On September 11, 2025, the Ministry of Defense signed a long-awaited binding order for 44 Leopard 2A8 command and combat tanks, which will form the modern armament of the 73rd Tank Battalion. Since the beginning of negotiations on joining the joint purchase with the German government, there has been talk of six versions. In addition to command and combat tanks, driver training tanks, and bridge tanks (Leguan) manufactured by the Munich-based company KNDS Deutschland, two other special versions will also be indispensable: the Buffalo recovery tank and the Kodiak engineering tank, both produced by the Düsseldorf-based company Rheinmetall. In their case, too, it will be a joint purchase with Germany, which will acquire these vehicles for the Bundeswehr.

The Czech Army currently has two Buffalo armored recovery vehicles, which it received as part of a circular exchange as a gift from the German government along with 28 Leopard 2A4 battle tanks. Another 14 of these tanks were purchased, bringing the army's total number of battle tanks of this version to 42. To ensure the effective service of the newly acquired 44 modern Leopard 2A8 tanks, the purchase of additional recovery tanks will be necessary. The Main Battle Tank strategic project envisages 61 units with an option for a further 16 tanks. This will involve the acquisition of at least four recovery tanks with an option for one more. In addition, four engineer tanks will be purchased for the needs of the 15th Engineer Regiment in Bechyně.

Bergepanzer 3 (ARV 3) Büffel (Buffalo)

The ARV 3 Buffalo armored recovery vehicle is based on the Leopard 2 tank chassis. It has a combat weight of 54,000 kg with a towing capacity of up to 62,000 kg  of 62,000 kg (MLC 70). The maximum achievable speed is 68 km/h. With a fuel tank capacity of 1,629 liters, the vehicle has a maximum range of 650 km on road and 325 km off-road. The driver sits at the front of the superstructure and the commander behind him. The vehicle is equipped with a fire extinguishing system, a system to protect against the effects of weapons of mass destruction, and deep fording equipment. In peacetime, the Bergepanzer 3 is operated by a two-man crew, with space for a third crew member. The engine compartment is located at the rear, and the Buffalo uses the same drive as the Leopard 2.

A large crane with a lifting capacity of 30,000 kg is installed in the front right of the vehicle, and the boom can be rotated 270 degrees. The crane is equipped with an electronic torque limiter that constantly calculates the height of the boom, the inclination of the vehicle, and the weight of the load to prevent overload. A Rotzler Treibmatic TR 650/3 winch with an effective rope length of 180 m (diameter 33 mm) and a lifting capacity of up to 35,000 kg is installed in the front of the vehicle, which can be doubled using a pulley block. A complete replacement power unit can be transported in a special cradle on the engine cover, and the Buffalo is capable of replacing the Leopard 2 tank's power unit in approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the tank version.

The large blade at the front can be lowered to stabilize the vehicle during winching or crane operations. The blade can also be used to overcome obstacles and clear debris. The vehicle is also equipped with electric cutting and welding equipment. Other equipment includes various couplings and tow bars, quick couplings and release mechanisms for towing, and a self-recovery system. The armament consists of a 7.62 mm MG3 machine gun, used primarily for air defense, and 16 70 mm smoke grenade launchers.

Pionierpanzer 3 (AEV 3) Kodiak

Thanks to its increased efficiency and functionality, the AEV 3 Kodiak armored engineering vehicle meets the heightened requirements of modern armed forces for effective armored engineering equipment. Similar to the ARV, it combines modern technology specific to engineer units with proven components from the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Regardless of the configuration used (including mine protection equipment, for example), the vehicle is guaranteed to remain within the weight limits of the MLC 70 class. The Kodiak provides engineers with a multifunctional tool similar to the famous “Swiss Army knife”: Like the Buffalo, it is based on the Leopard 2 chassis (including mine protection) and is equipped with an articulated excavator, two winches, and a folding blade that can be replaced with a mine plow. It is also very useful outside the battlefield, for example in rescue operations after hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods, as well as in post-conflict reconstruction.

The vehicle is equipped with an articulated arm with a quick-release system for attaching additional tools, such as a universal grapple, hydraulic hammer, and concrete crusher. An extendable bulldozer blade is also available, which can be replaced with a demining device if necessary. The vehicle's bulldozer capacity is 350 m3/h. The mine clearance system includes a Pearson Engineer Mine Plough (EMP), a lane marking system, and a Demeter magnetic device. The winch system is equipped with two Rotzler winches with a lifting capacity of 9 tons, each with a 200 m long rope.

The vehicle is equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station that can be fitted with a 12.7 mm machine gun or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. The weapon station can be equipped with an infrared camera, a daylight camera, and a laser rangefinder. The Kodiak is also equipped with a smoke grenade launcher, a set for protection against the effects of nuclear, biological, and chemical substances, and an integrated mine protection system. The crew compartment is equipped with a heating and cooling system. The engineer tank can be equipped with a battlefield control system and a radio and intercom system according to user requirements. The improved efficiency and functionality of the tank allow engineers to create and destroy combat obstacles, including overcoming minefields. The tank boasts the characteristics of an MBT and an engineer vehicle.

Joint purchase with Germany

The Bundeswehr has 75 Buffalo recovery tanks and 44 Kodiak engineer tanks (which replace the older Dachs engineer tanks on the Leopard 1 chassis). Not only in view of the strengthening of the Panzertruppe and the acquisition of Leopard 2A8 tanks, the German army will also need to increase the number of both variants, and the Czech Republic will then be able to join the joint purchase. As with the other variants, this will enable both (and possibly other) countries to obtain the most favorable terms thanks to volume discounts. In both cases, a certain level of “Czechization” can be expected in the form of communication systems introduced in the Czech Armed Forces, Czech paintwork, and Czech machine guns. The common Leopard 2 platform will ensure the same level of deployability and facilitate maintenance logistics throughout the entire life cycle.