The Czech MoD is procuring a third batch of 14 Leopard 2A4 MBTs. (Czech MoD)
The Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on its website on 20 November that it was procuring 14 more Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks (MBTs), bringing the total to 42. The ministry plans to sign a contract for the tanks with Rheinmetall Landsysteme by the end of 2024.
Worth CZK3.98 billion (USD160 million), excluding value-added tax, the contract includes the installation of communication and information systems, maintenance equipment, and an initial supply of ammunition. The additional Leopard 2A4s are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Negotiations are also being finalised on a service contract so the tanks can be serviced in the Czech Republic.
ACR modernisation
Defence Minister Jana Černochová placed the Leopard 2A4 procurement in the context of modernisation of the Army of the Czech Republic (ACR) as Russian military equipment is phased out. The 42 Leopard 2A4s are replacing 30 Soviet-designed ACR T-72M4CZ MBTs, which the Czech MoD said no longer meet the requirements of the modern battlefield in terms of firepower and crew protection and will be decommissioned.
Noting that the Leopard 2 is widely used by NATO countries, the ministry said that acquiring the type would allow closer co-operation with allies, greater availability of spare parts, and common ammunition.
The Leopard 2A4s will equip the ACR's 73rd Tank Battalion, part of a heavy brigade that the Czech Republic will commit to NATO.
Batch buy
The Czech Republic will receive the previous 14 Leopard 2A4s it is acquiring by the end of 2025, according to the MoD.
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