The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has entered into a contract with KNDS Germany for the delivery of 44 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks (MBTs) for the Swedish Army. FMV has also engaged KNDS for the modernization initiative for Sweden’s Leopard 2 fleet which has been expanded to encompass all 110 Swedish units.
The initial contract, signed on 6 November, 2024, included 24 Leopard 2A8 MBTs. Concurrently, discussions were in progress to initiate a second batch for an additional 20 Leopard 2A8 MBTs, which was finalized on 19 December 2024. Sweden, having supplied ten of its Leopard 2 systems to Ukraine, is set to replace them with 24 Leopard 2A8 MBTs.
The delivery of these newly manufactured Leopard 2A8 platforms, which will be referred to as STRV 123 B in Swedish service, is anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2027.
The modernization process for 66 Leopard 2 MBTs, along with the 44 systems already contracted, will feature enhanced protection, a new weapon system, updated driving and operational concepts, an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), and additional digitalization initiatives. The upgrade work is projected to start in 2028, following the completion of the initial modernization contract.
Leopard 2 main battle tank
The Leopard 2 is a third-generation MBT from Germany. It was developed by Krauss-Maffei during the 1970s and was introduced into service in 1979, succeeding the earlier Leopard 1 as the primary battle tank for the West German army. Various models of the Leopard 2 are still in use by the German armed forces, along with those of 13 other European nations and several countries outside Europe, such as Canada, Chile, Indonesia, and Singapore. Some of these nations have obtained licenses to produce and further develop the Leopard 2 design domestically.
There are two primary development phases of the Leopard 2 tank. The initial phase includes tanks manufactured up to the Leopard 2A4 standard, which are distinguished by their vertically oriented turret armour. The subsequent phase, beginning with the Leopard 2A5, features an angled, arrow-shaped turret appliqué armour along with various enhancements.
All Leopard 2 tanks are equipped with a smoothbore 120 mm cannon produced by Rheinmetall, which is operated using a digital fire control system, a laser rangefinder, and sophisticated night vision and sighting technologies. The tank is powered by a V12 twin-turbo diesel engine manufactured by MTU Friedrichshafen.
During the 1990s, the German Army utilized the Leopard 2 for peacekeeping missions in Kosovo. In the 2000s, Dutch, Danish, and Canadian forces deployed their Leopard 2 tanks in the War in Afghanistan as part of their commitment to the International Security Assistance Force. In the 2010s, Turkish Leopard 2 tanks were engaged in operations in Syria. As of 2023, Ukrainian Leopard 2 tanks are actively participating in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
The Leopard 2A8 is based on the current Leopard 2A7HU production model but features additional improvements, among them the integration of the Trophy APS and an all-round situational awareness system with sensor-fusion capability.
