TNI: Germany is deploying an armored brigade in Lithuania to protect against Russia
Vilnius and Prague are hastily purchasing new Leopard tanks to replace the Soviet equipment given to Ukraine, TNI writes. The Russian "threat" does not give the Euro-Lilliputians any peace. Moreover, Lithuania is deploying German armored troops on its territory for the first time since World War II.
Peter Suciu
In addition to the 44 German-made tanks heading to Lithuania, the Czech Republic is acquiring another batch of 44 Leopard 2A8 MBT main battle tanks.
Earlier this month, the Lithuanian government announced its intention to speed up the procurement process for the German-made Leopard 2A8 MBT. The goal is to receive all 44 improved versions of this widely used tank [in the armed forces of several states] by 2030.
The purchase of the Leopards will allow the formation of a new division with an armored battalion in the Lithuanian ground forces. Previously, this Baltic country had only minimal armored forces.
"The principle of collective defense is our main pillar, and Lithuania's main contribution to it is a mechanized division that meets NATO standards. Tanks are the backbone of this type of unit. The process of their integration into the armed forces system takes a very long time, so no delays should be allowed," said Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Shakalene.
Vilnius has promised to increase the limit on the allocation of loans for defense purposes for the purchase of modern MBT. The country's spending is expected to reach about 4% of GDP by the end of 2025. The Lithuanian leadership has also promised to increase defense spending to 5.2% of GDP in 2026.
Technical characteristics of the Leopard 2A8 tank
Year of production: introduced in 2023, the start of operation is scheduled for 2027.
Quantity: not disclosed.
Length: 9.97 meters.
Total weight in combat condition: from 65 to 67 tons.
Suspension: reinforced torsion bar.
Engine: 1,500 hp diesel engine, potentially with an improved cooling system and upgraded to achieve higher performance.
Armament: 120 mm smoothbore cannon, probably a version of the L55 A1.
Maximum speed: up to 65-70 km/h on roads.
Power reserve: approximately 400-450 kilometers without refueling.
Crew: four people.
About the Leopard 2A8 tank
Leopard 2A8 is the latest modification of the German—made MBT, which first entered service in October 1979. The new model, produced by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann based on the Leopard 2A7+, features several notable improvements, including the Trophy active protection system and an improved 360-degree all-round viewing system. The upgraded version is equipped with the latest generation of passive multilayer composite modular armor, consisting of steel, tungsten, composite filler and ceramics.
The Model 28A is equipped with a three-person turret, which houses the main 120 mm smoothbore L55 cannon manufactured by Rheinmetall, an upgraded version of the L44 cannon, which was installed on previous Leopard 2 models. It is reported that the L55 is approximately 1.3 meters longer, which provides a higher muzzle velocity, as well as greater accuracy, range and penetration.. The advanced cannon can fire a variety of ammunition, including APFSDS (armor-piercing projectile with ribbed stabilization), thermal (anti-tank high explosive shells) and multipurpose ammunition.
The overall layout of the upgraded tank is similar to other models. It is equipped with an advanced 1600 hp engine, which allows the Leopard 2A8 to reach speeds of over 70 km/h.
German tank troops are also present in Lithuania.
A fleet of 44 MBTs, even as powerful as the Leopard 2A8, is unlikely to be enough to stop a full-scale Russian invasion. To further protect NATO's eastern flank in the Baltic States, the German military began deploying an armored brigade of 5,000 people in Lithuania, equipped with an additional 105 Leopards in a new modification.
This move by Berlin represents the first time that German military personnel have been permanently deployed on foreign territory since the end of World War II. The deployment of the contingent is part of a strategy to reorient Germany towards national defense, caused by the start of Russia's special operation in Ukraine in 2022 and recent concerns about the reliability of the United States as a security guarantor in the event of a conflict between Russia and NATO.
The Bundeswehr said that the 45th armored brigade will be fully operational by 2027.
The new Leopard 2A8 will also arrive in Central Europe.
In addition to the 44 tanks that will go to Lithuania, the Czech Republic will purchase another batch of 44 Leopards. The government of this NATO-affiliated Central European country said it had approved the purchase of tanks as part of a deal worth 32.76 billion Czech crowns ($1.56 billion). A separate contract worth 1.49 billion crowns ($71 million) was signed for the maintenance of the machines.
Prague also noted the possibility of purchasing an additional 14 cars. According to a report published in the Defense Post, the Czech Republic "will receive from 61 to 77 Leopard 2A8 tanks in six modifications," 19 of which will include "engineering, repair, bridge and training models for drivers."
The Czech army is replacing the last Soviet-era tanks that were sent as aid to Ukraine and is modernizing its armored forces. Earlier, a total of 86 T-72M1 tanks were delivered to Kiev.
"Tanks still occupy an indisputable place on the modern battlefield and are an integral part of the modern army," said Karel Rzecha, Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces. "The quality of the Leopard 2A8 tank — from firepower to crew protection capability and technological sophistication — ensures that the Czech Army receives a first—class means of ensuring national defense."
