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BULGARIAN MILITARY
In 2011, the Netherlands sold off its last tank. Since then, whenever needed, the Netherlands has opted to lease German Leopard tanks directly from Germany’s army. However, 13 years later, Dutch sources indicate that a significant decision might be made this Thursday, with plans to procure their own tanks. There’s still some mystery surrounding the details. Still, murmurs along the Berlin-Amsterdam corridor suggest the Netherlands might acquire around 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks.
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Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans [VVD] is set to receive the Defense Memorandum 2024 next Thursday. According to NRC sources, this memorandum is expected to include the decision to establish a tank battalion. Why the change now? The Netherlands aims to meet NATO’s request for adequate ground force firepower, which is currently considered insufficient. Additionally, the majority in the House of Representatives supports this move, signaling that their demand is about to be met.
The return of tanks marks a pivotal development, defense ministry insiders reveal. Since 2011, the reduction in tank numbers has been a persistent issue for the Royal Dutch Army. By 2015, a modest tank unit was reintroduced, comprising eighteen Leopard tanks leased from Germany. However, this squadron is integrated into a German unit and stationed in Germany.
Rumors suggest that the pre-designated tank could be the Leopard 2A8. The Dutch ground forces have considerable experience with the Leopard 2, which might expedite the process. Consequently, experts argue that to save time, personnel may undergo training on different tanks such as the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams or the French Leclerc.
Currently, the choices in Europe aren’t vast, even with the emergence of new tank designs like those from Rheinmetall in recent years. The UK’s Challenger 2, which also falls under the category of “European” tanks, must first meet Britain’s own needs, especially as they work on ramping up their production again.
Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann [KMW] has developed the Leopard 2A8, the latest iteration of the Leopard 2 main battle tank. This advanced machine maintains the same dimensions as its predecessors, with a length of 10.97 meters, a width of 3.75 meters, and a height of 3.0 meters. However, its combat weight has risen to around 64 tons, thanks to enhanced armor and new systems.
Powered by a robust 1,500-horsepower MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine and featuring the reliable Renk HSWL 354 transmission, the Leopard 2A8 reaches a top speed of 68 km/h with an impressive range of 450 km. Its advanced suspension system ensures superior performance across diverse off-road terrains.
Armed with the Rheinmetall 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun, this tank fires a variety of high-penetration and programmable rounds with outstanding accuracy. For secondary firepower, it includes two 7.62mm MG3A1 machine guns and has the option for a remote-controlled weapon station. The Leopard 2A8’s protection capabilities are highly enhanced with modular composite armor and the Trophy Active Protection System, providing defense against anti-tank missiles and rockets, as well as improved measures against IEDs and mines.
Built for intense, unconventional conflicts, the Leopard 2A8 boasts a cutting-edge fire control system and integrated battlefield management, ensuring precision targeting and effective coordination in modern warfare. This tank stands among the world’s most powerful, setting new standards in armored vehicle design.
In 2023, Germany invited the Netherlands to join the Leopard 2A8 Procurement Initiative. This strategic move aims to strengthen European defense capabilities. It’s part of Germany’s broader mission to upgrade its armored forces with the latest Leopard 2 variant, the 2A8 while urging allies to follow suit. The Netherlands, a key defense partner with Germany, was a natural choice for this collaboration.
The Leopard 2A8 Procurement Initiative isn’t just about getting new tanks; it’s a significant stride towards deeper military integration among European NATO members. By joining, the Netherlands ensures compatibility and interoperability with German forces, bolstering joint defense capabilities. This move reflects a broader European trend to pool resources and standardize military gear, which is especially crucial given the rising security concerns on the continent.
For the Netherlands, this initiative is a chance to modernize its armored forces and stay at the cutting edge, aligning with its strategic goals. The Leopard 2A8, known for its advanced technology and superior combat performance, would greatly boost the Dutch military’s operational effectiveness. This procurement also highlights the strengthening of defense ties between Germany and the Netherlands, reinforcing their cooperation within NATO and the EU.
Overall, the Leopard 2A8 Procurement Initiative is pivotal to Europe’s continuous drive to amplify its collective defense capabilities. By including the Netherlands, Germany seeks to fortify bilateral military relations while bolstering a more cohesive and robust European defense framework.