German defence company Rheinmetall will supply the Czech Republic with Leopard 2 main battle tanks (MBTs) and other military hardware under the German government’s “Ringtausch” equipment exchange programme.
The exchange has been contractually agreed between representatives of both countries and Rheinmetall.
Rheinmetall stated that the Czech armed forces will be receiving Leopard 2A4 MBTs and Buffalo armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs).
In turn, the Czech military will be transferring military equipment to Ukraine. The order includes ammunition as well as a service package encompassing training and spare parts.
The first vehicle is due to be shipped in December 2022, with delivery to be completed by the end of 2023.
The “Ringtausch” is a procedure developed by the German government in cooperation with Germany’s neighbours and NATO allies to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
Specifically, NATO member states are providing Ukraine with Soviet-era heavy equipment in exchange for readily available Western military systems.
