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Minister Černochová: Czech Republic and Germany share perception of current major threats

Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic

25.7.2023
Author: by Jiří Táborský, Press Section

Federal Minister of Defence of Germany Boris Pistorius was at a two-day visit to the Czech Republic. He and Minister of Defence Jana Černochová visited the National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror in Prague and later at the Ministry of Defence, they discussed present and future defence cooperation.

The visit of the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany is another landmark in Czech-German relations as Boris Pistorius is the first German Minister of Defence who visited the crypt of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, the place where Czech paratroopers were resisting siege during World War II. Besides the crypt, the Minister visited the cathedral and laid flowers by the Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror.

Both countries are closely interconnected not only economically and culturally but also in the field of defence. Germany is a strategic partner of the Czech Republic. The Strategic Dialogue between the Czech Republic and Germany initiated in 2015 also testifies to their close relations. "The Czech Republic is not only one of our most important neighbour states in Europe. We share a state border that is 814 kilometres long. This border is primarily a unifying element. At the same time, it offers many opportunities for strategic-political and defence cooperation in order to prevent the worst case scenario. That is the reason why this long border is so important for cooperation, both on the military level and in terms of armament. We have common exercises and procurements, like in the case of the 77 Leopard tanks," Minister Pistorius stated.

Regular meetings of the working group on Security and Defence take place at the level of Defence Ministries. Ministers agreed on upgrading the representation of the meetings to the deputy minister level.

Over the past months, in connection with the conflict in Ukraine, cooperation between the two states has intensified. Czech and German servicemembers are deployed together in Multinational Battlegroups in Lithuania and Slovakia. Germany is planning to strengthen its presence in the eastern flank of NATO even further. In June, Minister Pistorius announced that Germany will be permanently deploying a brigade equivalent force of 4,000 troops in Lithuania. "Germany represented NATO's eastern flank until the end of the Warsaw Pact. We could always rely on our NATO partners in defence of our security and freedom. Therefore we understand well the importance of having allies and protecting the new eastern flank," Pistorius said.

Minister Černochová and her German counterpart agreed to continue to strengthen cooperation, with emphasis on common activities on the eastern border of the Alliance and common training of armed forces. They also shared experience regarding the recruitment of new service personnel.

Czech Republic and Germany are stepping up support for Ukraine

According to Minister Černochová, the meeting confirmed that both Ministers share their views on the worst threats of today. "Our countries are and will be supporting war-torn Ukraine so that the country regains its losses and expulse Russian aggressors from its territory," the Minister added. She also appreciated Germany's broadening support for Kyiv. They agreed on supporting the attacked country for as long as it takes.

Germany sent to Ukraine, besides other equipment, howitzers, multiple rocket launchers, Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and the Patriot missile system. Prior to the recent NATO Summit in Vilnius, German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz promised another package of military support of 2.7 billion euros, which also includes 30 Leopard 2A5 battle tanks. Consequently, further support amounting to 700 million Euros was announced at the summit, including two more Patriot systems and 25 Leopard 1A5 tanks.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the Czech Republic ranks among significant donors and suppliers of military aid. In the last six months alone, 24 tanks, 17 infantry fighting vehicles, and 645 antitank guided missiles were sent to Ukraine. Last year, the MoD provided 38 tanks, 55 infantry fighting vehicles, 4 aircraft, and 13 self-propelled cannon howitzers.

Although both representatives concurred that the main focus should be on Ukraine, they also discussed the situation in Sahel in Africa. "The Sahel is a territory where Czechs and Germans stand shoulder-to-shoulder. We both believe it would be a mistake to retreat and turn a blind eye to the situation there," Minister Černochová said. She added that there are new possibilities for cooperation in the Sahel.

Leopard tanks

In addition to the 15 Leopard 2A4 tanks which will be taken over by the Czech Armed Forces by the end of the year, the Czech Government authorised the Minister of Defence to negotiate potential procurement of the Leopard 2A8 tanks. Germany has already agreed that the Czech Republic join the German Framework Agreement for the acquisition of the Leopard 2A8 tanks. The Czech Republic is considering purchasing up to 77 Leopard 2A8 tanks. The price will depend on the number of countries joining the agreement.

According to the German Minister, it is "a very crucial and positive step". "We are really pleased, because, in case of need, this increases mutual defence capability. The Czech Republic has been for a long time our most important security and defence partner in central Europe," Boris Pistorius said at the joint press conference at the Czech Ministry of Defence.

Germany plans to replace the Leopard 2A6 tanks with the more recent version 2A8 and the Czech Republic could join the project. German Ministry of Defence intends to be the so-called central contracting authority that would arrange communication with the manufacturer, KMW, for all participating states. According to Berlin, this should streamline the whole process.

Another advantage is a unified configuration which will allow serial production and, consequently, lower prices. Tanks will only differ in communication equipment, paint, and national markings.

"The main goal of the project is to make our heavy brigade fully interoperable in compliance with the NATO standards," Minister Černochová stated. In her opinion, the contract could be signed in the first half of 2024 and the first tanks could be delivered in 2027.

As with other contracts, the Czech Republic strives for maximum involvement of the national industry. "The involvement of the Czech defence industry is essential for us and it will influence the decision of the government as for our participation in this cooperative project," Minister Černochová added.