Tank Swap: Rheinmetall to supply Leopard MBTs to Czech Army to support Ukraine: Prague, Czech Republic – German defense contractor Rheinmetall has secured a new contract to supply main battle tanks and armored recovery vehicles to the Czech Republic as part of a broader effort to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The deal, valued at over €100 million, was signed in late July and marks the second such agreement between the two countries since October 2022.
Under the terms of the contract, Rheinmetall will deliver 14 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and one Buffalo armored recovery vehicle to the Czech armed forces. In exchange, the Czech Republic will provide military equipment to Ukraine. Deliveries are scheduled to commence at the end of 2024 and continue through to early 2026.
The tanks being supplied to the Czech Republic are upgraded Leopard 2A4 models previously owned by other countries. The Buffalo armored recovery vehicle is a state-of-the-art system built on an enhanced Leopard 2 chassis.
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Buffalo Armored Recovery Vehicle of German Army.
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Germany’s Ring Swap initiative for Ukraine
This transaction is part of the “ring swap” initiative, a European cooperation aimed at providing Ukraine with Soviet-era heavy equipment while replenishing the arsenals of NATO member states with modern Western systems. By facilitating this exchange, Germany and its allies seek to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and deter further Russian aggression.
Rheinmetall has been a key player in supporting Ukraine’s military, having already delivered a significant number of infantry fighting vehicles and working on establishing tank production in the country. The company’s involvement in this latest ring swap underscores its commitment to providing critical equipment for Ukrainian forces.
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Buffalo ARV lifting the rear of a Leopard 2A4 MBT. (Archive photo).
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