Germany Unveils Leopard 2A8 tank, Upgraded PzH 2000

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius at the rollout event for the new Leopard 2A8 battle tank and the Panzerhaubitze 2000 A4 tank howitzer on November 19, 2025 at KNDS in Munich | Photo: Bundeswehr/Jana Neumann

Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius attended the rollout of the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank and the upgraded Panzerhaubitze 2000 A4 at KNDS in Munich on 19 November 2025. Speaking at the event, Pistorius said the Bundeswehr was taking action in response to the current security environment.

The Leopard 2A8 includes several changes compared to earlier versions. These include an improved Trophy active protection system, modifications to the fire control system, updates to crew interfaces and adjustments to the engine. The Panzerhaubitze 2000 A4 vehicles are being procured to replace systems previously transferred to Ukraine.

Pistorius said: “It is a good day for the Bundeswehr and for security in Europe.” He appeared alongside Marte Gerhardsen, Norway’s State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, and Markus Söder, Minister President of Bavaria. He added: “We live in times shaped by crises and conflict. These times require more armament and growth.” He said decisions needed to be made quickly, new systems had to be fielded faster and the Bundeswehr faced significant challenges. “But we no longer describe this situation or discuss suitable terminology – no, we act,” he said.

The Leopard 2A8 and the Panzerhaubitze 2000 A4, he said, were essential for the future capability of Germany’s land forces. Pistorius noted that they must be viewed as part of a wider system of interconnected equipment. Several partner nations have ordered the Leopard 2A8, including Lithuania, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Norway.

Pistorius said the defence industry must also reduce production timelines. He called for resilient supply chains, shorter throughput times and scalable manufacturing. “We must add another notch,” he said, thanking industry workers.

He said cooperation among the Bundeswehr, international partners and industry showed how a turnaround could be achieved. “The Bundeswehr needs modern, capable systems. Europe needs reliable partners. And we all need an industry that delivers – quickly, robustly and with high quality,” he said.

The Bundeswehr has ordered 123 Leopard 2A8 tanks, which will be newly built. No new Leopard 2s have been produced for the Bundeswehr since 1992, with previous upgrades carried out on existing vehicles. The A8 incorporates the Trophy hard-kill active protection system from Rafael. Trophy uses radar sensors, launchers and a high-performance computer to intercept incoming projectiles before impact. Meir Ben Tzook, Vice President and Head of Rafael’s Land Maneuver Systems Directorate, and Chairman of the Board of EuroTrophy GmbH, said, “The roll-out of the Leopard 2A8 marks an important milestone for Europe’s armoured forces. We are proud that Trophy has been selected as the active protection system for this new generation of tanks.”

The A8 also features a new commander’s periscope and simplified controls. It retains the 120 mm L55 A1 main gun, capable of firing DM73 kinetic rounds and DM11 airburst ammunition.

The first Leopard 2A8 was presented publicly at KNDS Munich on 19 November 2025. Testing will continue before fielding begins in 2027. All 123 tanks are scheduled for delivery by 2030, with Panzer Brigade 45 in Lithuania set to receive the first vehicles.