In Germany, Rheinmetall has announced securing a new order worth several hundred million euros from the Bundeswehr to supply 120mm gun ammunition.

In 2023, the company extended its agreement with the Bundeswehr until 2030. The agreement is valued at approximately 4 billion euros and covers the production and supply of the KE DM63/DM53 A1 penetrating ammunition, high explosive HE DM 11, and training 120×570 mm TP-T DM68 assigned to the 120L55 guns of the Leopard 2 tanks serving in the Heer.

The multi-year framework agreement allows the Bundeswehr to procure thousands of projectiles at an agreed price, maintaining high inventory levels and equipping the Armored Battalions.

Leopard 2 tanks in service with the Heer

The German Army operates the A5, A6, and A7 versions of the Leopard 2, with the latest A8 version in delivery. The A5 version is used exclusively for training purposes, while the A6 version, a result of the Leopard 2A5 upgrade, has been gradually brought to A7/A7V standard.

Before the outbreak of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Bundeswehr’s Leopard 2 holdings had been reported at 328 units, down from 245 tanks comprising Leopard 2A5, A6, and A7.

The new Leopard 2A8

After several decades, Germany resumed ordering new production tanks to replace the Leopard A6s transferred to Ukraine as military aid to confront Russian aggression; an initial order for 18 Leopard 2A8 was placed in 2023.

In 2024, a framework agreement was concluded for the Bundeswehr and KNDS DE, the manufacturer of the Leopard 2A8, to deliver an additional 105 tanks, whilst leaving open the possibility of placing additional orders within this initiative.

As part of this agreement, Dutch, Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Croatia also place orders for the Leopard 2A8 as their new ‘main’ battle tanks for their respective armies.

The Leopard 2A8 has also been procured by Norway in a specific A8NOR version, which includes particular equipment and supplies serving in the Oslo Army’s units.

Source and photo credit @Rheimetall AG