This year we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 7th Mechanised Brigade "Dukelská," the only heavy brigade in the Army of the Czech Republic. Our editorial team had the unique opportunity to visit this key component of the army, where we explored its organizational structure, modernization efforts, and the challenges it faces in the future. Naturally, we also inquired about the Leopard 2A4 tanks and the TITUS 6x6 armored vehicles now deployed with the 73rd Tank Battalion.

Video: Without a heavy brigade, there is no army, or the modernization of the 7th Mechanized Brigade / CZ DEFENCE

History, structure and armament of the 7th Mechanised Brigade

The 7th Mechanised Brigade (7. mb) "Dukelská" was established on October 1, 1994, by reorganizing the 3rd Mechanised Division in Kroměříž. In 2004, the brigade moved to Hranice, where it remains operational. It represents the decisive striking force of the Army of the Czech Republic, tasked with crisis prevention and response at both the national and alliance levels.

Its structure enables the formation of task groups for independent or allied tactical operations within and beyond Czech territory, during both peacetime and wartime.

The brigade’s capabilities encompass defensive and offensive combat operations, state border security, communication protection, and safeguarding critical sites. Additionally, it supports peacekeeping and non-combat operations to protect civilians. Members of the brigade may also assist the Police of the Czech Republic under current legislation.

The brigade includes a headquarters (with a support company and liaison company) and four battalions: the 71st Mechanized Battalion "Siberian" in Hranice, the 72nd Mechanized Battalion "Major General Josef Buršík" and the 73rd Tank Battalion "Hanaky," both in Přáslavice, and the 74th Mechanized Battalion "Colonel Bohuslav Maleček" in Bučovice.

The battalions are equipped with various small arms (P10C pistols, CZ BREN 2 assault rifles, FN Minimi machine guns, and sniper rifles) and heavy weaponry, including BVP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, Leopard 2A4 and T-72M4 CZ tanks, and 120mm mortars mounted on Tatra 815-7 PRAM off-road trucks. Recently, the brigade received TITUS 6x6 armored vehicles in the KOVS version. Looking ahead, the brigade’s main combat equipment will undergo significant modernization with the acquisition of 246 new CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) in 7 versions, and at least 61 Leopard 2A8 tanks.

Members of the 7th Mechanised Brigade have been deployed in several foreign operations. In 1998 and 1999, they participated in the SFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and between 2001 and 2008, they were deployed five times in the KFOR operation in Kosovo.

In 2006, the 72nd Mechanised Battalion formed the fourth contingent of the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Meanwhile, members of the 73rd Tank Battalion were repeatedly deployed to Iraq between 2006 and 2008 as part of the Military Police Mission and the Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I). Additionally, brigade members served in ISAF operations in Afghanistan, specifically in Logar, Wardak, and Parwan provinces. Brigade members have also served in Mali, Africa, and Slovakia as part of the International Battle Group (MN BG SVK). The soldiers of this brigade have earned an excellent reputation due to their service in foreign missions, enhancing the Army of the Czech Republic's standing, as acknowledged by words of appreciation and respect from allied forces.

Currently, Brigadier General Zdeněk Mikula serves as the commander of the 7th Mechanised Brigade, with Colonel Miroslav Vybíhal as his deputy.

Modernization, opportunities and challenges through the eyes of the 7th MB Command

We also asked General Mikula about the tasks the 7th Mechanised Brigade will face in the coming years. According to the brigade commander, these tasks fall into two main categories. The first involves standard training, structured around a four-year plan that is regularly updated. This plan outlines training activities, introduces new equipment according to the acquisition plan, and ensures the brigade reaches full operational capability. These standards are then maintained to ensure the brigade can perform its duties for NATO and the Czech Republic in line with national legislation. The second category includes tasks arising from real-time changes in the security landscape. For instance, the brigade may be deployed in foreign operations or perform additional duties within the Czech Republic, such as responding to illegal migration or natural disasters affecting the nation.

