The agreement marks a significant milestone for the Czech defence industry and highlights the growing capabilities of Czech companies within European defence programs.
The partnership builds on long-term cooperation and mutual trust between the two companies. As part of the contract, know-how will be transferred to Tatra Defence, bringing new technologies, expanded manufacturing capacity, and skilled jobs to the Moravian-Silesian Region.
The contract forms part of the broader involvement of the Czech defence industry in the Leopard 2A8 program, which the Czech Republic joined alongside other European countries. The program stands as a strong example of practical European defence cooperation.
Under the agreement, Tatra Defence will be responsible for welding the Leopard 2A8 hulls, including quality control and the implementation of related technological processes.
“The strategic partnership with KNDS Deutschland strengthens our position as a reliable and technologically advanced partner in Europe,” said Tomáš Mohapl, CEO of Tatra Defence Vehicle. “At the same time, it opens new opportunities for future cooperation on the development and maintenance of armoured platforms.”
Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KNDS Deutschland, added: “I am pleased that we have a competent partner like Tatra Defence at our side. Our goal is not only to support production for Germany and the Czech Republic, but also to establish this cooperation as a permanent manufacturing base that contributes to strengthening European defence capabilities.”
Building on this project, the partners plan to increase production volumes and expand cooperation to additional KNDS platforms. These include the LEGUAN bridge-laying system, which is of interest to the Czech Army. Cooperation with KNDS France will also be intensified, particularly on the 6×6 TITUS wheeled vehicle and other systems.
