German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall will supply the Czech Republic with an additional 14 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks in a $169 million deal that also includes an extensive ammunition and logistics package.
The contract, signed by Rheinmetall Landsysteme CEO Bjorn Bernhard and Lubor Koudelka, director general of the Czech Ministry of Defence’s armaments and acquisition division, covers the refurbishment of the 14 vehicles, formerly operated by Switzerland, to meet the requirements of the Czech armed forces.
Prague’s latest tank order is part of two existing ring swap agreements, under which it has already received Leopard 2A4s and transferred old material to Ukrainian forces.
With the latest order, the Central European nation’s Leopard 2 fleet increases to 42. It also has two Buffel 3 armored recovery vehicles for combat readiness.
The Leopard 2A4, used by 18 nations, offers high-level combat performance with its combined firepower, protection and mobility capabilities. It also features a 120 mm smoothbore gun and could be fitted with a wide range of state-of-the-art ammunition from Rheinmetall.
The German contractor recently entered a joint venture with Italian multinational company Leonardo to expand its business. Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles will focus on supplying the Italian Army with new main battle tanks and armored infantry combat systems. The JV also plans to build a new European manufacturing center for military combat vehicles for the international market.