The Czech Ministry of Defence has finalized a strategic seven-year agreement with Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH valued at CZK 6.16 billion (approximately EUR 250 million) for the comprehensive maintenance of the Czech Army’s Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks. This framework goes beyond routine logistics, supporting service, repairs, and spare parts supply to ensure the tanks remain fully operational over the long term.
This contract is a key milestone in the Czech Republic’s transition from Soviet-era armored vehicles to NATO-standard platforms. Lubor Koudelka, Senior Director of the Ministry’s Armaments and Acquisitions Section, emphasized that reliable maintenance is crucial to the successful operation of the Leopard tanks and that this shift strengthens Czech military independence from Russian and Soviet technology.
The agreement covers 44 Leopard 2A4 tanks, including 14 newly acquired from Rheinmetall in late 2024 and 30 battle and recovery tanks donated by Germany as compensation for Czech military support to Ukraine. Rheinmetall’s expanded role now includes both supply and maintenance, promoting standardization and maintaining operational readiness in line with NATO modernization efforts.
