The Czech Ministry of Defense has signed a $1.57 billion contract to acquire Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks from KNDS Deutschland, with deliveries set to begin in 2028.
The agreement, concluded through Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, covers 44 new tanks and includes options for an additional 14. It also provides for service support, logistics and country-specific modifications.
KNDS said Prague plans to follow up with separate contracts for 19 supporting Leopard systems, including recovery, bridging, engineering and driver-training vehicles. The Czech Republic becomes the third nation to join Germany’s multinational Leopard 2A8 procurement program, which aims to establish the latest variant as the standard across Europe.
The A8 version features upgraded protection, a modernized weapon system, advanced digitalization, an auxiliary power unit and new crew operating concepts. Leopard tanks are already fielded in 15 European countries, underpinning interoperability and defense standardization across the region.
The order builds on a December 2024 contract with Rheinmetall to deliver 14 refurbished Leopard 2A4 tanks, expanding the Czech Army’s A4 fleet to 42 vehicles by 2026. Together, the acquisitions will significantly boost the country’s armored capabilities.