Croatia has taken an important step towards its military modernization by approving the purchase of 44 main tanks, the Leopard 2A8, currently the most advanced model of the Leopard family.
The decision was confirmed on October 30 by the defense committee of the Croatian parliament, when it approved four new weapons programs, representing a total investment of 1.9 billion euros.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić, who shared the information on his LinkedIn page, the package includes not only 44 Leopard 2A8s, but also 18 CAESAR Mk2 self-propelled howitzers, 420 heavy off-road Tatra trucks and a national drone defense system.
The first Leopard 2A8 has already been presented
On November 19, the German KNDS — the manufacturer of the Leopard 2A8 — officially presented the first example of the new series at an international defense event. The presentation was attended by representatives of the Croatian Ministry of Defense and the Army, highlighting the progress of the negotiations and Zagreb’s commitment to the new program.
€1.3 billion package: tanks, simulators and logistical support
According to the ESUT magazine, the contract for 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks is worth approximately 1.3 billion euros. This amount includes not only vehicles, but also training simulators, spare parts, maintenance packages and full logistical support.
The deliveries are expected between 2028 and 2030, strengthening Croatia’s military capacity during the period when the country replaces the tanks previously delivered to Ukraine.
Croatian industry has a direct role in the program
The agreement ensures that Croatian companies will participate in the assembly and maintenance of the new armored vehicles. Participating companies include Končar and Đuro Đaković, which contribute both to the production of components and to the support of vehicles throughout their lifetime.
The package includes full crew training and up to 15 years of technical support, including maintenance of strategic spare parts.
Financing supported by European programs
The modernization of the Croatian fleet is financed partly from the national budget and partly from European funds, which aim to strengthen collective defense. This strengthens the country’s integration with the strategic initiatives of the EU and NATO.
With the arrival of the new Leopard 2A8 tanks, Zagreb is making significant progress in its land defense capabilities, in line with the highest technological standards currently used by European armies.
Source: tissue (esut.de) | Photo: KNDS Group. This content is created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
