Romanian Army negotiates the purchase of Leopard 2 tanks

The Romanian Army wants modern tanks and negotiates the purchase of last generation Leopard 2 tanks.

The modernization programme would start in 2020, the European Defense Agency says, digi24.ro reports.

Specialists say they are awaiting the latest industry reactions before launching the final consultations with our country and three other countries: Spain, Greece and Cyprus.

Leopard 2 is, besides Germany, equipping 11 other European states. The tank is considered to be among the best in the world, propelled by a diesel engine of 1,500 horsepower and equipped with cannon that can hit a target 2,000 meters away.

According to ‘Jane’s Defense Weekly’, the cost of such a tank can exceed EUR 8 million.

The Ministry of Defence confirms that it has money allocated for the modernization of the fleet of tanks, but a decision regarding the model has not been made.

“It is premature to speak at this point about the implementation of the European Defense Agency’s (EDA) project on the optimization of capabilities with Leopard 2 tanks for the Romanian Armed Forces, because a series of EDA procedures are needed. We confirm that we have discussions at this level, but they have a predominantly technical component at the moment,” a MoD release reads.