As previously mentioned, the brigade is set to undergo substantial rearmament with modern equipment, including new Leopard 2 tanks and CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (BVPs). We asked the brigade commander for his views on the current modernization plans. "I am pleased that we have entered the rearmament phase, transitioning from outdated Soviet-era equipment to modern, Western-designed assets. Primarily, this means shifting to the Leopard 2 platform for our tanks and adopting the Swedish CV90 for our infantry fighting vehicles. Additionally, we have introduced new communications vehicles into the 7th Mechanised Brigade’s arsenal," General Mikula states. He also highlights advancements in combat support and security, citing a notable increase in the artillery units' fire support capabilities. This progress includes deploying CAESAR weapon systems with integrated fire control, enhancing the overall fire support within the command and control framework. The aim of the modernization effort is to build the 7th Mechanised Brigade, or brigade task group, to NATO standards, supporting effective maneuver, combat, and combat support in a multi-domain operational context.

The largest project in the modernization of the Czech Armed Forces is undoubtedly the acquisition of new F-35 aircraft. These aircraft, beyond their combat capabilities, offer additional features that can enhance cooperation with ground forces. We asked about the potential for this type of collaboration. "The F-35 system represents a breakthrough not only for the Air Force but also for ground forces. The F-35 itself forms the core of a system that supports multi-domain operations, significantly overlapping with ground operations. To prepare for this, we are working on getting our ground systems operational to align with the F-35’s introduction," explained General Mikula, describing the future of joint operations.

We also inquired about new challenges the brigade will face, particularly in light of insights from the Ukrainian battlefield. According to the 7th MB commander, the cyber domain is crucial; the brigade will need to operate effectively in cyberspace, both defensively and offensively. Drones also present new demands, as highlighted by the Ukrainian conflict. General Mikula emphasized that the 7th Mechanised Brigade must be able to both operate and actively deploy these aerial unmanned vehicles.

For nearly a decade, the 7th Mechanised Brigade operated as an all-military unit. We wondered if this was advantageous or if building brigade task forces might be preferable. "The shift to a modular system was based on specific assumptions the Czech Army held at the time. Given the current security environment, it’s worth reconsidering whether to return to the original concept. This is certainly one of the considerations for upcoming strategic documents, like the Concept of Construction of the Army of the Czech Republic," stated Brigadier General Zdeněk Mikula, commander of the 7th Mechanised Brigade.

Like many military units, the army faces personnel shortages. We asked about the situation within the 7th Mechanised Brigade and whether the expected arrival of advanced heavy equipment could help attract new soldiers. "In terms of recruitment and personnel retention, we hope that the introduction of new combat and special vehicles will boost both recruitment and retention. Currently, the military faces a personnel shortage due to a competitive job market, where many benefits once unique to the military are now standard in civilian roles. Therefore, recruitment challenges affect not only the army but also other armed and security forces. The Czech Army’s command is actively working on initiatives to improve recruitment and retention, and the arrival of modern equipment could be particularly appealing to younger generations," explained Colonel Miroslav Vybíhal, deputy commander of the 7th Mechanised Brigade.

Colonel Vybíhal expressed confidence that the 7th Mechanised Brigade’s active reserve is progressing well, with over 50% staffing and new recruits joining regularly. He commended active reserve soldiers for bringing valuable insights from the civilian sector and for their commitment to serve, even if only part-time.

"I served as the commander of the Czech Army’s third task force in Slovakia, where we worked alongside four other nations. I believe we had the most developed concept of active reserve among the group. We enabled active reserve members to take on not only junior positions but also mid- and senior-level roles, which was a distinct advantage for us and for our active reserve members," added Colonel Vybíhal.

We also asked when the brigade expects the first CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles and how long training for these new vehicles will take. Colonel Vybíhal noted that the first vehicles are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, but the brigade is already preparing. "We have partnerships with the Dutch, Danish, and Swedish armies. We send personnel to their training programs to gain experience. For instance, we know that basic training for a gunner-operator takes six weeks, and to qualify as a master gunner for the CV90 takes years, not months, based on insights from the Danish and Dutch armies," Colonel Vybíhal explained.

We wondered if training would differ with the new CV90 tracked vehicles compared to the current BVP-2 vehicles. "The rearmament of the 7th Mechanised Brigade with CV90 vehicles will necessitate changes to current training. From Dutch and Danish experiences, training is partly conducted separately by crews and units to align with the specific capabilities of the CV90. Training starts with simulation equipment, progresses to actual vehicles, and then transitions to group drills. For example, the CV90 will feature the Trophy system for anti-drone and anti-tank protection. If we applied current BVP-2 tactics to the CV90, some groups could be compromised. Thus, the training structure for both individual crew members and units will need significant adjustments," explained Colonel Vybíhal, the deputy commander.

