Government approves Leopard tank purchase, further aid to Ukraine

The Czech government on Wednesday approved the purchase of Leopard 2A8 tanks for the Czech military. In the first phase, the country plans to acquire 44 command and battle tanks. Including adjustments to meet the needs of the Czech army, the deal amounts to 34.25 billion crowns including VAT. The first Leopard 2A8 tanks are expected to arrive in 2028, with deliveries running until 2031.

The government also allocated one billion crowns annually for the years 2026 to 2030 to support Ukraine. According to Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Spolu) between 2026 and 2028, the National Development Bank will receive half a billion crowns each year for the co-financing of European projects or for guarantees.