The Czech Republic has confirmed its plan to acquire 14 more Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks from Germany.
A contract for 3.98 billion korunas ($162.8 million) is expected to be signed with Unterluess-based Rheinmetall Landsysteme by the end of the year, according to Czechia’s defense agency.
The deal will increase Prague’s 2A4 fleet to 42 or more than half of the expected systems outlined in a strategy revealed in June.
In addition to the vehicles, the agreement will provide associated communication and information systems, training equipment, and an initial supply of the tank’s ammunition.
The incoming Leopard 2A4s, alongside its 2A8 variant that Czechia eyes to purchase, will eventually replace the Central European country’s Soviet-made T-72 M4 main battle tanks operational since the 1970s.
In a press briefing, the Czech Ministry of Defense highlighted the significance of the Leopard fleet in modern warfare, particularly in lessons seen from Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine.
“The experience of the conflict in Ukraine clearly confirms the uniqueness and combat value of main battle tanks,” the agency told reporters. “They are the only ones to combine high firepower, mobility and durability. It turns out that especially modern tanks of Western design can protect the crew even from the new threats of high-intensity war.”
“Tanks are an essential part of the heavy brigade we promised to build as our contribution to the collective defense of the North Atlantic Alliance. Without the acquisition of Leopard 2A4 tanks, we would not be able to fulfill alliance obligations due to time constraints.”
The Leopard 2A4
Germany’s Leopard 2A4 measures 11 meters long, weighs approximately 62,000 kilograms (136,686 pounds), and is covered with multilayer armor as well as a specialized coating on critical parts.
It is powered by an MTU diesel engine for a top speed of over 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour and a range of 450 kilometers (280 miles).
The 2A4 is armed with an L44 smoothbore cannon and a 7.62-millimeter machine gun.