Canada’s military is set to purchase 114 Leopard 2 tanks from the Netherlands, according to a recent announcement by the country’s procurement minister, Anita Anand. The acquisition will cost approximately $275 million and is part of a broader effort to modernize Canada’s military capabilities.
The Leopard 2 tanks are expected to be used by Canadian soldiers for training and operational purposes, as well as to support NATO missions. The purchase will also provide a boost to the Canadian Armed Forces’ fleet, which has been aging and in need of replacement.
The procurement of the tanks is a joint effort between Canada and the Netherlands, with the latter country’s military currently in the process of modernizing its own fleet. The purchase will also support the domestic defense industry, with Canadian companies involved in the maintenance and support of the tanks.
The acquisition comes at a time when tensions between Ukraine and Russia are high, and Canada has committed to providing support to Ukraine in the form of military aid. The Leopard 2 tanks are not specifically intended for this purpose, but they could be used to provide additional military support to Ukraine if necessary.
Overall, the purchase of the Leopard 2 tanks is seen as a positive step towards enhancing Canada’s military capabilities and supporting its allies, both domestically and abroad.