According to Novinky.cz, the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic (AÄŒR) recommended postponing the tank procurement programme in November 2024. The recommendation came despite the project already being approved by the Czech government and classified as part of its strategic programmes.
The acquisition plan includes 77 vehicles, consisting of up to 58 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks and up to 19 support vehicles on tank-based platforms. The project, initially estimated at CZK 39.8 billion (EUR 1.64 billion), may cost over CZK 50 billion (EUR 2.06 billion), raising concerns about its potential impact on other military programmes.
The Defence Ministry has been working closely with the German Ministry of Defence on the deal. Additionally, the Czech Republic is modernising its armoured fleet by acquiring older Leopard 2A4 tanks. On 3 December 2024, the Czech government ordered a third batch of 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks, which will bring the total to 42 tanks by 2026.
In 2024, the Czech Republic allocated CZK 177.1 billion (EUR 7.31 billion) to defence, marking the first time in 20 years that more than 2% of GDP was spent on military funding. Of this amount, the Ministry of Defence received CZK 166.8 billion (EUR 6.89 billion), representing a significant increase from 2023 levels.
For 2025, however, defence spending is expected to decrease. The total budget for defence is projected at CZK 166 billion (EUR 6.85 billion), with less than CZK 160 billion (EUR 6.6 billion) likely allocated directly to the Ministry of Defence. This is a reduction from the CZK 169 billion (EUR 6.98 billion) originally planned in the budget proposal.
Source: novinky.cz