Lithuania boosts defence with scaled-back tank purchase
The Lithuanian authorities have agreed to enhance their army with Leopard 2A8 tanks. Though these are among the most modern tanks in the world, Lithuania, which currently has no tanks, will purchase only 44 units. This number is significantly lower than initially planned.
As the Defence Express service reported, Lithuanian authorities initially aimed to acquire as many as 100 Leopard 2A8s by 2030. Later, this target was adjusted to one fully-fledged battalion according to NATO standards, which involves 54 tanks. Ultimately, this, too, could not be achieved, as the agreement initiated by the defense ministers of Lithuania and Germany includes only 44 units.
Lithuania buys 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks
The reasons for revising Lithuania's plans have not been officially disclosed. Analysts at Defence Express suggest that it is most likely not linked to Lithuania's financial capabilities, as the country plans to spend 3.03% of its GDP on defense in 2025 and also has an increased limit on defense credits. The problem may, therefore, lie in the production capacity of the German defense industry. Several other European countries have also ordered the Leopard 2A8 tanks, and over 100 units are to be delivered to the German army.
Baltic countries without tanks
Despite the scaled-back plans and acquisition of only 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks, this procurement will still mark a significant breakthrough for Lithuania's armed forces. Currently, like Latvia and Estonia, Lithuania has no tanks. Only tanks from NATO-allied countries, including Poland, are stationed there.
The Leopard 2A8 is the latest version of the widely deployed German tank. It is notable for the active defence system Trophy, which is already used on other renowned Western tanks, such as the American M1A2 Abrams. The Leopard 2A8 also features a 120 mm smoothbore gun as its main armament and an engine delivering an impressive 1600 horsepower to support the weight of the entire structure, reaching approximately 70 tonnes.
