The €161 million contract, funded by the Czech Republic, includes a comprehensive ammunition and logistics package. Rheinmetall will deliver refurbished tanks, sourced primarily from former Swiss stocks, in a Czech-specific configuration by the end of 2026.
This latest agreement builds upon two previous ring swap arrangements between Rheinmetall and the Czech Republic. Under those agreements, the Czech military received Leopard 2A4 tanks while transferring older equipment to Ukraine’s armed forces.
The accompanying logistics and ammunition package aims to sustain the operational readiness of the Czech fleet. Upon completion of deliveries, the fleet will consist of 42 Leopard 2A4 tanks and two Büffel 3 armoured recovery vehicles.
With this procurement, the Czech Republic will finalise the transition of its 73rd Armoured Battalion from Soviet-era equipment to German-made main battle tanks. Dr. Björn Bernhard commented: “This contract underscores Rheinmetall’s commitment to supporting the modernisation efforts of European armed forces.”
