Croatia signs deal to buy 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Croatia has taken a significant step towards modernising its armoured forces after signing key agreements for the purchase of 44 state-of-the-art Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, the Ministry of Defence said. 

The documents were signed on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, in Berlin, in the presence of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić signed the confirmation of order, launching the realisation of what is considered one of the most important defence projects in recent years.

Prior to the main signing, Anušić finalised an additional contract with KNDS Deutschland for the delivery of simulators and equipment, as well as a five-year extended warranty for the new tanks.

The total value of the procurement, including tanks, simulators and warranties, amounts to €1.48 billion.

Prime Minister Plenković emphasised that Croatia is using the EU’s SAFE financial instrument to support the acquisition.

“From the €1.7 billion allocated to Croatia, part of those funds will be used to finance the purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks,” he said. “Croatia is gradually moving away from Eastern military technology and transitioning to Western systems. Our partnership with Germany is an important part of strengthening cooperation in the field of defence.”

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Defence Minister Anušić underscored that the Leopard 2A8s represent the newest generation of modern armoured capability.

“We are equipping the Croatian Army with the most modern Leopard 2A8 tanks, continuing the process of modernisation and the shift from Eastern to Western technology,” he said. “After more than 15 years of neglect, this Government and the Ministry of Defence have, since 2016, systematically invested in strengthening the Croatian Armed Forces. In today’s challenging geopolitical environment, we must have a capable, modern army.”

He added that further improvements, including the reintroduction of basic military training and higher professional standards, remain priorities.

Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, noted that modernisation is advancing at an exponential pace.

“These Leopard 2A8 tanks will give the Croatian Armed Forces a significantly higher level of manoeuvrability, firepower and crew protection,” he said. “They represent the most advanced technology in the sphere of armoured combat vehicles.”

A Broader Defence Investment Package

Alongside the Leopard tanks, Croatia is preparing to complete procurement of several major systems by the end of the year. These include 18 Caesar MK2 self-propelled howitzers, counter-drone systems and 420 heavy-duty Tatra military trucks. Together, the four major acquisitions total around €2 billion including VAT. Except for the counter-drone system, the remaining projects will also be financed through the EU’s SAFE instrument.

Joint Procurement with Germany

The Leopard 2A8 purchase is part of a wider joint procurement programme coordinated by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence and supported by several European partners, including Norway, Czechia, Lithuania and the Netherlands.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

From 2026 to 2030, €1.14 billion from the EU SAFE instrument will be directed towards the Croatian acquisition, while an additional €343.5 million, covering extended warranty services, economic adjustments and VAT, will be provided from the state budget through 2033. Delivery of the tanks is expected between 2028 and 2030.

Germany has also reimbursed Croatia with €144.8 million for equipment transferred to Ukraine in late 2024, including M-84 tanks and M-80 infantry fighting vehicles. This amount will directly reduce the final cost of procuring the Leopard 2A8s.

Leopard 2A8: A Generational Leap for the Croatian Army

The Leopard 2A8 represents the latest iteration of the renowned German Leopard platform, jointly produced by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall. For Croatia, the shift from the M-84 to the Leopard 2A8 marks a technological leap of nearly four decades – from a 1980s Soviet-designed tank to a fully digitalised NATO-standard system.

The new model sets itself apart with its integrated Trophy Active Protection System, enhanced armour protection, advanced sensors, upgraded command and communication systems, and near-complete digitalisation of onboard subsystems.

This makes it one of the most capable and protected main battle tanks available on the market today.