The Czech Army currently operates 42 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks. The Defense Minister's Council has approved the purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8 battle tanks and command tanks for CZK 33 billion. Following the expected approval by the government, the contract is expected to be signed within weeks. This is a framework agreement.

From the outset, the army and the Ministry of Defense have expressed interest in 61 vehicles in six variants (in addition to combat and combat command vehicles, there are also bridge, engineering, rescue, and driver training vehicles) with an option for another 16 units, with a total value of CZK 52 billion. This has now been clarified by the Ministry of Defense: The purchase price of 44 tanks (combat and combat command) includes self-protection and anti-mine protection systems as well as integrated logistical support, including spare parts, support management, documentation, and training. The framework agreement allows the Ministry of Defense to purchase a total of up to 58 combat and combat command tanks, so the ministry will be able to purchase another 14 tanks according to its financial capabilities. At the same time, the Ministry of Defense still plans to purchase up to 19 tanks in four other versions (engineering, recovery, bridge, and driver training; 17 are to be purchased in the first phase). The total number and intention therefore remain unchanged. The tanks are to be delivered to the Czech Army between 2028 and 2031.

The current purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8 combat and command tanks will enable the arming of three existing tank companies with two additional vehicles for battalion headquarters. The possible purchase of additional command and combat tanks will enable the creation of a new fourth tank company, which could be specifically designated for medium brigade task forces (based on the 4th BRN). Similarly, 42 Leopard 2A4 combat tanks will arm three tank companies. If the option is exercised, it can be assumed that the 73rd Battalion will transition to the standard NATO structure. It will be supplemented by 2–3 companies of Active Reserves equipped with Leopard 2A4 tanks, or these tanks will be stored for mobilization reserve needs, similar to the T-72M4 CZ tanks. The Leopard 2A4 tanks are expected to be modernized. Ideally, the tanks will be upgraded to the 2A8 version, but this would be a very complicated process and involve considerable costs. Depending on future defense budgets, alternative solutions may include partial modernization, reinforcement of the turret armor, modernization of optics and sensors, possible replacement of the main weapon, use of an active protection system, or possibly the Leopard 2A-RC 3.0 project, which comes with an unmanned combat turret and is designed specifically for users of the 2A4 version, significantly extending its deployability.

Industrial cooperation and the share of Czech industry

The Ministry of Defense states that at least 11 Czech companies will be involved in the industrial cooperation program for Leopard 2A8 tanks. In addition to direct participation in the production of the aforementioned 44 tanks worth CZK 33 billion, with a value of CZK 1.3 billion, which represents less than 4%, this mainly involves long-term cooperation and the involvement of Czech companies in the supply chain for the production of tanks for other global users, with a potential industrial cooperation value of CZK 6.6 billion.

The specific names of the companies that will participate in the program have not yet been announced—the contract has not yet been signed—but it can be estimated with a high degree of certainty that they will include Ray Service, a leading supplier of cable harnesses, and companies with extensive experience in the production and maintenance/servicing of heavy equipment, i.e., companies belonging to the Czechoslovak Group (CSG) and/or STV Group. For example, Tatra Defence (a member of the CSG group) currently has the capabilities and capacity to manufacture modern armored vehicles such as TADEAS, TITUS, and Pandur 8x8. Tatra Defence also welds the hulls of BvS 10 tracked vehicles. Another company, Excalibur Army, has the capability to modernize and service tanks (it has experience in modernizing T-72 tanks for Ukraine) and to manufacture turrets for CV90 tracked armored vehicles. Excalibur Army will also soon open a new production hall, which will enable the company to increase its current capacity and expand its production capabilities (production of tracked vehicles). STV Group has extensive experience in renovating and servicing BVP-2s, DANA howitzers, T-72M1 and T-55 tanks, and various versions of GRAD rocket launchers, including their chassis. As part of the "Bohemization" of Leopard 2A8s, Czech communication systems will be supplied by Mesit, part of the Omnipol group.

Leopard 2A8 for the Czech Army

The tanks purchased jointly with Germany will be identical to those used by the German Bundeswehr, with the exception of camouflage paint, communication systems, and machine guns, which will meet the requirements of the Czech Army. The Leopard 2A8, with a crew of four (commander, gunner, loader in the turret, and driver in the front right part of the hull), carries a turret armed with a 120 mm smoothbore cannon with a barrel length of 55 calibres from Rheinmetall AG. This is an improved version of the L44 cannon, which was originally installed in earlier versions of the Leopard 2 tank, including the 2A4 version. The cannon can fire various types of ammunition, including APFSDS, HEAT, and multi-purpose ammunition, as well as programmable ammunition. The cannon is coupled with a 7.62 mm machine gun.

