News item | 14-05-2025 | 15:03
From 2028, the Ministry of Defense has again access to its own modern combat tanks. State Secretary Gijs Tuinman today put his signature in Amersfoort. Defense acquires at least 46 Leopard 2A8 fighting tanks. The Netherlands is in line with an initiative of the German government.
Tuinman: “With the current threat of a large -scale conflict, the tank is an indispensable tool. And if you are so next to it, you immediately understand why. The Leopard is one chunk of combat power. This is the best thing there is in tank area. Inside forms crew and advanced systems and sensors a power with a disagulant. from the battlefield. ”
The first new Leopard 2A8 must be inside in 2028. The latter flows in in 2031. From that moment on, the Dutch armed forces has a complete and highly innovative tank bataljon. For example, the army unit must also get a unimportant component. The battalion still offers space for 500 soldiers. The German Lohheide will serve as a location.
NATO call
With the purchase, the Ministry of Defense meets NATO’s call to have heavier combat capacities for the land performance. In addition to the tanks, the required spare parts, the special tools and equipment, various factory training and the documentation are acquired. The contract also took an option on 6 extra tanks. A decision will be taken in 2027. The total budget is € 1 to 2.5 billion.
Defense also buys 4 so -called Leopard 2A8 DTVs (Driver Training Vehicle) On. These are intended for the training and training center driving and mountains, to also provide the staff with the Tankbataljon with the necessary driving licenses.
Improvements
Defense is currently using the Leopard 2A6, but they are officially from Germany. Compared to that vehicle, the Leopard 2A8 has a number of significant improvements. For example, the shooting tube has improved, there is better protection against it Ied’s (improvised bombs) and the 2A8 has superior sensors, an active protection system and improved drive.
In addition to the Netherlands, Lithuania also lifts on the contract. Other European countries that the Leopard have (ordered) include Norway and Sweden. For example, international cooperation in this area is easy to realize.
Anti -tank
The Ministry of Defense also buys means to eliminate enemy tanks. For example, a contract was signed last week for the purchase of the Carl Gustav M4. This 84mm portable and returnless anti-tank fire mouth replaces the Panzerfaust-3 (PZF-3). This anti -tank weapon has a range of up to 600 meters and has since been dated.
The Carl Gustav M4 has, depending on the type of ammunition, a range of 600 to 800 meters. With the weapon, not only tanks, but also armored vehicles and infantry setups can be switched off. The Carl Gustav M4 will be delivered before the end of this year. The last copies will follow in 2028.