Austria plans to buy a new battalion of Leopard 2A8 tanks
The Austrian army is preparing for a large-scale rearmament, which includes the purchase of modern Leopard 2A8 tanks.
Here's What We Know
According to Exxtra24, party documents of the ruling coalition state that Austria plans to purchase 58 Leopard 2A8 tanks. The cost of one tank is 29 million euros, and the total investment will amount to 1.7 billion euros. Presumably, this amount includes not only combat vehicles but also spare parts and additional costs.
Currently, the Austrian army has only one tank battalion with 58 Leopard 2A4s purchased from the Netherlands in the 1990s. Due to the wear and tear of these vehicles, it was decided to upgrade them to Leopard 2A7s in 2022 at the facilities of the German manufacturer KMW.
Leopard 2A8. Illustration: Army Recognition
The modernisation contract is valued at €240 million. The upgrade includes the installation of new electronics, improved visibility systems for the commander, gunner and driver, as well as an upgrade to the fire control system. However, the upgrade does not affect armour and weapons - the tanks will remain equipped with the RH-120/L44 gun and 1980s-level protection.
The first vehicle has already been sent to Germany for modifications, and deliveries of the updated Leopard 2A7 are expected from 2026 to 2028. In the meantime, Germany is developing new artillery and propulsion systems for future modifications of the Leopard 2 tanks.
Source: Exxtra24
