The Czech Republic plans to transfer 30 modernized T-72M4 CZ tanks to Ukraine

The Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Republic, Karel Rzegka, announced his intention to recommend to the government of the country to transfer 30 T-72M4 CZ tanks to Ukraine. This is equipment that is in service with the Czech army and is undergoing repair at the state-owned enterprise VOP CZ. This is reported by the Czech edition of Radio Prague International.

According to the Czech Ministry of Defense, the decision to upgrade these vehicles was made before the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. The tanks received updated key components and were to be used by the Czech military until new models were purchased.

The Czech army is currently operating German Leopard 2A4s and is preparing to purchase Leopard 2A8s. In this regard, Rzegka considers it appropriate to transfer the repaired T-72M4CZs to Ukraine so that the funds used for their modernization are not wasted. He emphasized that such a decision is in the interests of the security of the Czech Republic.

The T-72M4CZ is a modernized Czech version of the Soviet T-72 tank, designed to increase its combat capabilities to the level of modern main battle tanks. The upgrade includes a British Perkins Condor CV12 1,000 hp diesel engine, an American Allison automatic transmission, an Italian TURMS-T fire control system, and thermal imaging devices to ensure effectiveness in all weather conditions.

The tank is also equipped with improved combined armor with DYNA dynamic protection manufactured by VOP CZ, a navigation system and improved communications. Thanks to these changes, the T-72M4CZ has significantly higher maneuverability, accuracy and survivability compared to the basic T-72.

By the way, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala previously stated that as of August 2025, Ukraine had received one million large-caliber artillery ammunition under the "Czech Initiative." Prior to this, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky reported in June that Prague plans to extend the "Czech Initiative" to supply ammunition to Ukraine until 2026.