KNDS Deutschland (KNDS) and TATRA DEFENCE have signed a contract for the production of a total of 150 hulls for the LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tank. The contract also includes an option for up to 300 additional hulls. This step represents a significant milestone in the development of the Czech defense industry and underscores the capabilities of Czech companies. The Hungarian army is celebrating the completion of the Leopard 2A7HU delivery with a public parade. In the presence of Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky and Chief of the Hungarian Armed Forces General Gábor Böröndi, the 1st Armored Brigade presented its systems. Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KNDS Deutschland (KNDS), attended at the invitation of the Chief of the Hungarian Armed Forces.
The partnership with KNDS is based on long-term cooperation and mutual trust. The associated transfer of know-how brings new technologies, additional manufacturing capacity, and jobs to the Moravian-Silesian Region.
The contract is part of the comprehensive commitment of the Czech defense industry to the LEOPARD 2 A8 program, which the Czech Republic joined along with other countries, and currently represents the implementation of European defense cooperation like few other projects.
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Download free sample pages More informationTATRA DEFENCE will be responsible for welding the LEOPARD 2 A8 hulls, including quality control and technological processes.
“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 armored platforms,” said the Tomáš Mohapl, CEO of TATRA DEFENCE VEHICLE
Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KNDS Deutschland: “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 defense capabilities.”
Building on this project, there are plans to increase production volumes and expand to other KNDS platforms, such as the LEGUAN bridge-laying system, in which the Czech Army is interested. Furthermore, cooperation with KNDS France will be intensified for the 6x6 TITUS wheeled vehicle and other systems.
