Czech Republic confirms purchase of Leopard 2A8s: historic step towards army modernization
Czech Republic, August 24, 2025 – The Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic has taken a major step towards the modernization of the Czech Army by approving the purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks. The total value of the contract is 34.25 billion crowns including VAT and includes not only the tanks themselves, but also their adaptation to the specific needs of the Czech Army, the supply of ammunition, spare parts, crew training and logistical support. This project is a key milestone in fulfilling its obligations to the North Atlantic Alliance, especially in the area of building a heavy mechanized brigade, which the Czech Republic has promised to build by 2030.
The order concerns the latest version of the German Leopard main battle tank, the 2A8 model, which is currently considered one of the most modern armored vehicles in the world. According to the approved framework, the Czech Republic will purchase 44 units in the combat and command versions in the first phase. The price of the machines themselves is around 32.76 billion crowns, with another 1.49 billion earmarked for the so-called “Bohemization”. This includes the installation of Czech communication systems, modification of camouflage, national identification marks and integration of domestic armament, including machine guns. This phase also includes the involvement of at least eleven Czech companies that will participate in modifications, maintenance and logistical support.
The contract also includes the allocation of approximately five billion crowns as a reserve in case of inflation or exchange rate fluctuations. Deliveries of the first machines are scheduled to begin in 2028 and the entire process is to be completed by 2031. The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that thanks to the framework agreement concluded with Germany and the manufacturer KNDS, the Czech Republic is obtaining more favorable conditions than it would have been possible to achieve independently. In addition, this cooperation ensures full interoperability with other Leopard users within NATO, which is of fundamental importance not only for logistics, but also for joint deployment in alliance operations.
However, the approved first phase of the purchase is not the final form of the project. The framework agreement allows for the number of tanks to be increased to 61 in the combat and command versions in the future, while the maximum number could reach 77 if additional variants are purchased. These include special modifications such as bridge, recovery, engineer versions and driver training trainers. The Ministry of Defense thus leaves open the possibility of further strengthening the heavy brigade according to the financial and strategic capabilities of the state. The Leopard 2A8 is equipped with a number of technical improvements compared to previous versions. It has a powerful twelve-cylinder engine, a modernized fire control system, improved ballistic protection and also the Israeli Trophy active protection system, which can detect and destroy incoming anti-tank missiles. The machine is also equipped with modern sensors, thermal imaging systems and advanced connectivity to the digital command network, which ensures better situational awareness of the crew and its ability to respond to rapidly changing situations on the battlefield. Improved air conditioning allows operation in very demanding climatic conditions, which increases the comfort and efficiency of the crew during long-term deployment.
In this context, Defense Minister Jana Černochová emphasized that the acquisition of Leopard 2A8s is necessary to ensure the defense capability of the Czech Republic and fulfill alliance obligations. According to her, the tanks form the backbone of the heavy brigade and their absence would mean a fundamental weakness in the defense structure. “With this step, we are correcting the debt we have to our own defense capability,” said the minister, referring to the outdated Soviet tank fleet that the Leopards will gradually replace.
The political debate surrounding the purchase has not escaped criticism, however. Some opposition members of parliament question the timing of the signing of the contract, especially in view of the upcoming elections. They also point to the question of whether Czech industry will be sufficiently involved in the production and maintenance of the new tanks. Former Minister of Defense Lubomír Metnar pointed out that it is necessary to ensure not only the rapid delivery of equipment, but also its long-term service support and personnel training, so that the machines are not just a static exhibit in the barracks after delivery.
The history of this project dates back at least to June 2024, when the government officially approved the Czech Republic’s accession to the German acquisition agreement. Already then, there was talk of a plan to acquire up to 77 tanks in six versions with an estimated cost exceeding 52 billion crowns. The approval of a specific first phase thus represents the logical conclusion of the preparatory phase, during which details about the price, scope of delivery, involvement of domestic companies and technical modifications of the machines were negotiated.
Comparison of Leopard 2A8 and T-72M4 CZ: a generational leap forward
The current tank fleet of the Army of the Czech Republic is based mainly on modernized Soviet T-72M4 CZ tanks. The modernization of the original T-72s included engine improvements, installation of a more modern fire control system, new sensors and ballistic protection. Although these modifications became some of the best in the post-communist armies at the time, technological development in the field of armored vehicles has advanced significantly since then.
The main difference between the Leopard 2A8 and the T-72M4 CZ lies in the level of protection and firepower. The Leopard 2A8 has the latest generation of composite armor supplemented with modular ballistic protection, which allows for the rapid replacement of damaged segments. The Trophy active protection system can automatically detect and neutralize incoming missiles, which is a capability that the T-72M4 CZ completely lacks. The passive protection of the Czech modernized tank is significantly weaker, both against kinetic projectiles and against cumulative projectiles.
The firepower of the Leopard 2A8 is also at a higher level. The tank is equipped with a smooth-bore Rheinmetall L55A1 120 mm cannon, which allows the use of the latest generation of sub-caliber ammunition with a higher muzzle velocity and better penetration. The T-72M4 CZ uses a 125 mm Soviet-origin cannon with an automatic loader, the capabilities of which are limited by its older design and the absence of some modern types of ammunition compatible with NATO standards. Despite the modernization of the fire control system of the T-72M4 CZ, the ability to conduct accurate fire at longer distances remains lower than that of the Leopard 2A8, especially when firing on the move and at night.
Another significant area of difference is mobility and operational reliability. The Leopard 2A8 weighs around 67 tonnes, significantly more than the T-72M4 CZ, which weighs around 48 tonnes, but its powerful 1,500 hp MTU MB 873 Ka-501 twelve-cylinder diesel engine provides it with enough power to achieve a similar top speed (around 65 km/h) and better acceleration and off-road capabilities. The T-72M4 CZ uses a 1,000 hp Perkins Condor engine, which is lighter but, for a heavily loaded machine, already reaches its limits during long-term operation in demanding conditions.
Last but not least, the Leopard 2A8 offers more modern ergonomics and comfort for the crew. Air conditioning, digital communication systems, advanced sensors and integration into tactical data networks are standard, while these capabilities are limited or completely absent in the T-72M4 CZ. This affects not only combat effectiveness, but also the long-term sustainability of the crew’s performance in field conditions.
Overall, it can be said that the transition from the T-72M4 CZ to the Leopard 2A8 represents a generational leap in all key parameters – from protection and firepower, through mobility, to technological integration with modern combat systems. The modernized T-72s have been able to maintain Czech tank units at a solid level in the past, but they are no longer viable compared to the latest Western designs. The Leopard 2A8 thus means not only strengthening capabilities for the Czech Army, but also full integration into NATO standards, which will significantly increase its value within the alliance forces.
The approval of the contract for the Leopard 2A8 is therefore not only a technical and logistical decision, but also a strategic and political signal. It shows the Czech Republic’s determination to invest in its own defense at a time when the security environment in Europe remains uncertain and is changing dynamically. The question remains whether the political will and economic capacity will be able to take advantage of the possibility of expanding the number of machines to a maximum of 77. In any case, the first phase itself represents a fundamental strengthening of the country’s defense potential and its ability to face current and future threats.
Martin Scholz
