Netherlands details Leopard 2A8 MBT procurement

The Netherlands is procuring 46 Leopard 2A8 MBTs in co-operation with Germany in 2027–30. (Dutch MoD)

Dutch State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman has detailed his country's procurement of 46 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks (MBTs) in co-operation with Germany in a letter to parliament on 14 October. This follows his announcement of the procurement in the 5 September Defensienota (Defence Memorandum)2024.

The tanks are scheduled to enter service in 2027–30, with a budget of EUR1–2.5 billion (USD1.08–2.71 billion), the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on its website on 14 October.

The ministry went on to say that it selected the German-made Leopard 2A8 based on operational considerations – interoperability and international co-operation – with the tank meeting operational requirements and able to be acquired quickly through the German Leopard 2A8 Procurement Initiative to bundle demand for the tank.

The Leopard 2A8s will equip a tank battalion manned by 500 soldiers, most of whom must be recruited. The Dutch MoD said that it, together with Germany, is studying the possibility of basing the battalion at Bergen-Hohne in Germany, where the NATO training area offers large enough training and shooting ranges for realistic training that are not available in the Netherlands.

Instead of the usual 52 MBTs in a tank battalion, the Dutch MoD said it was seeking a contract option for six unmanned ground vehicles in addition to the 46 manned Leopard 2A8s to be exercised by 2027. The procurement will also include spare parts, a maintenance contract, special tools and equipment, factory training, and documentation.

For more information on Dutch procurements, please seeAnalysis: Netherlands invests in armour, firepower, and personnel .