On October 28, 2024, Croatia and Germany signed a pivotal letter of intent to enhance their defense capabilities through the acquisition of 50 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. This agreement, forged by Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, marks a significant step in the modernization of Croatia’s military. The Leopard 2A8, renowned for its advanced protection and firepower, is equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun and the Trophy active protection system, ensuring superior combat effectiveness. As Croatia plans to offset costs by selling M-84 tanks to Germany for transfer to Ukraine, this strategic partnership not only strengthens NATO alliances but also reinforces support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts. With improved capabilities, Croatia aims to align with contemporary defense technology standards, ensuring a robust armored fleet for future operations.
