Germany to provide tanks to Czech army in return for Ukraine aid

• The Czech government, a strong supporter of Ukraine, has sent at least 62 tanks to Kyiv since the war began.
• Prague plans to modernize its army, particularly using German tanks, with first deliveries expected later this year.
• The Czech army will receive 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and one armored "Buffel" tank recovery vehicle.

On Wednesday, the Czech defense ministry announced that Germany will provide 15 tanks to help replace those sent to war-torn Ukraine. The Czech government, a strong supporter of Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, has sent at least 62 of its tanks to Kyiv since the war began.

Prague has increased its defense spending and aims to modernize its army, particularly by using German tanks, with the first deliveries expected later this year.

“We are replacing structurally obsolete Soviet equipment with new, modern machines that can withstand the current environment,” Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said in a statement.

Cernochova said that the Czech army will receive 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and one armored “Buffel” tank recovery vehicle.

She thanked “the German side for being able to appreciate in this way our assistance to Ukraine, which is facing brutal Russian aggression.”

As part of the compensation package for Czech military equipment deliveries to Ukraine, Germany has already gifted Prague 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and a recovery vehicle. In June, the Czech government announced plans to buy up to 77 German-made Leopard tanks in the coming years through a joint purchase deal with other European countries to help lower prices.

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