The Czech Republic has entered into a seven-year deal with Rheinmetall to maintain and support its fleet of 42 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and two Bergepanzer 3 Büffel recovery vehicles. The contract, valued at up to 250 million euros ($292 million), includes spare parts, factory-level servicing, field repairs, and long-term customer support.
In addition to maintenance, the agreement provides training for local personnel, technical and logistical support, and project management services. Rheinmetall will also collaborate with Czech industry, awarding subcontracts to strengthen repair capabilities and share technical expertise.
The Leopard 2A4, originally upgraded following experiences in Afghanistan and the Balkans, features reinforced protection against mines, IEDs, and anti-tank weapons. The platform weighs 62 tons, measures 11 meters in length, and can achieve speeds of over 70 kilometers per hour. Its primary armament includes a 120mm L44 smoothbore cannon and a 7.62mm machine gun.
Meanwhile, the Bergepanzer 3 Büffel recovery vehicle—built on the Leopard 2 chassis—plays a crucial role in battlefield logistics by retrieving damaged assets, supporting amphibious crossings, and carrying out on-site repairs. With over 200 units in service globally, it remains a trusted asset across 12 armed forces. Prague’s move also aligns with its pledge to raise defense spending to 3 percent of GDP by 2030, driven by regional security challenges.
