PRAGUE - The Czech government has approved the first phase of the acquisition of modern German Leopard 2A8 tanks following a cabinet meeting. In the first wave, 44 command and combat tanks will be purchased for a total of 34.25 billion crowns, including VAT. In addition, the Ministry of Defence has set aside five billion crowns as an inflation and exchange rate reserve.

The purchase amount is structured as follows: the price of the 44 tanks, including self and mine protection systems, integrated logistic support, spare parts, documentation and training, is CZK 32.76 billion incl. VAT. The so-called "Bohemianisation" - i.e. national modifications including command and control systems, camouflage, national markings and machine guns - costs CZK 1.49 billion incl. VAT.

The Ministry of Defence said the contract will be signed with the manufacturer KNDS (formerly KMW/Nexter) under a German framework agreement. This allows for purchase on the same terms as the German army and other connected states. The agreement also gives the Czech Republic the option to buy up to 14 additional tanks in the versions in question and 17 to 19 vehicles in other modifications, such as engineer, recovery, bridge or training vehicles. The first machines are planned for 2028, with deliveries continuing until 2031.

Ministryně obrany Jana Černochová to the decision stated: "Tanks are an essential part of the heavy brigade... we are repairing a debt to our own defences." Chief of General Staff Karel Řehka added that the Leopard 2A8 brings modern firepower, crew protection and technological maturity.

Why joint purchasing? The Czech side emphasises the economic efficiency and speed of delivery that joining the German administrative and framework agreement brings. The joint procedure reduces unit costs and shortens administration. The agreement also includes the involvement of Czech industry - at least 11 Czech companies are to be involved in the supply chain and vehicle life cycle.

The international context is also crucial. The Leopard 2A8 is produced by KNDS, and other countries, such as the Netherlands, are also placing orders under similar framework agreements. This confirms the KNDS production model and also interoperability within NATO.

The government approval is followed by the signing of an amendment to the framework agreement and the dispatch of a binding purchase order. The specific schedule of payments and advance payments will be specified in the contract. In the longer term, the Czech Republic may have 61 to 77 Leopard 2A8 tanks in different versions, depending on the available funding.

Ministerstvo obrany/gnews.cz - GH