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The military vehicles manufacturer is set to supply the NATO member with the main battle tanks as part of an exchange initiative.
Rheinmetall has been tasked with supplying the Czech Republic with main battle tanks and other military hardware under the German government’s “Ringtausch” equipment exchange program.
This includes the provision of Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and Buffalo armoured recovery vehicles.
In turn, the Czech military is expected to deliver equipment to Ukraine, which includes ammunition, and a service package encompassing training and spare parts.
The first vehicle is scheduled to be shipped to the Czech Republic in December 2022, with the final delivery slated for the end of 2023.
Germany’s “Ringtausch” program was developed in cooperation with Germany’s regional partners and NATO allies in an effort to support Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression.
NATO member states have committed to providing Ukraine with Soviet-era heavy equipment in exchange for readily available Western military systems.
Rheinmetall has signed relevant contracts relating to its participation in the program alongside General Ladislav Jung, Land Forces Commander of the Czech Republic; Colonel Robert Bielený, director of logistics section General Staff of the Czech Republic; Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, National Armaments director in the German Ministry of Defence; and Dr. Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall’s business unit tactical vehicles.
The vehicles are upgraded Leopard 2A4 MBTs formerly in the inventories of various user states.
The ARV 3 Buffalo armoured recovery vehicle is mounted on an enhanced Leopard 2 chassis.
[Related: Rheinmetall Defence Australia signs LAND 121 maintenance deal]
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