The Republic of Croatia has announced plans to send a portion of its Eastern-manufactured tanks and combat vehicles to Ukraine, a move bolstered by financial backing from Germany. This funding, provided by Germany, will help offset the cost of Croatia’s new Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, as the country seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities with these advanced main battle tanks. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić, accompanied by Colonel General Tihomir Kundid, Chief of Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, recently met with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin. During their meeting on October 28, 2024, both leaders emphasized the critical importance of the defense partnership between Croatia and Germany, underscoring a mutual commitment to enhance and expand military collaboration.
A primary agenda item for the meeting was the modernization of the Croatian Armed Forces, particularly through the procurement of new Leopard 2A8 tanks. The German government has invited Croatia to join its Leopard 2A8 acquisition program, aligning with Croatia’s vision for strengthening its armored capabilities. In support of this initiative, Ministers Anušić and Pistorius signed a Letter of Intent, formalizing plans for Croatia to deliver 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, including necessary spare parts and ammunition. Funds provided by Germany in exchange for these vehicles will contribute to Croatia’s purchase of Leopard 2A8 tanks. With these resources, Croatia intends to procure up to 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks, a move designed to modernize the Croatian Army’s armored units while simultaneously supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
In addition to the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank program, Croatia has recently secured approval to purchase HIMARS M142 multiple rocket systems and unmanned aerial vehicles. These acquisitions accelerate Croatia’s objective to reach a two percent GDP allocation for defense by 2027, though Anušić noted that this goal could now be achieved well ahead of schedule due to the expedited procurement of advanced systems. German Defense Minister Pistorius praised Croatia as a dependable partner, both within NATO and the EU, and commended the country for its contributions to regional stability in the Western Balkans. He expressed appreciation for Croatia’s ongoing support to Ukraine, which has so far included military assistance totaling over €200 million. Additionally, Anušić extended his thanks to Pistorius for Germany’s assistance in the recent evacuation of a Croatian officer from the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. Both ministers emphasized the strong ties between Croatia and Germany, pledging continued support to Ukraine and affirming their shared commitment to peace and stability in Southeast Europe.
The Leopard 2A8 represents the newest modernized variant in the Leopard 2 family of tanks manufactured by the German companies KMW (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann) and Rheinmetall. The Leopard 2A8 will be based on the current Leopard 2A7HU production model but feature additional improvements; among them the integration of the Trophy APS and an all-round situational awareness system with sensor-fusion capability. On May 24, 2023, the German government confirmed the purchase of 18 Leopard 2A8 to replace Leopard 2A6 donated to Ukraine with an option for an additional order of 105 Leopard 2A8 tanks. In July 2024, the German Ministry of Defense confirmed the purchase of 105 Leopard 2A8 for the German army. In October 2024, the Netherlands’ Ministry of Defence confirmed an order for 46 Leopard 2A8 tanks as part of a joint initiative with Germany, marking a return to heavy armor for the Dutch forces since phasing out their tank fleet in 2011. These tanks, expected to become fully operational by 2030 with an initial budget of €1 to €2.5 billion, will be stationed at NATO facilities in Germany. Similarly, on October 22, 2024, Lithuania announced plans to purchase 54 Leopard 2A8 tanks to form a new battalion within its Iron Wolf Brigade.
