What is new on the 2A8
The 2A8 builds on the 2A7V, the most advanced version already in German service. The biggest changes are aimed at the threats Ukraine has made obvious: anti-tank missiles, top-attack weapons and mines.
- Trophy active protection system. Radar panels detect incoming missiles and rockets, and launchers on the turret fire a small charge to destroy them before they hit. The system is supplied for European tanks by EuroTrophy, a venture that includes Israel's Rafael, which developed Trophy for the Merkava tank.
- Upgraded armor. New turret armor and stronger protection for the hull floor against mines and improvised explosive devices.
- Better sensors. Upgraded thermal sights for commander and gunner and improved all-round vision for the crew.
- Digital systems. A new electrical and electronics architecture designed to take future upgrades more easily.
The gun remains the Rheinmetall 120 mm L/55A1, which can fire modern armor-piercing ammunition and programmable high-explosive rounds that can be set to burst over infantry or inside buildings.
Who has ordered the Leopard 2A8
| Country | Quantity | Announced | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 123 | 2023 | First 18 ordered to replace tanks sent to Ukraine; 75 more planned (announced Nov 2025) |
| Norway | 54 (+18 options) | Feb 2023 | Initially announced as 2A7, changed to a 2A8 version |
| Netherlands | 46 (+6 options) | Sep 2024 | Return to tanks after selling its fleet in 2011 |
| Sweden | 44 | Jan 2025 | Joins its existing Strv 122 fleet |
| Czech Republic | 44 (+14 options) | 2025 | About €1.34 billion incl. support; deliveries 2028–2031 |
| Lithuania | 44 | 2024–25 | First tank battalion for the Lithuanian army |
| Croatia | 44 | Dec 2025 | About €1.5 billion, funded partly by EU SAFE loans; deliveries 2028–2030 |
Quantities are as publicly reported through October 2026. Several orders were placed through joint German procurement contracts, which keeps costs down and production lines busy.
How much does a Leopard 2A8 cost?
Estimates put the tank itself at about €29 million (2023), but contracts are usually quoted as packages that include training, spare parts, support vehicles and logistics. Croatia's deal works out to roughly €34 million per tank all-in, and the Czech deal to about €30 million. See how much does a Leopard 2 cost for the full breakdown.
Leopard 2A8 vs 2A7
| 2A7V | 2A8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Active protection | Not standard | Trophy, standard |
| Hull mine protection | Improved | Further improved |
| Turret armor | 2A7V package | New package |
| Gun | 120 mm L/55A1 | 120 mm L/55A1 |
| Status | In service (Germany, from 2020) | In production |
What comes after the 2A8
Germany is already developing a successor built on the 2A8, the Leopard 3 (Leopard 2AX), with a 130 mm gun and an unmanned turret, for production in the early 2030s. See the future of Leopard tanks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Leopard 2A8?
The newest production version of the Leopard 2 main battle tank, built by KNDS Deutschland, with the Trophy active protection system and upgraded armor and sensors.
How many countries have ordered the Leopard 2A8?
Seven: Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Croatia.
Has Ukraine received the Leopard 2A8?
No. Ukraine has received older Leopard 2A4, 2A5 (Strv 122) and 2A6 tanks, plus Leopard 1A5s.
Does the Leopard 2A8 have an autoloader?
No. Like earlier Leopard 2s it has a four-person crew including a human loader. The future Leopard 3 is expected to introduce an autoloader.