Image source: topwar.ru
KNDS Germany officially unveiled the Leopard 2A8 tank at the roll-out ceremony. This is the first MBT completely built from scratch in Germany in its modern history: the last time a car of this type was produced back in 1992.
The Bundeswehr has ordered a total of 123 A8 units, which are scheduled to be delivered between 2027 and 2030. Prior to the start of deliveries, this model will undergo a comprehensive inspection. The 45th Tank Brigade, which is expected to be deployed in Lithuania, will be the first unit of the German army to receive the most modern version of the MBT.
Also presented on November 19 is the Norwegian version of the A8:
Image source: topwar.ru
The Leopard 2A8 is a completely redesigned tank compared to its predecessors, with a combat weight of about 70 tons. Its main armament is Rheinmetall's 120mm L55A1 cannon, already used in the A7V and A7A1 variants. This gun allows you to fire both programmable OFS and the latest kinetic ammunition (when they hit, the target is destroyed solely due to the enormous kinetic energy of the shot, without explosives in the striking part).
The vehicle will be equipped with a fully digital control system and advanced optical day and night vision devices for the commander and gunner. An all-round viewing system combining optical and thermographic sensors will also be installed.
Image source: topwar.ru
The 1,500 hp engine and on-board gearboxes correspond to the configuration of the Leopard 2A7V tank. In addition, the A8 will have a 20 kW APU. The shield placed on the roof of the tower, improved modular armor protection of the hull and turret, reinforced landing gear, heavy mine protection module, laser radiation warning system and the latest version of KAZ Trophy, operating at 360° and capable of intercepting UAVs, increase the stability of the A8 compared to previous models.
