German "Leopard" 2A8 main battle tank.

  According to foreign media reports, recently, the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced the purchase of 46 German-made "Leopard" 2A8 main battle tanks, aiming to rebuild tank troops and improve ground combat capabilities.

  In 2011, due to the reduction of defense budget and strategic adjustments, the Netherlands abolished the tank troops and sold all the "Leopard" 2A6 main battle tanks. In 2024, affected by the changing geopolitical situation, the Netherlands reassessed its defense needs and decided to restart the construction of tank troops.

  It is reported that due to the lack of large-scale armor training and live-fire exercise sites in the Netherlands, the newly formed tank battalion will be stationed at the Borghausen base in Lower Saxony, Germany. The base has sufficient site and complete facilities, providing convenient conditions for carrying out related military activities. At the same time, it is stationed in the same place as the German army, which facilitates joint training between the two countries' armies and improves interoperability.

  The Netherlands' main battle tank procurement plan will cost 1 billion to 2.5 billion euros (about 1.13 billion to 2.83 billion US dollars), and is expected to start delivery in 2027 and form comprehensive combat capabilities in 2030.

[Editor in charge: Wang Jinzhi]