Unusual German brigade takes its most advanced tank to the NATO border: the Leopard 2A8

Germany is betting on the Leopard tank for its new brigade in Lithuania. The plan is to take the Leopard 2A8, its most modern version, adapted based on observations of Russia’s combat strategies in the Ukrainian war, to the NATO border in Eastern Europe.

NATO allies, worried about Moscow’s military threat, remain thereinvest in combat vehiclesdespite countless expensive armored vehicles having been damaged or destroyed by cheap commercial drones used by Russia in Ukraine.

Germany is no exception. After watching the ongoing war unfold, he decided what his new 45th Armored Brigadebased in Lithuania, was to take with it: its most advanced tank, Leopard 2A8.

The brigade commander, Brigadier General Christoph Huber, stated that “this brigade has top priority in Germany” and will feature the most modern German military equipment.

Huber stressed that It is “crucial” for the brigade to have heavy armor. “This brigade is, at its core, a commitment of heavy armored forces,” he explained. This means taking “the most modern german main battle tank”.

The Leopard 2A8 is the most advanced tank produced by and incorporates modifications inspired by lessons learned from Ukraineincluding systems of drone protection.

Among the new updates are the Trophy active protection systemwhich detects threats such as anti-tank missiles and drones, reinforcements in the turret, considered vulnerable, and improved sensors. According to the company, the Leopard 2A8 represents a leap in capacity, survivability and lethalityand is prepared for the future.

These tanks are now much more aligned with modern combat than the Leopard models designed for Cold War confrontations — like the ones Ukraine received. They are not invinciblebut they constitute a significant improvement.

“It is necessary to introduce new capabilities in our forcesbased on the lessons identified in the terrible war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine,” said the general.

The wars of today and tomorrow

The war in Ukraine has been marked by images of burning tanks after cheap drone strikes — including German Leopard and American Abrams tanks (though not the latest versions of either).

Both sides have sought adapt, reinforcing the shield and applying additional protections while using tanks more prudently.

In Ukraine, tanks are often used in recessed positions and disguised, often functioning as a kind of mobile artillery. Sometimes they participate in robberies, but in small numbers and in a very carefully coordinated way, with the support of drones and electronic warfare.

Tanks have faced recurring difficulties in the Ukrainian war because neither side dominates the airspacewhich leaves armored columns and large mechanized assaults vulnerable to drones that fly over the battlefield for surveillance and attack.

With better aerial means, such as fifth generation combat aircraftand more diversified arsenals, NATO will be able to avoid some of the problems that have affected the armies in conflict, although the future remains uncertain.

Huber states that the 45th Brigade is in Lithuania to deter Russia and protect the eastern flank of the Alliance. It has already started operations, but will only reach its full strength, 4,800 soldiers, in 2027. However, he guaranteed, it will be ready to act much earlier than that, if necessary.

Lithuania is considered particularly vulnerable. The former director of the CIA, David Petraeusstated this year that he saw it as the country most exposed to a possible Russian invasion.

The deployment of this brigade in Lithuania represents a significant step for Germany, which since World War II has maintained a restrained military stance and avoided large permanent missions abroad. The Russian invasion of Ukraine gradually altered that calculation.

“Together with the remaining international forces in Lithuania — allies such as Norway, the Netherlands and the United States — we are, in essence, defending,” concluded Huber. “We defend our common values, our freedom, democracy and human rights.”