Bandai
Referenz-Foto CD "Leopard 2 A8 (Bw-Serie)"
Item Number:
MBK-FCD222
MBK-FCD222
Manufacturer
Modellbau-König
Modellbau-König
Photo CD with reference photos for the military / vehicle enthusiasts and modellers.
Overall views and details from all around the vehicle
80 photos in JPG format (playable in any standard PC with CD drive and many current DVD players)
The Leopard 2 A8, officially unveiled at KNDS on November 19, 2025, represents the most advanced and fundamental evolution of the Leopard 2 series. It is no longer based solely on incremental upgrades of earlier models, but rather constitutes a comprehensively redesigned system that integrates the experience gained from the A7 and A7V versions with the German Armed Forces' new requirements for protection, digitalization, and endurance on the modern battlefield. Like its predecessors, it remains a classic four-man tank, but with a combat weight of approximately 67 to 70 tons, it is significantly heavier. Its dimensions, with a hull length of around 8 meters, approximately 11 meters including the forward-facing gun, and a width of just under 3.8 meters, correspond to the familiar Leopard 2 silhouette, which appears larger in the A8 due to additional protection modules and sensors.
The most significant innovation lies in its protection architecture. In addition to significantly redesigned passive armor, the Leopard 2 A8 features, for the first time, an integrated hard-kill defense system that detects incoming projectiles or anti-tank missiles and can destroy them before impact. This active component is complemented by improved roof protection, modern 360° sensor systems, and high-resolution thermal imaging and optical modules for the commander and gunner. The electronic architecture has been fully digitized and modularized, allowing for easier modernization of the fire control system, sensors, and communication solutions. The proven 120 mm L/55 smoothbore gun in the A1 variant is retained but benefits from more precise stabilization, a faster ballistic computer, and the ability to optimally utilize modern ammunition types—including programmable multi-purpose ammunition.
Despite its increased weight, the Leopard 2 A8 retains a high degree of mobility. Its 1,500 hp MTU diesel engine, coupled to an automatic Renk transmission, still allows for top speeds of approximately 60 km/h on roads and around 25–28 km/h in reverse. Under ideal conditions, the range is up to approximately 400 km, depending on the operational profile and additional equipment. The running gear and track system have been reinforced to support the increased overall weight and the additional protective modules; experts often refer to a new track design that is intended to offer longer service life, even though the specific official type designation is not consistently documented everywhere. Overall, the new chassis design improves ride comfort, accuracy when firing on the move, and durability during long-term operation.
The Leopard 2 A8 is of particular importance to the German Armed Forces. A total of 123 vehicles have been ordered and are scheduled for delivery in the second half of the decade. Some of these are intended for the brigade permanently stationed in Lithuania, while others will be used to modernize German tank battalions. The A8 is designed to fundamentally enhance the operational readiness of Germany's armored forces and simultaneously serve as a bridge to the tank concepts of the 2030s, including potential variants that could later integrate even more powerful sensors, improved protection modules, or new types of ammunition.
As a whole, the Leopard 2 A8 represents a significant technological leap compared to previous versions: greater survivability, more precise and interconnected sensors, improved firepower, robust mobility, and a digital architecture that facilitates future modernizations. It thus forms the new backbone of Germany's heavy forces and sets a new technological standard within the Leopard family.
Overall views and details from all around the vehicle
80 photos in JPG format (playable in any standard PC with CD drive and many current DVD players)
The Leopard 2 A8, officially unveiled at KNDS on November 19, 2025, represents the most advanced and fundamental evolution of the Leopard 2 series. It is no longer based solely on incremental upgrades of earlier models, but rather constitutes a comprehensively redesigned system that integrates the experience gained from the A7 and A7V versions with the German Armed Forces' new requirements for protection, digitalization, and endurance on the modern battlefield. Like its predecessors, it remains a classic four-man tank, but with a combat weight of approximately 67 to 70 tons, it is significantly heavier. Its dimensions, with a hull length of around 8 meters, approximately 11 meters including the forward-facing gun, and a width of just under 3.8 meters, correspond to the familiar Leopard 2 silhouette, which appears larger in the A8 due to additional protection modules and sensors.
The most significant innovation lies in its protection architecture. In addition to significantly redesigned passive armor, the Leopard 2 A8 features, for the first time, an integrated hard-kill defense system that detects incoming projectiles or anti-tank missiles and can destroy them before impact. This active component is complemented by improved roof protection, modern 360° sensor systems, and high-resolution thermal imaging and optical modules for the commander and gunner. The electronic architecture has been fully digitized and modularized, allowing for easier modernization of the fire control system, sensors, and communication solutions. The proven 120 mm L/55 smoothbore gun in the A1 variant is retained but benefits from more precise stabilization, a faster ballistic computer, and the ability to optimally utilize modern ammunition types—including programmable multi-purpose ammunition.
Despite its increased weight, the Leopard 2 A8 retains a high degree of mobility. Its 1,500 hp MTU diesel engine, coupled to an automatic Renk transmission, still allows for top speeds of approximately 60 km/h on roads and around 25–28 km/h in reverse. Under ideal conditions, the range is up to approximately 400 km, depending on the operational profile and additional equipment. The running gear and track system have been reinforced to support the increased overall weight and the additional protective modules; experts often refer to a new track design that is intended to offer longer service life, even though the specific official type designation is not consistently documented everywhere. Overall, the new chassis design improves ride comfort, accuracy when firing on the move, and durability during long-term operation.
The Leopard 2 A8 is of particular importance to the German Armed Forces. A total of 123 vehicles have been ordered and are scheduled for delivery in the second half of the decade. Some of these are intended for the brigade permanently stationed in Lithuania, while others will be used to modernize German tank battalions. The A8 is designed to fundamentally enhance the operational readiness of Germany's armored forces and simultaneously serve as a bridge to the tank concepts of the 2030s, including potential variants that could later integrate even more powerful sensors, improved protection modules, or new types of ammunition.
As a whole, the Leopard 2 A8 represents a significant technological leap compared to previous versions: greater survivability, more precise and interconnected sensors, improved firepower, robust mobility, and a digital architecture that facilitates future modernizations. It thus forms the new backbone of Germany's heavy forces and sets a new technological standard within the Leopard family.
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