a temporary measure. This modernization is of a limited nature, which reduces the possible progress. At the same time, KMW is already working on the next upgrade of the tank, the Leopard 2AX. The design of this sample requires another two to three years.

Important differences

The Leopard 2A8 project is reportedly based on the existing 2A7HU. The latter has been created by KMW since 2018 by order of Hungary and taking into account its requirements. To date, this option has passed the necessary checks and is ready for production. The delivery of the first tanks of the HU version is expected this year.

According to known data, the Leopard 2A8 will retain all the key decisions and a number of components of the tanks of previous modifications, both the simple "2A7" and the Hungarian one. This provides for the renewal of a number of key elements and components. Due to all these measures, it is planned to dramatically increase the level of protection, improve fire performance, etc.

The hull and turret have undergone significant, but hardly noticeable from the outside revision. Almost all projections use combined and spaced booking of the "third generation". The mine protection of the hull has been improved and the upper projection has been strengthened. Reportedly, the new protection is made on the basis of armor steel, tungsten, ceramics and plastic filler. An updated combination of components and a different design should increase resistance to all threats.

The 2A8 tanks will be equipped with the EuroTrophy active protection system, a modified version of the Israeli Trophy, as standard. The "European" KAZ will be produced by a joint venture involving KMW, Rafael and General Dynamics. Previously, such a complex was tested on the Leopard 2A7, and on the new "eighth" modification it will become standard.

Leopard 2A7 MBT with Trophy Active Protection System

Improved power plant. Regular diesel MTU MB 873 Ka-501 with a power of 1500 hp replaced by a 1600-horsepower engine. A new 20 kW auxiliary power unit is also used. The chassis does not undergo changes and so far uses the potential inherent in it.

The tank still carries a 120 mm Rh 120 smoothbore gun with a 55 klb barrel. At the same time, the fire control system is updated. Under the replacement are the sights of the commander and gunner. New sighting devices are distinguished by the presence of a single television and thermal imaging channel. A system of circular video review appears, available to all crew members. Also, the key components of the SLA, which provide data processing and gun guidance, are being replaced.

The means of communication are being replaced. With the help of a new radio station and other components, the network capabilities of the tank are improved. Probably, the exchange of data about the battlefield, the receipt of orders, etc. will be provided.

Visible prospects

The exact performance characteristics of the Leopard 2A8 tank have not yet been given. Accordingly, it will not be possible to compare it with the previous modification "2A7". However, one can understand how KMW and the Bundeswehr are developing the existing design and increasing its potential.

Serial Leopard 2A7V

It is easy to see that one of the main goals of the 2A8 project was to increase protection against all threats. For this, first of all, the design of the hull and turret was revised, for which increased resistance to ballistic and cumulative ammunition is now declared. Additional measures have also been taken against mines and complexes attacking from above. At the same time, they did not limit themselves only to their own armor and regularly equipped the tank with a modern KAZ.

The development of the updated hull is notable for its well-known complexity, and it should have been done a long time ago. In this regard, it can be assumed that the impetus for such modernization was the extremely unsuccessful use of the Turkish Leopard 2 in Syria. Recall that then, due to tactical errors and objective design flaws, such MBTs were amazed even by anti-tank systems of old models. It is likely that this particular episode influenced the appearance of the new Leopard.

As always, attention was paid to the SLA, means of communication, etc., but the composition of weapons as a whole has not changed. This means that the characteristics of the 120 mm gun are still considered sufficient. Either the replacement of the gun, despite its limitations and shortcomings, is not yet considered appropriate and necessary.

It is likely that the modernization of the power plant is associated with increased protection and updating of internal components. A different design of armor and the installation of additional means could lead to an increase in combat weight, and a new engine was required to compensate for it. The auxiliary power unit, in turn, was replaced to provide energy to all new consumers.


In general, the Leopard 2A8 project looks quite interesting. It shows how modern technology allows you to update the design, developed back in the late seventies. You can see which characteristics can still be increased, and which ones will be forced to remain at the same level.

