Tatra Defence of the CSG Group Secures a Strategic Contract to Manufacture Hulls for Leopard 2A8 Tanks in Cooperation with KNDS.

Tatra Defence (TD), a member of the CSG Group, has signed a strategic contract with KNDS Deutschland for the production of hulls for Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. The contract includes the manufacture of 150 hulls, with an option for up to an additional 300 units. Valued at hundreds of millions of euros, the order represents one of the most significant projects involving the Czech defence industry in key European defence programmes.

In connection with the contract’s execution, TD will expand with two new production halls and create 300 new jobs.

Under the contract, TD will be responsible for welding the hulls of Leopard 2A8 tanks, including the complete provision of technological processes and quality control. The project is associated with extensive know-how transfer and major investments in manufacturing infrastructure in the Czech Republic.

As part of TD’s involvement in the Leopard programme, up to 300 new jobs will be created in Kopřivnice. The company will build two new production halls and a new production line with a high degree of robotisation and automation, equipped with modern machining centres. Total investments will exceed one billion Czech crowns (EUR 40 million) and will be directed towards the long-term development of the manufacturing capabilities of the Czech defence industry.

“This contract confirms the long-term strategy of the CSG Group to systematically develop top-tier manufacturing capacities in the field of land defence technology. Cooperation with KNDS on the Leopard 2A8 programme represents an example of genuine European defence cooperation that strengthens Europe’s security while at the same time bringing significant investments, jobs and technological development to the Czech Republic,” said Jan Marinov, CEO of the CSG Defence division.

The order is part of the Czech Republic’s broader involvement in the Leopard 2A8 programme, which it has joined together with other European countries. The programme is one of the most significant European defence cooperation projects of the present day and contributes to strengthening the defence capabilities of both NATO and the European Union.

“The strategic partnership with KNDS Deutschland strengthens our position as a reliable and technologically advanced manufacturing partner in Europe. At the same time, it opens up further opportunities for future cooperation on new projects in the development, production and maintenance of armoured platforms,” said Tomáš Mohapl, CEO of Tatra Defence Vehicle.

KNDS management also considers the cooperation with the Czech partner to be strategic. “I am pleased that we have a competent partner at our side such as Tatra Defence. Our goal is not to manufacture only for Germany and the Czech Republic, but to build a long-term manufacturing base that contributes to strengthening European defence capabilities,” said Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KNDS Deutschland.

The Leopard 2A8 hull production project is expected to be followed by further development of cooperation between the CSG Group and KNDS, including potential involvement in the production of components for other KNDS platforms, such as the LEGUAN bridge system, in which the Czech Armed Forces have expressed interest. At the same time, further deepening of cooperation with KNDS France is envisaged, particularly in the area of TITUS wheeled vehicles and other systems.

About Tatra Defence Vehicle

Tatra Defence Vehicle is a Czech manufacturer of military and special-purpose equipment headquartered in Kopřivnice. It is part of the CSG Group and its CSG Defence division. The company specialises in the development, production and integration of wheeled armoured and special vehicles, the manufacture of key structural assemblies, and the execution of technologically demanding production programmes for domestic and international partners.

It is located in close proximity to Tatra Trucks, whose chassis it uses for the production of various types of vehicles. The company’s manufacturing portfolio primarily includes the Pandur 8×8 EVO, TITUS and Tadeas wheeled armoured vehicles, as well as the production of armoured cabins, special superstructures and structural assemblies for military vehicles and weapon systems.

Tatra Defence also participates in the production and integration of components for other NATO land forces systems. The company has modern production facilities, proprietary technological processes and a skilled workforce, and it maintains long-term cooperation with leading European and global defence manufacturers. It systematically develops its manufacturing capacities and know-how with the aim of strengthening the defence capabilities of the Czech Republic and its allies.