Lithuania is moving to establish a domestic Leopard 2A8 production and sustainment capability after YIT Lietuva secured a €30 million construction contract from Lithuania Defence Services. The planned facility in the Kaunas Free Economic Zone will support tank assembly, maintenance, and servicing of other heavy military equipment used by the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Construction is expected to run from August through November 2027, while the first Leopard 2A8 assembled at the site is planned for late 2028. The project could create around 100 jobs and strengthen Lithuania’s role in NATO’s regional defense-industrial network. Lithuania ordered 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks from KNDS Deutschland in a €950 million agreement signed in 2024. The acquisition is part of Vilnius’ plan to establish additional armored units and enhance interoperability with allied forces. The Leopard 2A8 features a 120 mm main gun, advanced thermal and day-night imaging, laser rangefinding, and enhanced protection systems. Its 1,500-horsepower engine provides speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour and a range of approximately 400 kilometers.
