The Netherlands will operate the latest variant of the Leopard 2 tank, the A8, from 2028. Credit: Netherlands MoD

The Netherlands has opted for German Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks as it continues an about face following its abandonment of its entire tank force in 2011, with the scrapping of around 60 earlier-variant Leopard 2 MBTs.

With the benefit of hindsight, the decision to axe its small, but capable, fleet of Leopard 2 tanks was a strategic mistake, and one that has only now been rectified – at a considerable cost.

Announcing the decision to acquire up to 52 Leopard 2A8 MBTs – comprised of an initial 46 with six on option – the Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on 14 May the progamme would cost up to €2.5bn ($2.8bn).

Previous analysis conducted by GlobalData in 2024 stated that the Dutch government, prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, had not made defence spending a priority. One of the results was the drawn down of heavy warfighting capabilities, which included the loss of its tanks.

However, forecasting indicates that, while the Netherlands only spent $12.8bn on defence at the start of the 2020s, spending would rise to around $22.8bn in 2024.

Ukraine war changes Dutch thinking

Clearly, with this influx of funding and the demonstration of the use, albeit changing, of MBTs in the battlefields of the Ukraine-Russia war, the Netherlands had little option but to return to the heavy armour domain.

The first of the Leopard 2A6 MBTs will be delivered by KNDS Deutschland in 2028, while the final unit is scheduled to be handed over in 2031. This will equate to a rough delivery schedule of 12 Leopard 2A8s per year.

The Netherlands operates a small force of 18 Leopard 2A6 MBTs on lease, delivered between 2018-2019. It is not known what will happen to these vehicles, but it is likely that the vehicles will return to the European market.

Compared to earlier models, the Leopard 2A8 features improved sensors, powerpack, and an active protection system, the latter capability critical for operations in a contested land environment.

The Netherlands is also moving forward to acquire the Carl Gustaf M4 weapon system. Credit: Netherlands MoD

Meanwhile, the Netherlands MoD said that had completed a deal to acquire an unknown quantity of Carl Gustav M4 anti-tank rifles from Saab, with deliveries to begin this year and concluding in 2028.

With its 25% greater range, the 84mm Carl Gustaf will replace the outdated Panzerfaust-3 (PzF-3) in Netherlands service.

Dutch returning to heavy armour fold

In 2024 it was reported by Army Technology that the Netherlands would upgrade 122 of 144 CV9035NL infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) in a mid-life upgrade programme that would see, among other system, the addition of an entirely new turret.

The newly designed turret has shifted the position of the 35mm Bushmaster main gun for improved vehicle balance, crew ergonomics, and the creation of new future weaponry options, according to BAE Systems Hägglunds, the OEM of the CV90 IFV.

The Netherlands’ MoD stated at the time an intention to complete the MLU upgrade for the 122 CV9035NL IFVs in early 2027. This timeframe represents a slight slip from the earlier schedule that would see the MLU competed in 2026.