Czech Republic receives the first Leopard 2A4
The Czech Republic received the first Leopard 2A4 tank during a ceremony in Přáslavice on 22 December. The vehicle was delivered by the German MoD to replace armoured platforms the Czech Government donated to Ukraine.
Alongside CV90 IFVs, the Leopard 2A4 will equip a heavy brigade which is part of the Czech commitment to NATO.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, Maj Gen Karel Řehka, claimed that the introduction of this MBT will enhance the interoperability with other NATO countries that currently have the Leopard 2A4 in their fleet.
Related Articles
Czech Republic starts talks with Sweden for purchase of CV90s
EU countries seek advanced ground combat capabilities
How collaborative defence programmes can improve EU armies’ readiness
‘Joint efforts, mutual cohesion and decisive action make us strong and resilient,’ Řehka pointed out.
The German MoD announced in May that it would send to the Czech Republic 14 Leopard 2A4 MBTs and an armoured recovery vehicle from its defence industry stocks. The agreement between the countries also included spare parts, ammunition and training on how to operate the tanks.
According to a press release issued by the Czech MoD, the remaining 13 tanks will be delivered by the end of 2023 and the recovery platforms by mid-2024.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Poland announces IBCS integration timeline
Polish defence leaders said the country already has a squadron trained on using the Integrated Battle Command System which it planned to move forward with in 2024.
-
Australian Army readies itself for influx of heavy metal
The Australian Army has been restructuring its armoured capabilities, consolidating heavy armoured vehicles such as the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams and AS21 Redback IFVs in Townsville, while also advancing key defence projects.
-
Estonian Centre for Defence Investments revamps sniper rifle provision
Estonia upgrades its sniper rifle for better, longer precision.
-
Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 3 programme receives first high-capacity batteries
Hanwha Defence Australia will supply the Redback IFV to the Australian Army as part of one of the force’s largest and most expensive project in its history.