The Czech Republic has awarded a 161 million euro ($169 million) contract to Rheinmetall for the delivery of 14 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks.
The tanks will be drawn from former Swiss stocks and converted to a Czech-specific configuration.
The contract includes a package of ammunition and logistics services, with delivery expected by the end of 2026.
This marks the completion of the country’s 73rd Armored Battalion’s transition from Soviet-era to German tanks, replacing Prague’s T-72 M4 vehicles operating since the 1970s.
Features
The Leopard 2A4 main battle tank is designed to enhance crew protection and operational versatility.
Its passive armor safeguards against threats such as mines, improvised explosive devices, incendiary devices, and handheld anti-tank weapons.
The tank is equipped with advanced driver night vision technology, combining thermal imaging and low-light amplification for both forward and rear views.
A new operator interface improves the tank’s maneuverability, while its MTU diesel engine enables it to reach speeds exceeding 70 kilometers/43 miles per hour.
Previous Deliveries
Once this delivery is completed, the Czech Armed Forces will operate a fleet of 42 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks.
This latest contract supplements an agreement between Rheinmetall and the Czech Republic in 2022.
Under that deal, Prague received Leopard 2A4 tanks and Buffalo armored recovery vehicles in exchange for transferring older military equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
