Czech MoD orders Leopard 2A8 MBTs

The Czech Republic is procuring 44 Leopard 2A8 MBTs in co-operation with Germany in 2028–31. (Dutch MoD)

The Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) and KNDS announced in a press release on 11 September that they and the Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), Germany's Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support, have signed a contract for 44 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks (MBTs), with an option for 14 more. In addition, Lubor Koudelka, director of the Czech MoD's Armament and Acquisitions Division, signed a contract with KNDS on the ‘Bohemisation' of Czech Leopard 2s.

Phased procurement

In the first phase, 44 Leopard 2A8s, including command variants, will be purchased for CZK32.76 billion (USD1.58 billion), also covering active protection systems, mine protection systems, and integrated logistic support and spare parts, support management, documentation, and training. Under the framework agreement, the Czech MoD will purchase up to 58 tanks, with the option of 14 more to be purchased depending on the ministry's financial resources.

The Czech MoD also plans to purchase up to 19 armoured vehicles in four different versions: engineering, recovery, armoured vehicle launched bridge (AVLB), and driver training, with negotiations under way with suppliers.

The ministry is purchasing Leopard 2A8 MBTs under the same conditions and in the same configuration as the German Army, except for their command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (C4ISTAR), camouflage paint, and 7.62 mm machine guns, which will be contracted as part of the ‘Bohemisation' of the procurement.