KNDS receives 350 orders for new Leopard 2 model

The Franco-German defense manufacturer KNDS has confirmed that it has secured 350 orders for the newest iteration of the Leopard 2 main battle tank from five nations, according to a company spokesperson.

Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic have all placed orders for the upgraded Leopard 2, which was first introduced in 1979. So far, the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, have requested 123 units of the Leopard 2 A8 model. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated during the tanks initial public unveiling that Germany plans to seek authorization to acquire an additional 75 units.

KNDS Germany also indicated that discussions with other potential clients are ongoing. The A8 model features advanced defensive technology, including a protection system developed by Israeli firm Rafael, which is designed to intercept incoming threats such as projectiles and drones before they hit the tank.

The company has not provided specific figures for the contracts or delivery schedules. However, the current orders are worth several billion euros and are expected to sustain production for several years. The cost of a single Leopard 2 tank reaches tens of millions of euros, excluding additional maintenance and servicing expenses. Germany anticipates spending more than 3.4 billion ($3.9 billion) on the 123 tanks already ordered.

KNDS reports that approximately 3,300 Leopard 2 tanks delivered over the years remain operational in the militaries of 23 countries worldwide.

Author: Sophia Brooks