Lithuania Set to Become First Baltic Nation to Purchase Main Battle Tanks

Photo: Madis Veltman

18th December 2024, 11:14

Lithuania commits to buying German Leopard 2 tanks. So far, Baltic defense strategies have emphasized asymmetry, long-range fires, and interoperability with NATO forward land forces over maneuver counter-attack capabilities.

Lithuania has formally committed to purchasing German Leopard tanks, with Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene signing the agreement during her first official visit to Berlin on December 16.

Ignas Grinevicius, the minister’s spokesperson, confirmed to BNS that Lithuania plans to acquire 44 tanks - enough to equip a battalion - as part of its defense modernization efforts.

With defense spending on the rise, discussions are underway to secure an earlier delivery timeline. “In our meeting with the head of [the tank manufacturer] KNDS, we addressed the industry’s production capacity and the feasibility of delivering the tanks by 2030. Further talks will continue in Lithuania soon,” Sakaliene said in a statement to BNS.

The defense minister previously described the purchase as “a significant step in modernizing the Lithuanian Armed Forces, strengthening national defense capabilities, and enhancing integration and interoperability with the German Armed Forces.”

Germany's Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius, right, receives Minister of Defense of Lithuania Dovile Sakaliene, at the Federal Ministry of Defense, in Berlin, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. Photo: Jörg Carstensen/AP

The decision to procure German-made Leopard tanks was made earlier this year as part of Lithuania’s broader strategy to develop a national division. The acquisition is expected to occur in phases, with the initial focus on speeding up the procurement of air defense systems to complement the tanks.

According to the current agreement, the first tank company is slated to arrive in Lithuania by 2029, with the formation of a full battalion projected for 2034. However, Lithuania is seeking to accelerate this timeline, aiming for a fully operational national division by 2030.

Defense officials caution, however, that meeting this target under existing funding levels would likely push completion to between 2036 and 2040.

Lithuania has now become the first Baltic nation to purchase main battle tanks. Baltic defense strategies have emphasized mobility, asymmetry, and interoperability with NATO forces, making IFVs and anti-tank systems more critical than heavy tanks.

In Estonia, the tank debate has lasted for decades. Critics argue that tanks are essential for counterattacks, as even a defensive force must counterattack to respond to enemy breakthroughs of defensive lines. Estonian defense officials have responded that NATO’s forward land force battalion groups in the Baltic already include tanks within their units. Since these battalions are among NATO’s quick reaction forces, their tanks would be available for Baltic defense in the very first moments of a potential defensive operation.

Estonia, and, to some extent, other Baltic nations have begun to shift their military strategies, prioritizing long-range fire capabilities. The aim of this shift is to neutralize the enemy’s ability to project military power beyond its borders, rather than dealing with the consequences of such an attack and conducting counter-offensives with heavy western tanks on the swampy East Baltic soil. Tanks are, however, "a text-book capability" for the maneuver force, so the choice of not purchasing tanks is a question of a timid purchasing power of small Baltic economies, one Estonian defense official commented to The Baltic Sentinel.

Poland is, in contrast, significantly modernizing its armored forces with large-scale purchases of advanced main battle tanks from the United States and South Korea, replacing Soviet era tanks. From the U.S., Poland is acquiring 366 Abrams tanks in two configurations: the M1A1 and the state-of-the-art M1A2 SEPv3, enhancing its firepower.

Poland has also partnered with South Korea to procure 1,000 K2 Black Panther tanks, including a localized variant, the K2PL, to be produced domestically.

Last time the Baltic States had their own battle tanks in the military inventory was prior to WWII.

Why the Leopard 2 is Popular Among European NATO Members

Visitors gather by a Leopard 2 A8 tank, left, and a Leopard 2A-RC-3.0 tank at the Eurosatory Defense and Security exhibition of 2024 in Villepinte, north of Paris. Photo: MICHEL EULER/AP

The Leopard 2 main battle tank, developed by Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, is often regarded as one of the most balanced and capable tanks in modern armored warfare. Its widespread adoption by NATO and other militaries highlights its functional advantages in key areas: mobility, firepower, protection, and logistical support.

One of the tank's primary strengths is its engine. The Leopard 2 is powered by the MTU MB 873 Ka-501 V12 twin-turbocharged diesel engine, which provides a top speed of 70 km/h (43 mph) and reliable acceleration across various terrains. Compared to the gas turbine engine of the U.S. M1 Abrams, the Leopard 2’s diesel engine is more fuel-efficient, enabling longer operational endurance and reducing logistical demands for fuel resupply.

The tank’s ease of maintenance is another advantage. Its diesel engine, while powerful, is simpler to repair and maintain than the Abrams’ turbine engine. Additionally, the Leopard 2 benefits from being widely used across European NATO countries, creating a shared supply chain for parts and a broad base of maintenance expertise. This logistical compatibility makes it cost-effective and operationally practical, particularly in allied operations. Lithuania is already running a tank maintenance centre for Leopard 2 tanks serving in Ukrraine.

The Leopard 2’s protection systems are designed to meet modern battlefield threats. Its composite armor integrates multiple materials, including steel and ceramics, to provide robust defense against both kinetic and chemical energy weapons. The modular nature of the armor allows for damaged sections to be replaced efficiently, ensuring the tank can be quickly repaired and returned to the battlefield.

Firepower is another key strength of the Leopard 2. It is equipped with the Rheinmetall 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun, providing greater range and penetration than the rifled gun used on the British Challenger 2. The Leopard 2 can also fire advanced ammunition types, such as the DM53 and DM63 APFSDS rounds, which enhance its effectiveness against heavily armored targets.

In terms of situational awareness and targeting, the Leopard 2 incorporates advanced sensor and fire control systems. These systems include thermal imaging and night vision capabilities, allowing it to identify and engage targets under various lighting and weather conditions. The fire control system ensures a high first-hit probability, even when the tank is in motion, which is critical for engaging threats in dynamic combat scenarios.

The Leopard 2’s export success reflects its adaptability to different operational requirements. Variants such as the Leopard 2A4, A5, A6, and A7 provide tailored capabilities for environments ranging from urban combat to open-field warfare. This versatility has made it a common choice among NATO and non-NATO countries, ensuring interoperability within allied forces.

From a cost perspective, the Leopard 2 offers competitive advantages for European operators. Its reliance on diesel fuel and shared maintenance infrastructure reduces long-term operating costs. The tank’s modular design also allows for upgrades over time, extending its service life.

Leopard 2 has been deployed in various conflicts since its introduction in 1979. Notable instances include Kosovo War (1998–1999), War in Afghanistan (2001–2014): Dutch, Danish, and Canadian forces utilized Leopard 2 tanks during their missions with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). In 2007, a Canadian Leopard 2 tank demonstrated its resilience when it withstood an improvised explosive device (IED) attack, resulting in no crew fatalities and allowing the tank to be repaired and returned to service.

In Syrian Civil War (2011–present), Turkish Armed Forces deployed Leopard 2 tanks during operations in northern Syria. These tanks encountered various challenges, including attacks from anti-tank guided missiles and improvised explosive devices.

In Russo-Ukrainian War (2014–present), Ukrainian forces have been operating Leopard 2 tanks supplied by several NATO countries, including Germany, Poland, and Canada, to bolster their defense against Russian aggression.