Czech Republic Sends Final T-72M1 Tanks to Ukraine, Eyes Leopard 2 Future
The Czech Republic has officially completed the transfer of its remaining T-72M1 main battle tanks to Ukraine, fulfilling a key commitment made in response to Russia’s invasion. With this final shipment, Prague has handed over a total of 86 tanks—many of which were Cold War-era assets—providing crucial support to Kyiv’s forces during a critical time in the ongoing conflict.
The last batch, consisting of 20 tanks, came from the Czech Army’s 73rd Tank Battalion. With this delivery, the battalion now holds no operational tanks, marking a major shift in Czechia’s ground warfare capabilities. The first delivery under this initiative took place in April 2022, just two months after Russia launched its full-scale assault on Ukraine. Czechia was the first NATO member to respond with heavy armored support, setting a precedent that encouraged broader military assistance from the alliance.
Some of the 86 tanks transferred were upgraded versions known as the T-72M4, featuring enhanced fire control systems and better protection. However, most were standard T-72M1s, a reliable Soviet-designed tank that has long served Eastern European armies. The T-72M1 is known for its simple design, durability, and ease of maintenance—qualities that suit Ukraine’s needs on the battlefield, especially amid the wear-and-tear of protracted war.
The T-72M1 is operated by a three-man crew and measures around 10 meters long. It is armed with a 125 mm main gun, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun for anti-aircraft defense. Weighing approximately 39 tons, the tank is powered by a 780-horsepower diesel engine and can reach speeds up to 60 km/h, with an operational range of about 500 km. Its layered armor—comprising steel, composite, and reactive materials—offers respectable protection on modern battlefields, though it lacks some of the advanced defensive tech found in newer Western tanks.
While Czechia has effectively emptied its tank inventory to help Ukraine, it isn’t leaving its forces unprotected. The country has launched a modernization plan that includes acquiring Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany by 2026. These will soon be joined by more than 60 Leopard 2A8 tanks, part of a broader military upgrade strategy approved in 2024. In total, over 100 Leopard 2 tanks will eventually replace the outgoing T-72 fleet, significantly boosting the Czech Army’s capabilities.
Looking ahead, Czechia is also considering the establishment of a domestic Leopard tank production facility. This would not only streamline maintenance and manufacturing but also allow the country to become a key supplier of heavy armored vehicles within Europe. Such a move could benefit NATO logistics and reduce dependence on external supply chains during future conflicts or crises.
The Czech Republic’s decision to donate all of its legacy T-72 tanks demonstrates a clear strategic shift—from Soviet-era hardware to NATO-standard equipment—and a firm commitment to supporting Ukraine. At the same time, the move underlines the country’s confidence in its modernization roadmap and long-term defense planning. With Leopard tanks on the horizon and strong cooperation with Germany, Czechia is paving the way for a new chapter in its military doctrine—one that reflects both its commitment to allied security and its growing role in European defense production.
