Croatia to Acquire 44 German Leopard 2A8 Tanks in Historic €1.48 Billion Defence Modernisation Deal
In a landmark move to modernise its armed forces, Croatia has finalised a major defence agreement with Germany to purchase 44 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. The €1.48 billion deal, signed in Berlin on December 10, 2025, marks one of Croatia’s largest-ever military procurements and signifies a decisive strategic shift towards full NATO interoperability and away from its legacy Eastern-bloc equipment.
A Doctrinal Shift: From Soviet-Era M-84s to Advanced Leopards
The acquisition represents a complete overhaul of Croatia’s armoured capabilities. The new Leopard 2A8 tanks, manufactured by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall, will replace the country’s ageing fleet of M-84 tanks, a Yugoslav-era design based on Soviet technology. The 2A8 variant is among the world’s most advanced battle tanks, featuring enhanced digital systems, upgraded 120mm guns, improved armour, and the Trophy Active Protection System (APS) to counter anti-tank threats. This transition is not merely an equipment upgrade but a foundational shift in Croatia’s military doctrine towards Western-standard, network-centric warfare.
Funding and Delivery Timeline
The substantial purchase is being facilitated through a multi-source funding model. A significant portion, €1.14 billion, will be drawn from the European Union’s SAFE (Security Action For Europe) instrument between 2026 and 2030. The remaining €343 million will be covered by Croatia’s national budget through 2033. The first Leopard 2A8 tanks are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2030, accompanied by simulators, spare parts, and comprehensive logistical support, allowing time for crew training and infrastructure adaptation.
The Ukraine Connection: A Strategic Swap
This deal is intrinsically linked to Croatia’s support for Ukraine. In late 2024, Croatia donated 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Germany for onward transfer to Ukrainian forces. Berlin reimbursed Zagreb approximately €144.8 million for this equipment. This strategic “swap” effectively reduced the net cost of the new Leopard tanks and provided immediate, battle-tested armour to Ukraine, with the donated vehicles already reported in service on the front lines. This move underscores Croatia’s role as a substantive contributor to European security, having provided over €180 million in military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion.
Strategic Implications: NATO Alignment and Regional Security
The purchase underscores several key strategic priorities for Croatia:
NATO Integration: Fully aligning its heavy armour with NATO standards for command, control, and communication.
Enhanced Deterrence: Bolstering national defence and deterrence capabilities amid sustained regional instability in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
EU Defence Cooperation: Exemplifying how EU nations are leveraging collective financial tools like the SAFE instrument to accelerate military modernisation.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated the partnership with Germany is crucial for strengthening defence cooperation, noting the conscious move away from Eastern military technology. Defence Minister Ivan Anušić emphasised the acquisition as critical for modernising the Croatian Army’s combat power.
Looking Ahead: A Rising Defence Profile
This tank deal is a cornerstone of Croatia’s broader defence spending increase. The country plans to exceed 2% of GDP on defence by 2027 and approach 3% by 2030. By investing in cutting-edge capabilities like the Leopard 2A8, Croatia is not only securing its own borders but also positioning itself as a credible and capable partner within NATO and the EU, ready to contribute to collective European security in an era of heightened geopolitical tension.
