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The Lithuanian government intends to sign a letter of intent to purchase Leopard 2 main battle tanks with the German manufacturer this week. This emerges from reports in the Lithuanian daily newspaper Verslo žinios and the broadcasting company LRT. Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anušauskas announced the plan after a meeting of the National Defense Council on July 24.

As early as March there were press reports that Lithuania wanted to purchase 50 main battle tanks in order to equip a mechanized division that had yet to be created. The Defense Council approved the formation of the division in May. At the same time it became known that Lithuania wants to procure 120 Boxers and that negotiations with the European procurement authority OCCAR and the manufacturer ARTEC aim to sign a contract in autumn (ESuTreported). The last Boxer Vilkas from the first lot of 88 pieces are being delivered.

Lithuania wants to expand the country's defense capabilities. In addition to strengthening our own forces through more modern weapon systems in a new structure, NATO is also to be more closely involved. The existing eFP battle group is to be supplemented by the permanent stationing of a German brigade (ESuTreported).

Die Durchführung der Maßnahmen muss gesetzlich geregelt werden. Entsprechende gesetzliche Regelungen sollten im Juni erfolgen. Jetzt steht der Ausbau der Streitkräfte vorliegenden Informationen zufolge für die Herbstsitzung des litauischen Parlaments Seimas im September auf der Tagesordnung.

The Lithuanian government intends to sign a letter of intent to purchase Leopard 2 main battle tanks with the German manufacturer this week. (Photo: KNDS)

Although Minister Anušauskas has kept a low profile about the tank type, it can be assumed from the contact with the German manufacturer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) that Lithuania wants to acquire the most modern version Leopard 2A8. That would be a further boost for the start of A8 production at KMW and the many suppliers. In May, the Bundeswehr concluded a framework agreement with KMW for the procurement of up to 123 Leopard 2A8s, with the option for other countries to enter into the agreement.

So far, the Czech Republic has reported a need for 77 main battle tanks and Italy with a need for at least 125 Leopard 2A8s. Previously, Hungary and Norway had signed procurement contracts for 44 Leopard 2A7 HU and 54 Leopard 2A8 NOR respectively. This gives a current potential backlog of at least 368 Leopard 2 modern versions from six countries, three of which are new Leopard users. First deliveries – to Hungary – are expected later this year.

The variant 2A8 was named for the first time with the German framework agreement mentioned above. This most modern variant is characterized by the Trophy active protection system, the latest generation of optronics and a reinforced drive.

Gerhard Heiming

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