The Leopard 2A8 variant builds on experience gained in recent and ongoing conflicts with improved armor protection that significantly increases the vehicle's survivability. The upgraded model uses the latest generation of multi-layer armor, which is a combination of steel, tungsten, composite fillers, and ceramic components. The tank is equipped with an additional set of passive armor, which further strengthens its defense. Advances in protective measures are particularly evident in areas such as the turret roof and the underside of the tank, where protection against the effects of anti-tank mines has been increased. A very significant addition to the Leopard 2A8 tank's defense system is the integration of the originally Israeli EuroTrophy active protection system, which further strengthens the tank's resilience and adds an active, responsive layer of defense against incoming threats in the form of RPGs, anti-tank guided missiles, or loitering munitions. The tank will also be equipped with a weapon station with machine gun armament installed on the roof of the combat turret, which, in addition to acting against light ground targets, can also be used to protect against unmanned aerial vehicles and FPV drones.

The tank is powered by a 1,600 hp engine (100 hp more than the engine in previous versions of the tank). The tank can reach a maximum speed of 70 km/h on the road. Thanks to the higher efficiency of the new powerpack and large-capacity fuel tanks, the Leopard 2A8 has an estimated operational range of approximately 450 kilometers. It is also highly maneuverable. With the ability to climb slopes with a gradient of up to 60% and traverse side slopes with a gradient of 30%, the Leopard 2A8 is capable of handling diverse and demanding terrain. It can overcome vertical obstacles up to approximately 1.15 m high and trenches 3 m wide. Without preparation, it can safely cross water depths of 1 m. With the necessary preparations, the tank can cross water obstacles up to 4 meters deep.

The tank is equipped with advanced optics, fire control systems, and combat equipment that increase its combat effectiveness, targeting accuracy, and crew safety. The optics include a panoramic commander's periscope that provides a 360° view. It is also equipped with third-generation thermal imaging modules for both the commander and gunner, which enable high image resolution in various lighting conditions, including at night and in adverse weather. The Leopard 2A8 is equipped with a sophisticated fire control system that offers a high probability of hitting the target with the first shot, even if the tank or target is moving. In this regard, it is worth noting that tanks equipped with an automatic loading system have a consistently higher rate of fire, but tanks with manual loading can achieve a faster rate of fire for the first three shots. Combined with an excellent fire control system, this is a significant advantage and one of the reasons why most of today's most advanced Western tanks still have a crew of four.

Essential support for mobile ground-based air defense and C-UAS

Reflection on the state of the modern, multi-domain battlefield, as assessed on the basis of recent and ongoing conflicts and short- and medium-term projections, suggests that the importance of main battle tanks and their role is changing due to the vulnerability of heavy equipment to air attacks and sophisticated anti-tank weapons. However, it cannot be said that they are becoming a redundant part of the armed forces' arsenal. What is fundamentally changing are the requirements for their deployment and form of support, their integration into a comprehensive system. This is confirmed by the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, Army General Karel Řehka, who says: “Tanks continue to have their indisputable place on the modern battlefield and are an essential part of a modern army. The quality of the Leopard 2A8 tank – from its firepower and crew protection to its technological sophistication – will ensure that the Czech Army acquires a cutting-edge tool for the defense of the state.”

Modern ground warfare will always be supported by air assets, making tanks an easy target. This general principle has been valid for practically the entire time tanks have been deployed on the battlefield, i.e. for more than a century. The development of missile technology and, in the last ten years, especially drones of various categories, further exacerbates these threats. Combat helicopters, fighter jets, or larger drones equipped with the latest anti-tank guided missiles, which can easily penetrate tank armor, can turn a tank formation into a tank graveyard in a matter of minutes. These are constant risks, compounded by smaller drones and loitering munitions (kamikaze drones). These threats are creating pressure for new approaches to both passive and active tank protection, supported by air and anti-drone defense systems.

The Czech Army will acquire MARS 4x4 armored vehicles equipped with the proven SHORAD RBS-70 NG system. This is a significant step forward, but from a general perspective, it is only the first step. The army is currently working on a study concerning a new air defense concept. It can be assumed that in the area of air defense of maneuver elements, the main focus will be on strengthening and expanding the capabilities of ground-based air defense, particularly in the area of barrel-armed vehicles capable of effectively countering the threat of unmanned aerial vehicles. We can also expect a return to shoulder-launched anti-aircraft guided missiles for mechanized infantry and, in general, a strengthening of mobile air defense. Even the best-protected heavy equipment with the most modern active protection systems on a modern battlefield cannot fulfill its main tasks effectively and without unacceptable losses in the long term without such support.