Croatia to acquire Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany for defence modernisation

During a visit to Berlin’s Bendler Block, Croatian Deputy prime minister and defence minister unveiled plans for Croatia to bolster its military capabilities by acquiring 50 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks from Germany.

Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić announced the country’s plan to purchase 50 new Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks from Germany to enhance its national defence, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Anušić and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius discussed this acquisition as part of a wider partnership, underscoring Croatia’s commitment to modernising its military capabilities.  

The two defence ministers signed a declaration of intent that included a mutual support initiative known as a “ring swap.” Under this agreement, Croatia will send an initial delivery of 30 main battle tanks and 30 Yugoslav-designed M-84 and M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, along with spare parts and ammunition. These supplies are anticipated to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses and will be financed with German financial assistance to Croatia. The Yugoslav M-84 tank, a modification of the Soviet T-72, is designed for combat effectiveness and mobility with a robust structure. Equipped with a 1,000-horsepower V-46TK diesel engine, the M-84 can reach speeds of up to 43 mph [70 km/h] and has an operational range of 310 miles [500 km].

Its armor incorporates composite and spaced elements to enhance protection against various projectiles.   The tank’s main armament is a 125mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing a range of ammunition types, including high-explosive anti-tank [HEAT] rounds, armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot [APFSDS] rounds, and high-explosive fragmentation [HE-FRAG] shells. Additionally, it is equipped with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a roof-mounted 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, which increases its versatility for both offensive and defensive operations.  

By Naila Huseynova