Czech Republic announces a plan to upgrade more T-72 tanks for Ukraine.

During the Ukraine Defense Contact Group that was held in Ramstein, Germany on Friday, April 21, 2023, the Czech Defense Minister Daniel Blazhkovets, in a collaborative effort to bolster military aid for Kyiv, the Czech Republic has announced plans to upgrade an additional batch of T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). This initiative will be carried out in partnership with the United States and the Netherlands, highlighting a strong commitment to reinforcing regional security.
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The Czech Republic has already delivered to Ukraine 37 upgraded T-72B tanks to Ukraine. (Picture source Video Footage Excalibur Army)

The Czech Defense Minister Blazhkovets outlined that Prague's priorities for arming Kyiv encompass BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, tanks, large-caliber ammunition, electronic warfare systems, reconnaissance, and air defense equipment. As part of a joint project with the United States and the Netherlands, over 90 modernized T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) are being supplied to Ukraine, with 37 already delivered and more arriving each month.

Ales Vytechka, director of the Czech Intergovernmental Defense Cooperation Agency (AMOS), suggested increasing production by dozens more tanks if partner nations are willing to finance the project. Furthermore, the Czech Republic is open to negotiating the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul center for heavy equipment based on the VOP state company and several private firms.

The Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine held a meeting in the Ramstein format, gathering heads of defense departments from countries in the "tank coalition." Attendees signed a protocol of intent to create a repair and maintenance center for Leopard 2 main battle tanks in Poland, which were previously delivered to Ukraine.

In November 2022, it was revealed that the United States and the Netherlands are joining forces with the Czech Republic to supply Ukraine with 90 refurbished T-72B main battle tanks. These tanks will be sourced from the Czech defense industry's inventory. The three nations are firmly dedicated to providing Ukraine with the necessary equipment to withstand Russian aggression in the long run.

The United States and the Netherlands will collectively fund a Czech industrial initiative, valued at approximately $90 million, which will be closely coordinated and supported by the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic.

The Czech Ministry of Defense, in collaboration with Excalibur Army, has developed an upgraded version of the Soviet-era T-72B tank. This modernized variant features thermal imaging capabilities, night vision systems, and enhanced armor protection.