Everything comes down to Ukraine: 5 stories from Europe in 2024

Everything comes down to Ukraine: 5 stories from Europe in 2024
Everything comes down to Ukraine: 5 stories from Europe in 2024

Of all that happened during the Ukraine conflict in the last 12 months, the deployment of North Korean troops to the Russian border territory of Kursk stands out from the pack.

Lithuania agrees to purchase 44 Leopard 2 tanks in country’s largest-ever defense deal

Lithuania agrees to purchase 44 Leopard 2 tanks in country’s largest-ever defense deal
Lithuania agrees to purchase 44 Leopard 2 tanks in country’s largest-ever defense deal

While costs and delivery dates were not made public in the statement, the Lithunian minister told the Baltic News Service that the goal is to have the tanks by 2030. 

Franco-German land systems firm KNDS appoints new CEO

Franco-German land systems firm KNDS appoints new CEO
Franco-German land systems firm KNDS appoints new CEO

Jean-Paul Alary, currently an executive at Safran Aircraft Engines, will formally take charge of the firm on April, 1 2025, KNDS announced.

KNDS debuts Enhanced Main Battle Tank technology demonstrator

KNDS debuts Enhanced Main Battle Tank technology demonstrator
KNDS debuts Enhanced Main Battle Tank technology demonstrator

Featuring an upgraded Leopard chassis with shortened engine to increase space inside the vehicle’s compartment, EMBT features KNDS’s new EMBT-ADT 140 uncrewed turret, which includes the 140mm Ascalon gun.

KNDS unveils new Leopard and Leclerc main battle tank concepts

KNDS unveils new Leopard and Leclerc main battle tank concepts
KNDS unveils new Leopard and Leclerc main battle tank concepts

“The fire power of the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 is augmented by a guided missile system with which targets beyond line of sight can also be engaged while on the move,” said KNDS.

Leonardo and KNDS pull plug on main battle tank and IFV cooperation

Leonardo and KNDS pull plug on main battle tank and IFV cooperation
Leonardo and KNDS pull plug on main battle tank and IFV cooperation

“The parties did not manage to agree on [Leopard] configuration and consequently, talks about Leonardo’s strategic participation in KNDS have also fallen short,” Frank Haun, CEO of KNDS NV, said in a company statement.

France, Germany ink deal on way ahead for ‘completely new’ future European tank

France, Germany ink deal on way ahead for ‘completely new’ future European tank
France, Germany ink deal on way ahead for ‘completely new’ future European tank

Defense ministers from both countries hailed progress on industrial workshare for a project that they say “will be a real technological breakthrough in ground combat systems.”

In-house rivalry: Boxer, VBCI armored vehicles compete for Qatari attention at DIMDEX

In-house rivalry: Boxer, VBCI armored vehicles compete for Qatari attention at DIMDEX
In-house rivalry: Boxer, VBCI armored vehicles compete for Qatari attention at DIMDEX

Qatar indicated it was going with France’s VBCI back in 2017, but as no final order has been signed, competition with fellow KNDS-produced vehicle Boxer is alive and well.

The sights of DSEI 2023 in London [PHOTOS]

The sights of DSEI 2023 in London [PHOTOS]
The sights of DSEI 2023 in London [PHOTOS]

Here’s just a bit of what the Breaking Defense team saw on the show floor this year.