For obvious reasons, a new modification of the existing MBT will not be able to show a significant breakthrough in the main performance characteristics. At the same time, the growth achieved does not require excessive investments and is not associated with special production difficulties.

Development and limitations

Thus, the Bundeswehr has conceived the next renewal of the tank fleet, and KMW and related enterprises have already developed a new project and are preparing production facilities. In the near future, a contract will appear for the production of the first batch of 18 tanks, which will be delivered to the customer no later than 2025.

From a technical point of view, the new Leopard 2A8 project is quite interesting, because. shows the current views of the Bundeswehr and German industry. However, in practical terms, not everything is so good. According to the latest news, Germany plans to order less than two dozen new MBTs. This is enough to replace equipment sent abroad, but will have almost no effect on the overall performance of the army. How they are going to solve these problems has not yet been reported.

Comments

[Sergey Venediktov]

I wonder if they will put someone in Russia for the fact that since the 60s of the last century our military-industrial complex has not been able to create a KAZ that meets the times?

So much equipment has been lost since the Chechen wars. Even Turkey has KAZ, the USSR had it, and the Russian Federation only at exhibitions and in promises. Well, in the 70s it was not possible to shove a computer with technical vision into a tank in order to track your infantry and choose the optimal trajectories for meeting attacking ammunition. But now, when a computer on a chip equal in power to a PC from the 90s costs $10-$15, what's stopping you?

[qQQQ]

Quote: Sergey Venediktov

But now, when a computer on a chip equal in power to a PC from the 90s costs $10-$15, what's stopping you?

Now it interferes with the fact that there are no own crystals, there is neither simple nor increased security element base. Well, the most important obstacle is effective managers at the helm at all stages from development to implementation.

[Bad_gr]

Quote: Sergey Venediktov

I wonder if they will put someone in Russia for the fact that since the 60s of the last century our military-industrial complex has not been able to create a KAZ that meets the times?

KAZ manufacturers have been offering it for a long time. Only the Ministry of Defense does not order KAZ for tanks. Although, there seems to be progress in this matter (order).

[Viktor Sergeev]

Yes, there is not a single KAZ that meets the time, even the one that they want to put on Armata is outdated a long time ago.

[Sergei N 58912062]

Quote: Victor Sergeev

Yes, there is not a single KAZ that meets the time, even the one that they want to put on Armata is outdated a long time ago.

Where does such confidence come from that the Afghanit KAZ, installed on the T-14 tank, is outdated? Do you know his exact performance characteristics? Or do you just blurt out something?

[ZeeD]

Strange! Everyone had it, but apart from Israel, there is no one else on the equipment. What do the Germans have, what do the Amers have ...

[nikodeus]

Doesn't it bother you that KAZ requires the active operation of the radar? This means that the tank will glow in the radio range like a Christmas tree, making it easier to detect and work on it with anti-tank weapons.

[Sergey Venediktov]

Judging by the text, the protection of the upper hemisphere of the Leo 2A8 in mm will not increase much, therefore we urgently need to develop a modification of a tank guided missile based on captured NLAWs, which will hit either from above into the roof of the tower, or from above into the MTO on the span. Since the armor penetration of our tank missiles is limited by the caliber of the gun, the variant with an impact core will be a very successful addition to the Invar, which allegedly penetrates 1 mm in the M900 modification (but this is not accurate and already not enough).

[Viktor Sergeev]

Don't tell me why? Spend a lot of money and get freaking out what kind of expensive, piece, unnecessary weapon? We don’t have a base, we don’t have good thermal imagers, electronics for the GOS, again imported components? It is better to spend money specifically on the development of a base for the production of electronics, and you see, in 6 years something new will appear, but as long as the Cornet copes with any task, you need to increase the number.

[spektr9]

It is better to spend money specifically on the development of a base for the production of electronics, and you see, in 6 years something new will appear, but as long as the Cornet copes with any task, you need to increase the number.

