“Ensuring service support is an absolutely essential step for operating tank equipment,” said Lubor Koudelka, Director General of the Armaments and Acquisitions Division at the Ministry of Defence. “With the Czech Army transitioning to the Leopard platform, we are eliminating dependence on Russian or Soviet-made technology.”
The new seven-year framework agreement with Rheinmetall will secure the repair and maintenance of the Leopard 2A4 tanks through a staged capability transfer to Czech military logistics units. “The service contract ensures smooth transition of maintenance capabilities from the supplier to our logistics units without affecting training or operational use,” noted Lieutenant General Miroslav Hlaváč, First Deputy Chief of the General Staff.
The Ministry had already signed a contract with Rheinmetall in December for the delivery of 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks. These are in addition to the 30 Leopard 2A4 tanks and recovery vehicles previously donated by Germany to the Czech Republic in recognition of its support to Ukraine, all also supplied by Rheinmetall.
The framework agreement, valued at CZK 6.16 billion (approx. EUR 250 million) excluding VAT, includes a reserve margin and reflects estimated but not binding costs depending on the Army’s actual needs. The contract will cover servicing, spare parts procurement—including an initial package for several years’ supply—as well as training, technical-logistical and post-production support.
Additional elements of the agreement may include mobile maintenance infrastructure and simulation technologies, providing a comprehensive support package for the operation and integration of the Leopard tanks. The contract is expected to be formally concluded during the summer.
The Leopard 2A4s will replace outdated Soviet-designed T-72M4CZ tanks, which no longer meet modern battlefield standards. These older vehicles are limited in firepower and crew protection, especially in high-intensity combat scenarios.
With the rearmament of the 73rd Tank Battalion, the Czech Army will operate a full NATO-standard tank battalion, raising its total number of main battle tanks from 30 to 42. The Leopard 2A4 is one of the most widely used tanks within NATO, facilitating closer cooperation, shared capabilities, easier spare parts access, and standardised ammunition calibres.
Beyond modernising its armoured forces, the Leopard acquisition also supports the Czech Republic’s commitment to NATO to develop a fully capable heavy brigade, in which main battle tanks are a core component.
Source: Czech Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces.
