Czech Defense Ministry Approves Plan to Buy 44 Leopard Tanks
Technicians assemble a Leopard battle tank in Unterluess, Germany.
Photographer: Axel Heimken/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Czech Defense Ministry approved a plan to buy an initial 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany for 32.8 billion koruna ($1.6 billion).
If endorsed by the cabinet of Prime Minister Petr Fiala, the ministry will sign a framework agreement and submit a binding order in the coming weeks, according to a statement on its website. Deliveries are planned for 2028-2031 and the deal gives the Czech Republic an option to buy another 14 of the tanks if more funds are available.