The German defense concern Rheinmetall will supply the Czech Republic with 14 Leopard 2A4s and one Büffel armored recovery vehicle to replace the tanks that Prague previously handed over to Ukraine.
Points of attention
- The Czech Republic will receive 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and a Büffel armored recovery vehicle from Rheinmetall, as part of an agreement to replace equipment previously transferred to Ukraine.
- The 'ring exchange' program, initiated by the German federal government, aims to provide Ukraine with essential military equipment quickly to bolster its defenses following a potential Russian invasion.
- Germany's promise to compensate countries like the Czech Republic, who transferred older equipment to Ukraine, with modern models like the Leopard tanks demonstrates strategic support for Ukraine.
- The deliveries of the Leopard tanks and Büffel armored car are scheduled to take place from the end of 2024 to the beginning of 2026, underlining the significance of the agreement signed between the parties.
- The Czech Republic's involvement in the 'ring exchange' reflects a broader European initiative to swiftly supply non-new military equipment to Ukraine during times of conflict, emphasizing solidarity and support within the NATO alliance.
The Czech Republic will receive Leopard tanks from Rheinmetall
The value of the order is a three-digit figure in millions of euros. Deliveries will take place from the end of 2024 to the beginning of 2026.
The corresponding agreement was signed in Prague at the end of July 2024 between the representatives of both countries and the Rheinmetall concern.
The supply takes place within the framework of the so-called "ring exchange" proposed by the German federal government to support Ukraine in the fall of 2022. This is already the second stage of "exchange".
The Czech Republic will not receive new main battle tanks, but Leopard 2A4 from the warehouses of various user states, which are owned by Rheinmetall and have undergone major repairs. The Büffel armored car is the most modern equipment.
"Ring exchange" is a procedure developed by the German federal government after the start of a full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation to support Ukraine. Its purpose was to ensure the fastest possible supply of non-new equipment, mainly Soviet, to Ukraine by European partners, NATO allies. In exchange, Germany promised to later compensate these countries for the transferred equipment with modern models.
The Czech Republic handed over 70 T-72 tanks to Ukraine.
The Czech Republic will receive 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany
The relevant acceptance documents were signed by the Czech Ministry of Defense.
It is emphasized that Prague will receive supplies from Berlin as compensation for helping Ukraine in the war with the Russian Federation.
The Czech Republic will receive the first Leopard 2A4s in 2024, the last ones by the end of 2026.
