Italy is negotiating to buy Leopard 2 tanks from Germany

Italy is said to be negotiating to buy a new Leopard 2 main battle tank (MBT) from Germany.

This news was first reported by Italian defense magazine RID (Rivista Italiana Difesa) which stated that Italy will buy Leopard tanks in 2A7 or 2A8 configurations.

According to Rivista Italiana Difesa, this deal is likely to amount to 4-6 billion euros or the equivalent of 4.3-6.5 billion dollars.

An Italian defense source said they had plans to increase capabilities by adding 250 new tanks.

Currently, the Italian Army operates the C1 Ariete, an Italian-made tank jointly developed by Oto Melara and IVECO. An Italian defense source said the planners envisage that the country currently needs 250 main battle tanks, including 125 upgraded Ariete tanks.

The acquisition of the new Leopard 2 tanks will enhance the capabilities of the Italian Army and its interoperability with other NATO allies. The deal is likely to be structured as a ‘government-to-government’ agreement, meaning that some level of compensation is expected from the Italian side.

The Leopard 2A8 tank is one of the advanced models of the Leopard 2 tank, a main tank used by many armed forces around the world. The Leopard 2A8 is an evolution of previous versions of the Leopard 2 and features performance and technology improvements and upgrades.

The Leopard 2A8 features strong and threat-resistant armor, which increases the tank’s protection and battle endurance. The fire control system has been improved and developed in line with modern technologies, resulting in better shooting accuracy and increased efficiency.

In addition, the Leopard 2A8 has been developed with a powerful engine that enhances the speed and power of movement, allowing the tank to move quickly over various types of terrain. Electronic and communications systems have also been improved to enhance communication and control capabilities in the combat field.

The Leopard 2A8 is a modern and powerful tank, characterized by its high capabilities in land battles and excellent performance. This model has been successfully used in many countries and is one of the most outstanding tanks in its class.