KNDS has officially rolled out the new Leopard 2A8 main battle tank and upgraded PzH 2000 howitzer for the Bundeswehr, along with the Leopard 2A8 variant for the Norwegian Armed Forces, during a presentation held on November 19 at the company’s site in Munich.
The unveiling took place in the presence of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder, Norwegian State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen, and several international guests, according to the company’s announcement.
In its statement, KNDS said, “Today, the new LEOPARD 2 A8 and PzH 2000 for the Bundeswehr and the LEOPARD 2 A8 for the Norwegian Armed Forces were officially presented at the KNDS site in Munich – in the presence of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder, Norwegian State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen, and international guests.”
The company described the rollout as “an important milestone for the modern equipment of the Bundeswehr and for European cooperation in the field of land systems.” KNDS noted that Germany, Norway, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Czechia “are also committed to joint procurement,” reflecting a growing multinational approach to armored vehicle modernization across Europe.
The newly presented systems are scheduled to enter service beginning in 2026. According to the company, they will be “manufactured in Munich and in cooperation with partners in Europe,” continuing KNDS’s plan to produce and integrate components through a wider industrial network.
KNDS highlighted the technical characteristics of both platforms. The Leopard 2A8, the company said, is equipped with a “state-of-the-art protection system & electronics, networked communication,” representing the newest configuration in the Leopard family. The PzH 2000 howitzer was described as “proven top class in mobility & firepower,” reaffirming its position as one of Europe’s most capable artillery systems.
The rollout also marked a public debut of vehicles fitted with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS). EuroTrophy GmbH confirmed that the Leopard 2A8 tanks for both Germany and Norway are equipped with the system.
In a statement, EuroTrophy GmbH said, “We are proud that the first Leopard 2 A8 for the German Armed Forces and the Norwegian Armed Forces has been officially rolled out – equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System.”
The company added that the system’s integration “marks another significant step forward in enhancing the protection and survivability of modern armored vehicles, thus creating more capable forces ready to be deployed anytime, anywhere.”
EuroTrophy GmbH called the event “a major milestone for our EuroTrophy team, showing the results of hard work and true commitment,” underscoring the role of active protection in countering modern threats, including anti-tank guided weapons and loitering munitions.
The event in Munich brought together military officials, government leaders, and industry representatives as European states continue to replenish armored fleets and improve protection standards amid growing security concerns.
The Leopard 2A8—the newest version of Germany’s flagship tank—is expected to serve as a core platform for multiple European armies in the years ahead.
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