The Government of Prague has confirmed the purchase of Leopard 2A8 tanks and its intention to join the framework agreement established by the German Ministry of Defense with KNDS DE and Rheinmetall for the production of these vehicles.
The agreement anticipates a significant participation of the Czech defense industry with a great potential for growth, both in the production of the Leopard 2A8 destined for the Prague Army and in the global supply chain of the ARGE consortium between KNDS DE and Rheinmetall.
In the initial phase, 44 combat and command tanks will be purchased for 32.76 billion Czech korunas, including VAT, equivalent to 1.34 billion euros. The reserve for inflation and exchange rate has been set at 5 billion Czech korunas, equivalent to 200 million euros.
A contract will be drawn up between the Czech Republic Ministry of Defense and the KNDS DE company for the so-called “_bohemization_” of these tanks for an amount of 1.49 billion Czech korunas, VAT included.
By joining the framework agreement, the Czech Republic will acquire the tanks at the same price as other customers, currently Germany and the Netherlands.
The purchase price of 44 tanks also set up as command posts includes self-defense systems and mine protection, as well as integrated logistical support, including spare parts, support management, documentation and training.
The framework agreement allows the Ministry of Defense to purchase up to 58 tanks in the two versions mentioned above, while the remaining 14 tanks, which constitute an option under the agreement, may be purchased based on the financial capabilities of the Ministry.
At the same time, the Ministry of Defense plans to purchase up to 19 tanks in four additional versions (engineer, rescue and recovery, bridgelayer, and training).
A separate contract (or multiple contracts) will be concluded for this acquisition if Germany concludes negotiations with the suppliers, or a contract will be made directly with the manufacturers of these tanks.
In total, the Czech Army will receive anywhere from a minimum of 61 to a maximum of 77 Leopard 2A8 tanks in six versions.
The Czech Republic Ministry of Defense will therefore acquire Leopard 2A8 tanks under the same conditions and in the same configuration as the Heer.
An exception are the communication and connection equipment (the so-called C4ISTAR: command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance), the camouflage paint, the national insignia, and the machine guns of the 44 tanks currently being purchased that fall within the so-called “_bohemization_”.
The Czech Army will receive the first tanks in 2028 and deliveries will be completed in 2031.
Source: Czech Republic Ministry of Defense
Photo credit: KNDS DE
