The Czech government has approved plans to buy 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany as part of efforts to modernise its armed forces during the war in Ukraine.
Defence Minister, Jana Černochová said the country will pay over 34 billion koruna ($1.6 billion) for the tanks, which will be delivered between 2028 and 2031. She added that the Czech Republic has the option to order more at a later stage.
The purchase follows an earlier agreement with Germany and other partner countries to acquire up to 77 Leopard tanks. The 2A8 is the newest version of the Leopard model.
The Czech Republic has already committed to other major defence deals, including 24 U.S. F-35 fighter jets and 246 CV90 armoured vehicles from Sweden.
According to the defence ministry, once the cabinet led by Prime Minister, Petr Fiala gives final approval, a framework agreement will be signed and a binding order placed in the coming weeks.
The contract also allows for an additional 14 tanks if funding becomes available.
Prague has been modernising its military after sending older equipment to Ukraine to support its defence against Russia.
Earlier this year, the government pledged to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, above NATO’s current 2% target.
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