New equipment of 73rd Tank Battalion - Leop tanksard 2 a TITUS

During our visit, we had the opportunity to see a dynamic demonstration of a pair of Leopard 2A4 tanks, which are newly assigned to the Czech Armored Forces, or 73rd Tank Battalion. The first 14 Leopard 2A4 battle tanks and one Büffel 3 recovery tank on Leopard 2 chassis were received by the Czech Republic from Germany (as a gift for our assistance to Ukraine) in 2022 and 2023. At the end of July this year, the Ministry of Defence announced that it would receive 14 more Leopard 2A4 battle tanks and one Büffel 3 recovery tank from the Federal Republic of Germany as a second compensation for the Czech Republic's supply of military equipment to Ukraine, which is facing Russian aggression.

The first tank from this delivery should be delivered at the end of this year, and the remaining machines will arrive by the beginning of 2026. The Ministry of Defence has also started preliminary market consultations on the purchase of another 14 Leopard 2A4s, so that the 73rd Tank Battalion could eventually have a total of 42 Leopard 2A4 battle tanks.

In addition, negotiations are still ongoing between the Czech and German sides on the purchase of the latest version of the Leopard 2A8 tank, and if these negotiations are successful, the Czech Republic could subsequently purchase 61 units of this machine in several modifications under the framework agreement, with the possible acquisition of 16 more tanks in the future.

In connection with the arrival of Leopard 2 tanks to our army, we were interested in what organizational changes had to be made in the 73rd Tank Battalion. The commander of the battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Tomáš Suchý, told us that from 1 July 2024 the organisational structure has changed (especially in the three tank companies) so that there are 14 tanks in the company in the so-called four-man formation with four tank crew members (the Leopard 2 tank has a four-man crew - tank commander, gunner, loader and driver - unlike the three-man crew of the T-72M4 CZ tank, where no loader is needed).

According to Lieutenant Colonel Suchý, the Leopard 2A4 tanks are an ideal intermediate stage before the contemplated acquisition of the Leopard 2A8 tanks, when a change of mindset is taking place in the transition from the Eastern to the Western tank school, and the basic controls (driver, gunner, loader) of the tanks of both versions are the same, differing only in the optoelectronic systems and other assets. When we asked what version of the Leopard 2A4 tanks can be upgraded to, the commander of the 73rd tpr told us that a sensible solution is to upgrade to the 2A5 version, since the newer versions (2A6, 2A7, 2A8) are the old chassis with a new turret. However, for basic crew skills in training, the Leopard 2A4 and 2A5 tanks are great.

Within the framework of the introduction of the Leopard 2A4 tanks, Lieutenant Colonel Suchý said that the rest of the 73rd Tpr's organisational structure will also change, especially in terms of combat support and combat support units (logistics company and command company).

The commander of the tank battalion sees the acquisition of Leopard 2 tanks for the Czech Army as a great advantage, as this platform is widely spread in other Alliance member states. Lieutenant Colonel Suchý also appreciates the Leopards' much greater crew protection compared to the Eastern T-72 tanks. It should be noted that the tank crew is the most valuable thing.

We also asked Lieutenant Colonel Suchý about the personnel issue concerning the 73rd Tpr, not only in connection with the need to increase the number of crew members. "The personnel issue is of course a tricky topic, but we are counting on the fact that the new equipment will attract new people interested in serving in the tank battalion," the commander of the 73rd tpr.

Sometimes theories appear in the media that tanks are an obsolete in the modern battlefield, so we were interested in the opinion of the tank battalion commander. In this context, Lieutenant Colonel Suchý pointed to the current Ukrainian battlefield, which clearly confirms the importance of tanks. "Tanks were always intended as an offensive weapon to support infantry, and even today it turns out that where no soldier's foot enters, the territory is unconquered, so from my point of view tank troops have their place on the battlefield and will have it in the future," said Lt. Col. Suchý.

The development of combat systems, including tanks, is constantly moving forward. At the recent Paris trade fair, for example, a demonstrator of the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 tank with a tankless, remote-controlled turret was presented. We wondered how the tank battalion commander sees the future development of tanks as autonomous systems. According to Colonel Suchý, the main problem of tanks in general is their weight and robustness, which could be partially solved by autonomous systems, but provided that all the automation in the tank, such as fully automatic charging, works flawlessly, otherwise the tank is practically disabled on the battlefield without the ability to fire. Also important is the situational awareness of the crew on the battlefield, where the physical sight of the tank commander from the turret is irreplaceable if needed. If any of the tank's optoelectronic systems are damaged within the unmanned turret, this can have fatal consequences for the crew. The path of autonomous systems is therefore possible, according to the commander of the 73rd tpr, but provided that the systems in question function 100% flawlessly so as not to endanger the tank crew.

