The Leopard tank is certainly seeing a surge in popularity across the globe.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine back in 2022, NATO member states have bolstered their respective defense budgets across the board. The Netherlands is taking part in this initiative. For the first time in over a decade, Amsterdam is building a tank unit. The Dutch government recently announced that this new unit will be comprised of Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks (MBTs) from Germany. “With the current threat of large-scale conflict, the tank is an indispensable tool,” Dutch state secretary for defense Gijs Tuinman asserted. “A force that, combined with smart tactics, is difficult to stop. The Leopard remains the king of the battlefield.”
The Leopard has gained more recognition over the last few years for its presence in the Russia-Ukraine war. After former U.S. president Joe Biden gave U.S. allies the green light to deliver armored vehicles to support Kyiv’s defensive efforts in the invasion, the German-made Leopard was first delivered to the front lines. In addition to Germany, Poland, Canada, and Spain also pledged to donate or refurbish Leopard MBTs to Ukraine. Perhaps based on the tank’s performance in the conflict, the Leopard is certainly seeing a surge in popularity across the globe. Currently, the Leopard II is used by fifteen European countries.
The Netherlands’ desire to procure additional Leopards makes sense, based on the platform’s specs and capabilities, and also due to the nation’s previous use of the MBT. In fact, the Dutch have been leasing the Leopard tanks from Germany for a decade. According to Defense News, the upcoming 2A8 MBTs will serve a new fully Dutch battalion located at Bergen-Hohne.
Details on the 2A8 Leopard Tank
The 2A8 Leopard variant hosts a range of cutting-edge attributes that make it superior to preceding variants and other near-peer platforms. Perhaps most significantly, this model features the Rafael-designed Trophy active protection system, which is highly effective at neutralizing incoming anti-tank fire, including ATGMs and RPGs, in real time. In addition to the Trophy, the 2A8 is equipped with the latest generation of multi-layered armor, including tungsten, steel, and ceramic components. With survivability prioritized by these various defense layers, the Leopard 28A is well protected.
In terms of firepower, the Leopard 28A is quite lethal. This variant features a newer version of the L44 gun installed on earlier Leopard models. Measuring roughly 4 feet longer, the L55 gun has higher muzzle velocities, greater range, and greater precision. The improved gun can fire a variety of ordnance, including APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot), HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank), and multipurpose ammunition.
Considering the 28A’s reputation and top-tier specs and capabilities, the Netherlands’ procurement of this platform is strategic. With these tanks in possession, the Dutch will be able to project a credible deterrent from within NATO.
About the Author: Maya Carlin
Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. Carlin has over 1,000 articles published over the last several years on various defense issues.
Image: Karolis Kavolelis / Shutterstock.com
