The state-owned company VOP CZ has signed a cooperation agreement with Rheinmetall for the servicing and repair of Leopard 2A4 tanks for the Czech Army. This is a very important milestone for the military repair company, as it will gain further necessary expertise in the field of ground military equipment repairs.

The agreement also includes a precise time frame for the individual steps that the state-owned company will take to ensure the servicing of this combat equipment. The contract is expected to be signed in September and will be valid for seven years.

The first phase, planned for this fall, will involve training VOP CZ specialists in the repair of Leopard 2A4 tanks. Subsequently, under the supervision of Rheinmetall experts, service personnel will be involved in the maintenance of these tanks at the Přáslavice garrison. VOP CZ's service participation will be gradually increased.

The agreement also provides for the possibility of creating a mobile service team that will carry out minor repairs and servicing directly at deployment sites outside the permanent garrison. 

"We have undergone a long series of complex negotiations, and I am glad that we have brought them to a successful conclusion. It is crucial that a state-owned enterprise is involved in such a fundamental activity as the servicing of battle tanks. This will provide the Czech state with valuable know-how and full control over its use," said VOP CZ Director Vlastimil Navrátil, MBA, to CZ DEFENCE.

The Czech Army currently has a total of 42 Leopard 2A4 tanks. Leopard 2 tanks are widely used among NATO member states, which brings advantages in terms of collective defense—ensuring interoperability with allies and the possibility of sharing capacities. In contrast, the T-72M4 CZ tanks (30 units), which are currently in service, are used exclusively by the Czech Republic and feature highly specific technical solutions.

Leopard 2A4 tanks have high firepower, maneuverability, mobility, and the ability to traverse difficult terrain and ford deep water. Their weapons enable them to fire effectively against tanks, light and medium armored combat vehicles, and manned targets.

Negotiations are currently underway between the Czech and German sides on the purchase of the latest version of the Leopard 2A8 tank. If these negotiations are successful, the Czech Republic could subsequently acquire 61 of these vehicles in several modifications under a framework agreement, with the possibility of purchasing an additional 16 units in the future.