Germany offers additional Leopard 2A4 tanks to Czech Republic in Ukraine support deal
The Czech Republic has already acquired all the initially promised 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and three Bergepanzer 3 Büffel technical support vehicles as part of the Ringtausch initiative. According to a report by the Czech Ministry of Defense, Germany is now proposing to send another consignment of 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks along with one additional technical support vehicle.
Unfortunately, it remains unclear what the Czech Republic intends to supply Ukraine in return. However, if the Czech government chooses to procure another 14 tanks from Germany, the Czech armed forces could potentially have a total of 42 Leopard 2A4 tanks. This could mean all currently used T-72M4CZ tanks might be replaced.
The older Leopard 2 tanks surpass many features of the T-72 tank upgrades, a fact that could facilitate the transition of Czech tankers to Leopard 2A8s. Of note is the fact that the Czech Republic has shown interest in obtaining up to 70 units of the latest evolution of the Leopard 2.
Leopard 2A4 - A menacing remnant of the Cold War era
The Leopard 2A4 tanks, symbols of European armoured warfare philosophy from the 1980s, were the most popular variant of the Leopard 2 for several decades. These tanks were the first full production models from Western nations and belong to the third generation, characterised by their advanced multilayer armour, comprised of steel, composite materials, and ceramics, a gun stabilisation system and an advanced fire control mechanism. The last feature allowed for easier target identification and increased accuracy, even when the tank was in motion.
Moreover, unlike their Soviet counterparts, Western designers paid more attention to the crew's comfort and safety. This resulted in more interior space within the tank, and a deliberate aim to prevent instant fatalities in case of armour breach or fire within the ammunition magazine.
Despite its armour not being as tough as the newer A5 or A6 versions, the Leopard 2A4 still packs a punch, especially when pitted against older Russian tanks from the USSR era. Meanwhile, its 120 mm, 44 calibre long gun and the EMES 15 fire control system equipped with thermal imaging, along with the use of superior ammunition, make it a formidable adversary, even for the latest Russian tanks.
