Netherlands bolsters armed forces with Leopard tanks and Puma UAS fleet upgrades
The KNDS contract has the option for six more tanks, which could be exercised in 2027. (Photo: Dutch Ministry of Defence)
The procurement announcements emphasise the Dutch Ministry of Defence’s response to NATO’s call for heavier combat capabilities for land operations.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts that will modernise its armed forces equipment. The MoD officially signed a contract with KNDS for 46 Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tanks (MBT) and with AeroVironment for the additional procurement and upgrade of its Puma uncrewed aerial systems fleet.
The news that the Netherlands was going to acquire Leopard 2A8 tanks was first disclosed in October 2024. On 14 May 2025, KNDS then confirmed the signing of a contract with the Dutch procurement agency Commando Materieel en IT (COMMIT) for the procurement of at least 46 Leopard 2 A8 MBTs.
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