“This contract is an important step for VOP CZ, as the company will gain new experience in maintaining modern Western military technology. The contract is concluded for seven years and contains a precise plan for how the scope of repairs will gradually expand. The goal is for VOP CZ to be able to carry out complete servicing of the tanks, including possible modernisations, by the end of this period,” said VOP CZ Director Vlastimil Navrátil.
The agreement outlines a detailed roadmap for expanding maintenance capabilities, starting with the servicing of key systems before progressing to full-scope overhauls. Selected VOP CZ specialists will undergo professional training directly at Rheinmetall’s facilities in Germany later this year. After returning to the Czech Republic, they will train additional service staff and work alongside German experts to conduct maintenance operations at the 73rd Tank Battalion in Přáslavice.
According to the company, around one hundred technicians from VOP CZ will be involved in the maintenance and repair of the Leopard 2A4 tanks. The contract also provides for the creation of a mobile service team capable of performing minor field repairs directly in deployment areas outside the main base, increasing operational flexibility and support capacity.
“For us, this contract is again an important milestone, as it moves us to a new type of Western technology. At the same time, we will gain the necessary know-how in the field of repairs, which we will further develop and apply. We also want to cooperate with Rheinmetall on other projects in the field of land technology,” added Navrátil.
VOP CZ emphasised that this cooperation not only strengthens the company’s technical competence but also integrates Czech defence industry capacity into a wider European supply chain. The company’s specialists will directly contribute to the operational readiness of the Leopard 2A4 fleet, which plays a crucial role in the modernisation of the Czech Army’s armoured forces.
Beyond the Leopard programme, the Šenov-based enterprise is also involved in the assembly of Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles and the development of two specialised variants – a medical version and an artillery observation model. VOP CZ will oversee final testing and delivery of these vehicles to the Czech Army and continues to supply fuel tankers for both ground and air forces.
The Leopard 2A4 tanks, replacing the ageing Soviet-designed T-72M4CZs, are among the most widely used main battle tanks within NATO. Their introduction into Czech service enhances cooperation with allies, improves spare parts availability and strengthens interoperability. A total of 42 Leopard 2A4 tanks and two Büffel 3 recovery vehicles are operated by the 73rd Tank Battalion in Přáslavice.
The Ministry of Defence also signed a binding order on 11 September 2025 for the acquisition of 44 Leopard 2A8 command and combat tanks for the Czech Army. By joining the framework agreement between the German Ministry of Defence and manufacturer KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, the Czech Republic has secured its participation in the latest generation of European armoured platforms. The first deliveries are expected in 2028, with completion scheduled for 2031.
Source: Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of the Czech Republic (press release).
