Czech Republic signs €1.34 billion contract for Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks with delivery from 2028
First phase orders forty-four Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany for over thirty-four billion Czech crowns, with “Bohemisation,” support, and options for further purchases
The Czech Republic has approved a major defence contract valued at approximately CZK 34.25 billion (roughly €1.6 billion) to procure 44 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks from Germany.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028 and continue through 2031.
A contract for “Bohemisation”—national modifications including communication systems, camouflage, markings, machine guns, and ammunition—is included, amounting to CZK 1.49 billion.
Defence Minister Jana Černochová said that tanks are essential to a heavy brigade, and that by acquiring the modern Leopard 2A8s, the Czech Republic is answering its commitment to NATO allies as well as addressing longstanding gaps in its own defence capability.
The agreement, made with the German manufacturer KNDS Deutschland under the framework with Germany’s Bundeswehr procurement office, includes full logistical and service support: spare parts, training, documentation, and management systems.
Beyond the initial forty-four tanks, the agreement offers an option for an additional fourteen Leopard 2A8s in the same combat and command versions.
Furthermore, plans are underway to acquire up to nineteen vehicles of specialised variants—such as recovery, engineering, bridge-laying, and driver training—in separate contracts once supplier negotiations are complete.
Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka emphasised that despite advances in air and missile forces, main battle tanks still hold an undeniable role on modern battlefields.
He asserted that from firepower to crew protection and technological capabilities, the Leopard 2A8 will provide the Army of the Czech Republic with a first-class asset for national defence.
Industrial cooperation forms a central part of the deal.
At least eleven Czech companies will be involved in the supply chain—producing components, adapting the vehicles, and providing support both for export and domestic needs.
The cooperation is currently valued at about CZK 1.9 billion (roughly €75 million), with expectations of growth.
The Czech Republic thus becomes the third nation to formally join Germany and the Netherlands in the Leopard 2A8 procurement programme.
This joint approach helps reduce costs, streamline administrative procedures, and secure production capacity among participating European allies.
The Leopard family of tanks is already in service in fifteen European countries.
The A8 variant is now being adopted as the new production standard, and is viewed as a symbol of European interoperability and military standardisation.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028 and continue through 2031.
A contract for “Bohemisation”—national modifications including communication systems, camouflage, markings, machine guns, and ammunition—is included, amounting to CZK 1.49 billion.
Defence Minister Jana Černochová said that tanks are essential to a heavy brigade, and that by acquiring the modern Leopard 2A8s, the Czech Republic is answering its commitment to NATO allies as well as addressing longstanding gaps in its own defence capability.
The agreement, made with the German manufacturer KNDS Deutschland under the framework with Germany’s Bundeswehr procurement office, includes full logistical and service support: spare parts, training, documentation, and management systems.
Beyond the initial forty-four tanks, the agreement offers an option for an additional fourteen Leopard 2A8s in the same combat and command versions.
Furthermore, plans are underway to acquire up to nineteen vehicles of specialised variants—such as recovery, engineering, bridge-laying, and driver training—in separate contracts once supplier negotiations are complete.
Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka emphasised that despite advances in air and missile forces, main battle tanks still hold an undeniable role on modern battlefields.
He asserted that from firepower to crew protection and technological capabilities, the Leopard 2A8 will provide the Army of the Czech Republic with a first-class asset for national defence.
Industrial cooperation forms a central part of the deal.
At least eleven Czech companies will be involved in the supply chain—producing components, adapting the vehicles, and providing support both for export and domestic needs.
The cooperation is currently valued at about CZK 1.9 billion (roughly €75 million), with expectations of growth.
The Czech Republic thus becomes the third nation to formally join Germany and the Netherlands in the Leopard 2A8 procurement programme.
This joint approach helps reduce costs, streamline administrative procedures, and secure production capacity among participating European allies.
The Leopard family of tanks is already in service in fifteen European countries.
The A8 variant is now being adopted as the new production standard, and is viewed as a symbol of European interoperability and military standardisation.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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