The Czech government has approved plans to buy 77 Leopard 2A8 battle tanks, as the country looks to retire its Soviet-era military equipment.
The purchase from German-French maker KNDS is expected to be finalized no later than at the end of the year.
Under a previous agreement, the Czechs received 15 older 2A4 Leopards tanks from Germany to cover the gaps in the country’s military inventory caused by equipment being given to Ukraine.
A further 15 2A4 tanks have also been ordered, which will, when combined with the 77 2A8s, will bring the Czechs’ Leopard tank force to 122.
The 2A8s, which will cost about $2.29 billion, should be delivered by 2030.
The Czech defense ministry is looking to gradually phase out its T-72 tanks, which date back to the days of the Soviet bloc.
Under a previous agreement, the Czechs received 15 older 2A4 Leopards tanks from Germany to cover the gaps in the country’s military inventory caused by equipment being given to Ukraine.
A further 15 2A4 tanks have also been ordered, which will, when combined with the 77 2A8s, will bring the Czechs’ Leopard tank force to 122.
The 2A8s, which will cost about $2.29 billion, should be delivered by 2030.
The Czech defense ministry is looking to gradually phase out its T-72 tanks, which date back to the days of the Soviet bloc.
Source: Reuters
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