Military Watch magazine reported that German equipment manufacturer for ground forces Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter introduced the first main battle tank Leopard 2A8, built by order of the Norwegian Military Ministry.
The presentation was attended by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Norwegian Defense Minister Marte Gerhardsen. The ceremony also included the unveiling of the new PzH 2000 mobile artillery system, which, like the new tank, is expected to enter service in 2028.
The updated Leopard 2A8 differs from the previous Leopard 2A6 by the presence of the Israeli Trophy active protection system, a new 20 kW auxiliary power unit and a modern fire control system.
“In July 2025, it was reported that the German Ministry of Defense was considering a plan to purchase several hundred Leopard 2A8 tanks after the reserve of Leopard 2A6 tanks was depleted due to transfer to the Ukrainian army,” MWM wrote.
The viability of the Leopard 2 and other Western tanks in modern combat conditions has been repeatedly questioned, this publication recalls. MWM calls China, Russia and the US the leaders in building new tanks.
