Germany Netherlands to buy 46 Leopard tanks

The Netherlands is buying 46 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks from Germany. This was announced by the Ministry of Defense in The Hague. The first tanks are to be delivered in 2027. From 2030, the army will once again have its own full tank battalion, the ministry announced.

The Netherlands has not had its own tanks since 2011. However, due to the war in Ukraine, the government decided to rebuild its own battalion with around 500 soldiers and plans to invest up to 2.5 billion euros in this. Together with Germany, it is being examined whether this can be stationed in Bergen-Hohne in Lower Saxony, Germany.

The Leopard tanks are to be supported by unmanned vehicles and drones. The Netherlands also has an option for a further six tanks. The country also wants to strengthen its air defense and invest up to 2.5 billion euros in new defense systems. The Norwegian-made systems are to be delivered from 2028.