And what prevented the development of a base for the production of electronics for these 32 years? And where are the guarantees that further money will be spent on its development, and not again on the same expenses as these 32 years?

[Alex_mech]

where are the guarantees that further money will go to its development, and not again

It is just possible to guarantee that everyone will be like all these 32 years, but every year it gets worse. The system does not change.

[Sergei N 58912062]

Quote: Sergey Venediktov

Judging by the text, the protection of the upper hemisphere of the Leo 2A8 in mm will not increase much, therefore we urgently need to develop a modification of a tank guided missile based on captured NLAWs, which will hit either from above into the roof of the tower, or from above into the MTO on the span. Since the armor penetration of our tank missiles is limited by the caliber of the gun, the variant with an impact core will be a very successful addition to the Invar, which allegedly penetrates 1 mm in the M900 modification (but this is not accurate and already not enough).

I wonder how things are going with the development of the Avtonomiya ATGM?

[Plane_Junkers]

unsuccessful use of Turkish Leopard 2 in Syria. Recall that then due to tactical errors and objective design flaws

I completely agree, it was a tactical mistake to face the old birds on the old version of 2A4, and the objective design flaw is that the car is old

[Alexey RA]

According to the latest news, Germany plans to order less than two dozen new MBTs. This is enough to replace equipment sent abroad, but will have almost no effect on the overall performance of the army. How they are going to solve these problems has not yet been reported.

whom not reported?
The plan for the revival of the Panzerwaffe was announced back in 2016:

... in April 2016, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a more detailed and ambitious plan to strengthen the Bundeswehr by 2020, according to which the number of tanks should be increased from 225 to 320, but now all 104 additional tanks planned for acquisition should be modernized machines according to the new version of the Leopard 2A7V.
From 2012 to the present, the Bundeswehr tank fleet, in accordance with the HEER2011 structure, has only 225 Leopard 2 tanks of the last three modifications - 155 Leopard 2A6, 50 Leopard 2A6M and 20 upgraded Leopard 2014A2015 received in late 2 and early 7.
(...)
Of the 104 "new" tanks planned for modernization according to the Leopard 2A7V variant, 68 should be Leopard 2A4 vehicles, redeemed by KMW from the presence of the Swedish army, 16 - Leopard 2A6 tanks, similarly redeemed from the presence of the Dutch army, and another 20 - planned for completion 20 Leopard 2A7 tanks of the Bundeswehr. 155 Leopard 2A6 and 50 Leopard 2A6M will remain unmodernized.

© bmpd
And then the appetite only grew.

On March 28, 2019, KMW received a second BAAINBw contract worth more than 300 million euros to upgrade an additional 101 tanks (51 Leopard 2A6 and 50 Leopard 2A6M2 modifications) of the German army into the latest Leopard 2A7V modification. Modernization should be carried out by 2026.
As a result of the implementation of these two contracts, by 2026 of the planned 329 tanks in the Bundeswehr, 205 will belong to the Leopard 2A7V modification, 104 to the Leopard 2A6 modification, and the remaining 20 will apparently be Leopard 2A4 / A5 modifications (and used only for experimental purposes). This will allow the German army to have six complete tank battalions (with a staff of 44 tanks) - four on Leopard 2A7V tanks and two on Leopard 2A6 tanks. In addition, it is planned to keep another 32 Leopard 2A4 tanks in storage.

© bmpd

[Viktor Sergeev]

Rather like this: the Bundeswehr will not receive the A8, just as it did not receive the A7, so they will transfer a couple of dozen units and that's enough, the grandmas are sawn, everyone is happy.

[Mustached Kok]

It is interesting that their tank troops are in order. The production is there and stable. The tank itself is ONE per army, which is logical for the MAIN battle tank. And not like we have a zoo of 3 cars in service, and the same number in reserve and enter the NWO zone. Modifications go to the troops themselves and allies who have the same tanks. If necessary, they will be able to expand production in order to increase the volume of supplies to the troops. So what is worth learning from them (despite the fact that we used to be able to do this) so this organization of production!

