First firing of Slovak Leopard 2A4 main battle tank

By Defence Industry Europe

Land | August 9, 2023

First firing of Slovak Leopard 2A4 main battle tank

Photo: Slovak Ministry of Defence.

Following an 8-week training course conducted by Bundeswehr instructors, Slovak tank crews have successfully fired their inaugural shots from the Leopard 2A4 tank. The Leopard 2A4 tanks are presently being integrated into the arsenal of the Slovak land forces.

Germany will deliver to Slovakia a total of 15 Leopard 2A4 tanks as part of the Berlin-initiated “Ringtausch” programme. In Slovakia’s case, these tanks are compensation for 30 infantry fighting vehicles (BVP-1) that Bratislava has donated to Ukraine.

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Slovak Defence Minister Martin Sklenár remarked, “The Leopard tanks will augment our tank battalion, fortify the combat capabilities of the heavy mechanized brigade, and consequently enhance Slovakia’s defence readiness.”

Thus far, Berlin has supplied Slovakia with 3 Leopard 2A4 tanks. Prior to their transfer, each tank undergoes comprehensive refurbishment undertaken by the German defence company Rheinmetall.

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According to the Slovak Ministry of Defence, the remaining 12 Leopard 2A4 tanks are scheduled for delivery to the Slovak armed forces by year-end.

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First firing of Slovak Leopard 2A4 main battle tank

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