Netherlands orders 46 Leopard 2A8 tanks

The Dutch government has signed an agreement to purchase at least 46 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks from KNDS, the German-French defense firm.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, the tanks will be delivered between 2028 and 2031 and are part of a broader initiative to increase military readiness in line with NATO’s goal of spending at least 2% of GDP on defense.

In Amersfoort, State Secretary for Defense Gijs Tuinman formally signed the procurement deal, stating, “With the current threat of large-scale conflict, the tank is an indispensable tool. Standing next to it, you understand immediately why. The Leopard is pure combat power.”

The new Leopard 2A8 tanks will be stationed in Lohheide, Germany, and will form a modernized tank battalion expected to include 500 troops and an unmanned systems component. Tuinman added that the 2A8 “combines crew and advanced systems into a unit of formidable firepower. This strength, combined with smart operations, is difficult to stop. The Leopard remains the king of the battlefield.”

The Netherlands currently operates German-owned Leopard 2A6 tanks. The 2A8 variant features several enhancements, including upgraded gun tubes, improved IED protection, advanced sensors, an active protection system, and more efficient propulsion.

In addition to the tanks, the contract includes spare parts, special tools, training programs, and technical documentation. The agreement also holds an option for six additional tanks, with a decision on that expected in 2027. Four Leopard 2A8 Driver Training Vehicles (DTVs) will also be acquired to support personnel licensing at the Dutch military’s driving and recovery training center.

The total program budget ranges from €1 billion (US$1.1 billion) to €2.5 billion. Lithuania has joined the Netherlands in this contract, while other European countries such as Norway and Sweden have also placed Leopard tank orders, signaling broader defense collaboration across NATO’s northern flank.