[spektr9]

And not like we have a zoo of 3 cars in service and the same number in reserve and enter the NWO zone

Don’t worry so much for a couple more years of the NWO and there will be no zoo, like tanks, because the reserves of the USSR are not eternal

[Alex_mech]

a couple more years of NWO and there will be no zoo,

Yes, however, you are an optimist "years" in the plural.

[-Dmitry-]

It is interesting that their tank troops are in order. The production is there and stable. The tank itself is ONE per army, which is logical for the MAIN battle tank.

I wonder why the Germans themselves do not think so?

As the minister explained, in this way he intends to prepare for the moment when German Chancellor Olaf Scholz "makes a political decision" on the supply of tanks. It follows from the list that the Bundeswehr has 312 Leopard 2 tanks of different series, of which 99 were under repair and maintenance work in May last year, and another tank was decommissioned. Among the remaining 212 models are the 2A5, 2A6, 2A7 and 2A7B tanks, which, according to Spiegel, represent the most modern version of the weapon system. In addition, by the end of May, the German troops had 53 Leopard 2A7V tanks.

That is, there were only 53 modern tanks. One and a half battalions.

[George Sviridov]

They don’t have 3, but much more ... Even if you don’t take what 2a6 and 2a7 is, consider t-72 and t-90, then there is also Leclerc, Abrams, plus more challengers, Italian tanks, Turkish tank))).
And this is not all the M-60s and the centurtons drank on pins and needles ...

[Alf]

The German command considers the Leopard 2A8 tank mainly as a temporary measure. This modernization is of a limited nature, which reduces the possible progress. At the same time, KMW is already working on the next upgrade of the tank, the Leopard 2AX.

But what about Panther FK-51? Nevermind ?

[LastPS]

The Panther is too innovative, it has a completely different turret, oudie and AZ, but so far no one is building new tanks in the world, limited to the modernization of existing structures. By the way, I advise you to read the Wikipedia article about fk-51 - funny, given that Russian-speaking pediwiki is ruled by Ukrainians in all lands, they even added a point about the fact that Rheinmetall wants to build a plant in them, although this has nothing to do with the panther and indeed a quote:
"As a result, the KF-51 Panther has the most powerful gun in the world, strong armor and a dozen combat drones."

[Alf]

Quote: LastPS

and a dozen combat drones."

Only ten? I thought more...

Quote: LastPS

Panther is too innovative, there is a completely different tower, oudie and AZ,

The Germans are a rational people, but here they began to fence such a garden. Fuck? Like "our answer to Arm ... Chamberlain"?

[LastPS]

The Germans are a rational people, but here they began to fence such a garden. Fuck? Like "our answer to Arm ... Chamberlain"?

It is necessary to develop, the panther is a concept, something from it will eventually be implemented on serial machines, and perhaps the panther itself will go into series as a result.

[Alf]

Quote: LastPS

It is necessary to develop, the panther is a concept,

So it seems like the Germans swore with a mutter that the Panther was ready for the series and they were about to start buying it?

[runway-1]

Apparently, a very good tank will go into service with the Bundeswehr!

[Victor V.]

don’t worry, now the MO will tell you that the T72 is better than all tanks. that the leopard is too heavy, etc. and so on. Why are we better?
and even better is the t-55 there is no electronics, there is nothing to break, beauty! and if any tractor driver breaks down, he will fix it, an argument!

[nikodeus]

Yes, we are not worried. Already seven Leopards have been lowered. One was even trophied.

[Berg berg]

The eighth modification of the Leopard will include the installation of an anti-drone mesh visor, which they spied on Russian tanks!

[Ivan Ivanov_7]

German tank industry, the arctic fox is coming! Germany is replacing its tanks that are burning in Ukraine with American ones ..... which are not yet on fire ....