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2d ago

Czechia Finalizes Deal to Buy 44 Leopard 2A8 Tanks From Germany

The $1.6 billion purchase underscores a NATO-focused modernization push following earlier orders for F-35 jets and CV90 vehicles.

FILE - Visitors gather by a Leopard 2 A8 tank, left, and a Leopard 2A-RC-3.0 tank at the Eurosatory Defense and Security exhibition, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 in Villepinte, north of Paris, On Wednesday Sept. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Michel Euler/File)
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Overview

  • Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová said the 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks will cost more than 34 billion koruna, or about $1.6 billion.
  • The contract sets deliveries of the first lot for 2028 to 2031, with a formal option to acquire additional tanks afterward.
  • The acquisition is framed as a key step to upgrade forces to NATO standards as Prague overhauls its ground and air capabilities.
  • The Leopard 2A8 is the newest variant featuring a 120mm L/55 gun, active protection, an auxiliary power unit for silent watch, advanced optics, and digital battle management systems.
  • The tanks are produced by German manufacturers KMW and Rheinmetall, and the deal aligns with Czech political backing for Ukraine and opposition to Russia’s invasion.