- 19.9.2026
Tank soldiers from the 73rd Tank Battalion “Hanácký” demonstrated the Leopard 2A4 main battle tank at NATO Days 2026. Across five displays, they showed its mobility and handling, as well as the coordination of its four-person crew, without which a vehicle weighing more than fifty tonnes could not fulfil its potential.
When the Leopard 2A4 entered the grass arena at Mošnov Airport, spectators' attention shifted briefly from aircraft to land equipment. The tank soldiers from Přáslavice demonstrated that considerable weight need not prevent fast, precisely controlled movement.
During Sunday's display in particular, a large cloud of dust behind the tank emphasised the performance's dynamism. Visitors watched acceleration, changes of direction and precise manoeuvring within the arena. Part of the display took place alongside a TITUS KOVS wheeled armoured vehicle, although the content of the tank demonstration remained unchanged.
Fifty-Five Tonnes Controlled by Four People
The Leopard 2A4 is a German-designed main battle tank combining firepower, protection and mobility. Its main armament is a 120 mm Rheinmetall L44 smoothbore gun. A twelve-cylinder engine producing approximately 1,100 kW allows it to reach up to 68 kilometres per hour despite its weight.
Technical specifications represent only part of its capability. The four-person crew consists of a commander, gunner, loader and driver. Each has a defined role, and every movement results from their cooperation.
Crew coordination, alongside mobility and handling, was among the capabilities the 73rd Tank Battalion wanted to present. While the driver guided the tank around the arena, the commander coordinated the crew. The gunner and loader performed their tasks inside the vehicle to a limited extent. The short display reflected training, communication and trust among all crew members.
Preparing at the Airport
The dynamic demonstration was preceded by two days of rehearsals at Mošnov Airport. Tank soldiers familiarised themselves with the arena, practised individual display elements and coordinated vehicle movements with the programme schedule.
The grass surface imposed specific demands. The crew had to account for ground conditions, the arena's dimensions and safe distances from spectators and other equipment. Every display required precision and full concentration.
The Leopard 2A4 appeared five times over the two days. Between displays, soldiers carried out routine inspections and maintenance to prepare it for the next performance.
Transport Comes Before the Display
Before the demonstration, the heavy tracked vehicle had to travel from its garrison to Mošnov Airport. It was transported by a Scania R660 A6x4 tractor with a Goldhofer MPA 5 low-loader semi-trailer.
The combination transports heavy tracked and wheeled vehicles weighing up to 66 tonnes between garrisons, training areas, maintenance facilities and deployment locations. The NATO Days display therefore began with route planning, loading, securing the vehicle and moving it safely to Mošnov, well before the Leopard drove into the arena.
The First Event Since Completion of Deliveries
NATO Days 2026 was the first edition after deliveries of the entire Leopard 2A4 fleet to the Czech Armed Forces had been completed. The 73rd Tank Battalion received the last of the 42 tanks in July that year.
The Leopard 2A4 represents the Czech tank force's transition from equipment of Eastern origin to a Western platform. Introducing a new vehicle also changes training, maintenance, logistics and the working practices of tank crews.
NATO Days visitors saw the result of this transition in motion. For the tank soldiers from Přáslavice, the displays also offered an opportunity to present their equipment and everyday work. They welcomed the public's interest and the chance to demonstrate the Leopard 2A4's capabilities.
The large dust cloud rising above the arena during Sunday's display was an impressive sight. The essential work, however, took place inside the tank, where four soldiers coordinated precisely to bring its power under control.
Author: Maj Richard Maňásek
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