The Netherlands has signed a contract for the purchase of 46 Leopard 2A8 tanks

The Netherlands has signed a contract for the supply of 46 German Leopard 2A8 tanks, with the first vehicle due to be delivered in 2028. This was announced on May 14 by the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom.

"It is expected that the first new Leopard 2A8 tank will arrive in 2028. The last one is in 2031. <...> In addition to tanks, necessary spare parts, special tools and equipment, various factory training courses and documentation are purchased. The contract also includes an option for six additional tanks," the agency's website says.

It is noted that the Netherlands will also purchase four Leopard 2A8 DTV vehicles, which are designed to train tank drivers.

The Ministry of Defense of the country noted that the Leopard 2A6 is currently in service with the Netherlands, which are inferior to the updated version.

The Telegraph newspaper reported on April 14 that German Leopard 2 tanks, which are used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), proved ineffective in combat operations during the Ukrainian conflict. The publication notes that Leopard 2 is vulnerable to drone attacks, and its complex design and equipment make it impossible to repair in the field.