KNDS to Supply New Leopard 2 A8 Fleet to Sweden

Sweden has commissioned KNDS Germany to deliver a total of 44 Leopard 2 A8 main battle tanks to the army. In addition, the modernisation of the Leopard 2 fleet has now been extended to include all of the 110 Swedish systems. Corresponding contracts were signed with the procurement office (FMV) in Munich in two stages.

The first contract signed on 6 November 2024 initially comprised 24 main battle tank systems. At the same time, negotiations were already underway to trigger the second lot for 20 additional Leopard 2 A8s. This contract was signed on 19 December 2024.

Sweden, which had delivered 10 of its Leopard 2 systems to the Ukraine, is replacing these with 24 Leopard 2 A8. Delivery of the newly manufactured Leopard 2 A8, which will be designated STRV 123 B in Sweden, is expected to begin in the second half of 2027.

The modernisation of 66 Leopard 2, as well as the 44 systems already under contract, includes a higher level of protection, a new weapon system, new driving and operator concepts, an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) and further digitalization measures. The upgrade work is expected to begin in 2028, after completion of the first modernisation contract.