Czech Republic Discusses Local Production of Leopard 2 Tanks with Germany.

The Czech defense industry is gearing up to collaborate with Germany in the production of Leopard 2 tanks, as per reports from the Czech news outlet Echo24.CZ dated April 18, 2024. This partnership is poised to enhance the capabilities of the Czech Republic's military manufacturing sector.
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A Technological demonstrator of Leopard 2A8 tank design was displayed during IDET 2023, a defense exhibition that was held in the Czech Republic. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)

The Czech company Excalibur Army, part of the Czechoslovak Group (CSG) owned by arms manufacturer Michal Strnad, is expected to play a significant role in this new venture. A source close to the negotiations revealed that Excalibur Army would be primarily involved in the contract, benefiting not only the Czech Army but also other nations interested in the advanced Leopard 2A8 tanks.

Preliminary plans suggest broad participation by the Czech defense industry, with a focus on establishing a new assembly line for tank turrets at the Excalibur Army facility in Šternberk, Olomouc. This initiative marks a significant step in domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The Leopard 2A8 tank represents the latest variant in the development of the Leopard 2 main battle tank series, which is overseen by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). Although detailed specifications of the Leopard 2A8 are not extensively documented, it is expected to offer superior enhancements over its predecessor, the Leopard 2A7, particularly in terms of armor, firepower, and technological advancements.

The tank is likely to feature advanced armor protection, incorporating new armor technologies that provide increased resistance against modern threats. This includes upgraded composite armor and potentially active protection systems designed to intercept and neutralize incoming projectiles. Additionally, the Leopard 2A8 is expected to possess enhanced firepower capabilities, with improvements to its main gun system for greater accuracy and lethality. The integration of modern digital systems for command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) will also enhance its operational effectiveness, enabling seamless communication and coordination on the battlefield.

Overall, the Leopard 2A8 aims to maintain the legacy of the Leopard tank series, combining robust defensive features with powerful offensive capabilities to meet the demands of contemporary warfare.

The Czech Republic has ambitious plans to acquire at least 77 Leopard 2A8 tanks, with the first batch expected by 2027 and full delivery by 2030, according to the Ministry of Defense. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Czech military's armored forces.

Discussions about this collaboration began in 2023 when the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) explored the possibility of expanding production capacities in the Czech Republic. The Czech defense industry's unique capabilities are well recognized, currently supporting Ukraine with military hardware and ammunition amidst ongoing conflicts.

KMW aims to ramp up its production from the current three to four Leopard 2A7 tanks per month to 20, reminiscent of Cold War production rates. However, this expansion is contingent on augmenting existing capacities, a gap the Czech industry is expected to fill.

Moreover, Defense Minister Jana Černochová has indicated that the Czech Republic plans a joint tank order with the German Bundeswehr. Several other countries, including Lithuania, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Italy, and Spain, have also shown interest in the Leopard 2A8 tanks.

In a broader scope, the Czech army plans to overhaul its fleet by replacing the older T-72M4 CZ tanks with up to 122 new Leopard 2 tanks, including both the Leopard 2A8 and older Leopard 2A4 models, the latter of which was received as part of compensation for the Czech Republic's support to Ukraine.

This strategic partnership not only strengthens the military ties between the Czech Republic and Germany but also positions the Czech defense industry on a global stage, ready to meet the increasing demand for advanced military technologies.

Defense News April 2024