MENG Model's new German main battle tank, the Leopard 2A8, in 1/35th scale

Meng has developed a new Leopard 2A8 to top off their 35th-scale Leopard family. We have the CADs, features & the real thing in our preview...

MENG Model's new German main battle tank, the Leopard 2A8, in 1/35th scale

German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2A8

Kit No. #TS-057

1/72nd scale

There are three marking choices in the box.

Expected release: October 2025

Product Link on the Meng Website

The Subject: The Leopard 2A8
The Leopard 2A8 is the latest upgraded version of the venerable German Leopard 2 main battle tank developed by the German company Krauss Maffei Wegmann. The design was based on the Leopard 2A7 but received a number of improvements, such as the integration of the Trophy active protection system and an all-round situational awareness system.

The prototype in action on the display circuit

Armour
The Trophy active protection system is designed to protect the tank from the attack of anti-tank missiles. The system creates a controlled hemisphere above the tank, in the area of which radars track potential threats; if detected, they are destroyed by the automatic firing countermeasures. The system consists of several EL/M-2133 radars, which detect and identify missiles aimed at the tank and actuate launchers that fire the countermeasures that destroy the warhead before it hits.

The Leopard 2A8 is also equipped with passive armour of the latest generation and protection of the bottom of the hull, which protects the crew in case of encountering mines and improvised explosive devices. The tank was able to install additional modules of overhanging armour or anti-RPG protection systems. The Leopard 2A8 can be fitted with thick composite armour modules along the sides of the turret and the hull. Armour modules provide protection against RPG-7, which, depending on the ammunition, can penetrate up to 600 millimetres of steel armour.

Firepower
The main armament for serial versions of the Leopard 2A8 is the Rh-120 L/55 120-mm smoothbore gun by Rheinmetall, with a barrel length of 55 calibres. The tank is equipped with a modern EMES 15 fire control system with a stabilised main sight and double zoom. The primary sight has an integrated laser rangefinder and a Zeiss thermal imaging camera, both of which are connected to the tank’s fire control computer. The commander has a stabilised panoramic periscopic sight, the Rheinmetall/Zeiss PERI-R 17 A2, designed for day/night observation and target identification. It provides a circular view with 360° rotation.

The kit:

MENG will release the TS-057 1/35 German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2A8 model kit in October. The assembled model will be 315 mm long, 109 mm wide and 108 mm high. This kit includes precision PE parts and provides two paint schemes. This kit includes the highly popular cement-free double-pin workable tracks. Let’s check the details.

The Leopard 2A8 main battle tank represents the technological pinnacle of the Leopard 2 family, combining advanced firepower, multi-layered protection, and digital combat capabilities. It is destined to become the backbone of the armoured units of the German Army and its allies. As the latest masterpiece of the German defence industry, it is undoubtedly an ideal subject for military modellers to collect and build.

The imposing appearance of the German Leopard 2A8 main battle tank is excellently replicated through a combination of brand-new tooling hull and turret components paired with MENG's Leopard 2 series' exceptional movable running gear system.

This kit includes the latest Trophy APS components.

You have the option to install the remote-controlled weapon station of the MG3 machine gun.

All crew hatches can be built open or closed.

Lights, observation windows and optical sights are represented with clear parts.

The engine grilles and storage basket details are represented by PE parts.

The rearview mirrors can be assembled in either folded or upright positions, with reflective mirror foils providing excellent reflective effects.

This model precisely replicates the real vehicle’s torsion bar suspension.

It includes the highly acclaimed cement-free double-pin movable tracks from the Leopard 2 series, which are easy to assemble.

The specially designed mechanism allows the track tension to be adjusted according to your needs.

The gun barrel can elevate and depress.

The add-on armour on both sides of the turret can open and close.

You can see more info on this kit and others from Meng on the Meng Models website...