German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall will supply upgraded Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks to the Czech Republic, which in turn will transfer military equipment to Ukraine.
The German government developed the swap scheme, called “Ringtausch,” with its neighbors and NATO allies “to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression,” Rheinmetall said in a statement.
“Specifically, NATO member states are providing Ukraine with Soviet-era heavy equipment in exchange for readily available Western military systems,” it added.
Under the contract, the Czech Republic will also receive Buffalo armored recovery vehicles, as well as ammunition and service packages involving training and spare parts.
The first vehicle is expected to arrive in the Central European nation in December 2022, with delivery to be complete by the end of next year.
Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks
The 2.64-meter (8.66 feet) Leopard tank features optimal performance through combined protection, mobility, controllability, and firepower.
The Leopard 2A4 tank’s new 120mm smoothbore cannon and new fire control computer also enhance the main weapon system’s range, accuracy, and power.
With its torsion bar drive, the tank can also “user-friendly high speed off-road drives” that advance its mobility and reliability.