Czech Republic orders LEOPARD 2 A8

The LEOPARD 2 A7V. (KNDS Deutschland)

The total order volume is approximately €1.34 billion

The Czech Army will equip its tank units with the LEOPARD 2 A8 starting in 2028. On behalf of the Czech Ministry of Defense, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and KNDS Deutschland have signed a contract for the procurement of an initial 44 LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tanks, with an option for a further 14 Systems. The contract includes extensive service and logistical support services. A parallel contract for country-specific adaptations was signed.

The Czech Republic also plans to purchase a further 19 LEOPARD Systems, for example recovery, bridging, engineer, and driving school vehicles. Separate contracts will be concluded for these in the future.

The basis for the procurement is the framework agreement for the LEOPARD 2 A8 established by the BAAINBw. This also enables other countries to procure the KNDS main battle tank system in the A8 configuration.

The Czech Republic is the third country to join the joint LEOPARD 2 A8 procurement program with Germany. The new production of these LEOPARD 2 main battle tanks consolidates the A8 variant as the new standard.

The LEOPARD 2 main battle tank has been introduced in 15 European countries and is a symbol of interoperability, successful standardization, and Europeanization.