Czech Republic to Approve Purchase of 77 German Leopard 2A8 Tanks.

The Czech government is set to approve an agreement for the joint acquisition of Leopard 2A8 tanks in the coming weeks, according to Defense Minister Jana Černochová (ODS). Negotiations are ongoing with Germany to purchase 77 tanks. This agreement is a preliminary step towards finalizing the purchase contract, which could be signed by the end of the year. The cost is expected to be similar to that of the CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, for which the Czech Republic paid 59.7 billion CZK for 264 units.
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The Czech government is set to approve an agreement for the joint acquisition of Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tanks in the coming weeks. (Picture source: Open Source)

The government tasked Černochová with exploring the possibility of joining the German tender last May. "We have made progress on the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank acquisition project and plan to submit the joint procurement agreement for government approval in the coming weeks," stated Černochová. The agreement could be signed before the government recess, which typically occurs in mid-summer.

According to Černochová, the agreement will officially express the Czech Republic's interest in joining the tender. "This is not the final contract; we aim to finalize that by the end of 2024," she added. If the government approves the agreement, it will pave the way for the Czech Republic to maximize its participation in future industrial cooperation.

The cost of the tanks is expected to be comparable to that of the CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. "When I say it should be roughly the same price as the infantry fighting vehicles, I don't think I'll be wrong," said Černochová. The price will include both the anticipated expenditure for acquiring the tanks and inflationary exchange rate reserves.

Germany has donated 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and one recovery vehicle to the Czech Republic over the past two years in recognition of its support for Ukraine. In February, Černochová informed the government about the possibility of another similar donation. Germany has also offered the Czech Republic the option to purchase an additional 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and one recovery vehicle, bringing the total to 42 Leopard 2A4 tanks and three recovery vehicles.

The Leopard 2A8 is a German modern battle tank equipped with powerful armament and advanced protection systems. ( Picture Source: KMW)

The Leopard 2A8 is a modern battle tank equipped with powerful armament and advanced protection systems. It features a 120 mm / L55 smoothbore cannon, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and a Trophy APS countermeasure launcher, providing significant destructive capability and effective defense against current threats such as anti-tank guided weapons (ATGW) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPG). This tank is used by countries like Germany and the Czech Republic.

Weighing between 65,000 and 67,000 kg, the Leopard 2A8 is a heavy vehicle designed in Germany, capable of reaching speeds of 70 km/h on the road. Its operational range is 450 km, making it effective for extended operations.

The tank is also equipped with various combat systems that enhance its battlefield efficiency. It includes a collective NRBC (nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical) system, a power pack preheating system, a crew compartment heater, a fire extinguishing system, electric bilge pumps, a thermal imaging system, an auxiliary power unit, and a crew compartment cooling system. Additionally, it is equipped with a panoramic sight for the commander, improving battlefield surveillance and command capabilities.

The Leopard 2A8 can accommodate a crew of four and has impressive dimensions with a length of 7.7 meters, a width of 4.0 meters, and a height of 3.0 meters. These characteristics make it a robust and versatile battle tank, capable of meeting the demands of modern conflicts.

"In the future, our soldiers should have 77 of the new 2A8 tanks and 45 of the 2A4 tanks," stated Černochová. This would give the Czech Republic a total of 122 tanks, including recovery vehicles. Main battle tanks, along with infantry fighting vehicles, constitute a heavy brigade. The Czech Republic had previously committed to NATO to have a heavy brigade ready by 2026, a commitment it will not be able to meet.

The Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tank at IDET 2023. ( Picture Source: Army Recognition)