KNDS Deutschland has entered into a contract with TATRA DEFENCE for the production of 150 hulls for the LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tank.
This arrangement includes the provision to manufacture up to 300 additional hulls if required.
Under the terms of the agreement, TATRA DEFENCE will be responsible for welding the tank hulls, alongside overseeing quality control processes. There are intentions to further increase production volume and extend operations to other platforms, such as the LEGUAN bridge-laying system, which is currently under consideration by the Czech Army.
Further collaboration with KNDS France is anticipated for systems including the 6x6 TITUS wheeled vehicle.
KNDS Deutschland CEO Ralf Ketzel said: “I am pleased that we have a competent partner like TATRA DEFENCE at our side. The goal is not only to produce for Germany and the Czech Republic, but also to establish the cooperation as a permanent manufacturing location to strengthen European defence capabilities.”
The collaboration between KNDS and TATRA DEFENCE builds on a foundation of longstanding cooperation. It is expected to bring new technologies and jobs to the Moravian-Silesian Region through technology transfer and increased manufacturing capacity.
Furthermore, this contract aligns with the Czech Republic's commitment to the LEOPARD 2 A8 programme, which is part of a broader European defence cooperation initiative.
TATRA DEFENCE VEHICLE CEO Tomáš Mohapl said: “The strategic partnership with KNDS Deutschland strengthens our position as a reliable and technologically advanced partner in Europe. At the same time, it opens up additional opportunities for future cooperation on new projects for the development and maintenance of armoured platforms.”
In September 2025, KNDS secured a significant order whereby the Czech Army will start equipping its units with LEOPARD 2 A8 tanks in 2028. This order includes an initial batch of 44 tanks, with an option for an additional 14 units, as confirmed by contracts signed between KNDS Deutschland and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment on behalf of the Czech Ministry of Defence.
The contract also covers extensive service support and specific adaptations, amounting to approximately €1.34bn ($1.57bn).
The LEOPARD 2 A8 features advanced weaponry capable of engaging targets at extended ranges beyond 5,000m. Equipped with a 120mm L55 A1 gun and advanced Kinetic Energy ammunition, it can effectively target infantry fighting vehicles up to 3,000m and third-generation main battle tanks up to 2,000m.
Additional capabilities include engagement of hovering helicopters at distances up to 2,500m and light-armoured vehicles as well as troops up to 5,000m.
Recently, the Hungarian military marked the completion of its LEOPARD 2A7HU tank deliveries with a public parade attended by Hungarian Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky and Chief of the Hungarian Armed Forces, General Gábor Böröndi. Ralf Ketzel also attended the event following an invitation.
