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Rheinmetall Confirms Order of Leopard 2A4 Tanks from Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic has reached an agreement with Rheinmetall for the delivery of an additional 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks, as part of a contract valued at approximately €161 million, the company announced on December 11, 2024. The new tanks, primarily sourced from Swiss military stocks, will be refurbished and customized to meet the specific needs of the Czech Armed Forces.
The Czech Republic has reached an agreement with Rheinmetall for the delivery of an additional 14 Leopard 2A4. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)
The contract was signed by Dr. Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, and Lubor Koudelka, Director General of the Armaments and Acquisition Division of the Czech Ministry of Defence. The agreement includes not only the tanks but also a comprehensive package of ammunition and logistical support. These measures are designed to ensure the long-term operational readiness of the Czech military’s Leopard 2A4 fleet.
This order complements two previous "ring swap" agreements, in which the Czech Republic provided Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine in exchange for older equipment. By the end of 2026, the Czech Armed Forces will have 42 Leopard 2A4 tanks, along with two Büffel 3 armored recovery vehicles.
The Leopard 2A4 is a main battle tank developed in Germany and widely used by numerous countries around the world, including European nations like Austria, Finland, and Poland, as well as countries such as Chile and Ukraine. It is designed to provide a combination of firepower, protection, and mobility on the battlefield. The Leopard 2A4 is armed with a 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, capable of firing a wide range of ammunition, accompanied by a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and another 7.62mm machine gun mounted on the loader's hatch, primarily used for defense against aerial threats.
In terms of protection, the Leopard 2A4 is equipped with standard-spaced multilayer armor, with enhancements to the front turret for increased resistance to enemy fire. The interior of the turret features spall liners to protect the crew from penetrating projectiles. The tank is also equipped with an infrared night vision system and an NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection system, ensuring its effectiveness in various environments and combat conditions.
Weighing 62,000 kg in combat conditions, the Leopard 2A4 offers both protection and mobility. It has a maximum road speed of 72 km/h and can cover up to 500 km on a full tank of fuel. The tank is designed to be highly maneuverable while delivering exceptional firepower and protection. With a crew of four, it measures 7.70 meters in length, 3.70 meters in width, and 3.00 meters in height, allowing it to operate efficiently while maintaining a relatively low profile on the battlefield.
The acquisition of these new tanks marks an important step in the modernization of the Czech Republic's armored forces, completing the transition of its 73rd Armored Battalion from Soviet-era tanks to German-made Leopard 2A4s. This ongoing upgrade reflects the Czech military’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and improving interoperability with NATO forces.
The tanks will undergo a complete refurbishment and adaptation to meet the Czech Republic’s specific requirements, ensuring full operational capability by the scheduled delivery date. With this order, the Czech Republic further strengthens its position within NATO’s defense framework, enhancing both its military capabilities and its role in regional security.