With the arrival of the new Leopard 2 tanks, we were also interested in the fate of the current T-72M4 CZ main battle tanks and the related ability of professional soldiers to operate this platform in the future. Lieutenant Colonel Suchý told us that the 73rd Tank Battalion will lose the ability to operate the T-72M4 CZ tank with the gradual introduction of the Leopard 2 tanks, as it is both illogical and unrealistic for tankers to learn to operate both platforms. Either way, the ability to operate the T-72 tank platform will remain with the active reserves.

In addition to professional soldiers, the 73rd Tank Battalion currently has an active reserve company of seven platoons, with active reserve soldiers regularly training with professional soldiers. Currently, the active reserve tank company is at its half-full strength, but according to the 73rd Tank Battalion commander, work is underway to reach at least 80 percent strength.

We asked the platoon commander, Lieutenant Ondrej Hradil, who has experience with both tank platforms serving with the 73rd tpr as a tank commander, about the main differences between the T-72M4 CZ and Leopard 2A4 tanks. From my point of view, I can say today that I prefer the Western one more. With the Leopard tank you can feel the German engineering, the tank needs a bit more maintenance than the T-72M4 CZ, on the other hand the tank will pay you back. We were also surprised a lot by the space inside the tank, as the tank concentrates on a standing person - the loader, while the eastern tank school has a charging machine and accordingly the space inside the tank was designed to be smaller for a sitting person. Thanks to the charger, there are more people in the Leopard tank, so the overall work of the tank crew is more spread out among them than it is with the T-72M4 CZ," revealed Lt. Hradil. Regarding the length and difficulty of crew training for both platforms, we were told that for the T-72M4 CZ tank this training lasts 5 weeks, while the training of our tankers for the Leopard 2 tank lasted 3 months under the supervision of colleagues from the German Bundeswehr. According to Lt. Hradil was not drastic.

As for the technical comparison of both tanks, Lieutenant Hradil told us that the charging machine of the T-72M4 CZ is fault-based, so in case of a malfunction the tank is taken out of combat, while the Leopard tank platform is manually charged by the charger, which reduces the risk of inability to charge. The speed of the actual reload is faster in the initial and usually most important phase of firing on the Leopard tank due to the loader, every 4 seconds compared to 6-8 seconds for the automatic reload on the T-72M4 CZ tank. We also learned that all the loaders in the Leopard 2 tanks serving with the 73rd tpr are former T-72M4 CZ tank gunners and are second in command to the tank commander. The loader has more responsibilities than it might seem at first glance, as in addition to operating the loader itself, he has to know the elements of the fire control system, gun guidance or turret securing, and is also responsible for any malfunction or reloading of the gun. He must therefore be an experienced man who has already done something. In the turret, then, all three crew members (commander, gunner, loader) are fully replaceable.

Of course, we were also interested in the driver's first experience with the Leopard 2A4 tank, so we approached Corporal Lukáš Pokorný, who mentioned the first advantage of the German tank as its own operational space, where the driver of the T-72M4 CZ tank is surrounded by tanks with a volume of almost 1,000 litres and six batteries, while the operational space of the entire Leopard crew is separated from these elements. According to Corporal Pokorný, the driver of the T-72M4 CZ tank also sits bent over in an unnatural position, when he himself can last a maximum of four hours in this position. On the other hand, in the Leopard, the driver sits in a natural position on a comfortable seat de facto as in a conventional vehicle, which is why he can drive longer. In terms of off-road capability, the higher ground clearance and better suspension make it more efficient and more comfortable for the crew overall.

As we have mentioned before, the 73rd Tank Battalion also received TITUS vehicles in the liaison version as part of its modernization about six months ago. We asked Sergeant Ondrej Červenka, who is the senior operator on this vehicle, about the main benefits of the new TITUS. According to him, the big advantage is the high operational endurance of the vehicle, thanks to the central unit that draws fuel directly from the vehicle's main tank. Of course, the vehicle has plenty of modern communication systems, such as Harris radios and BGAN satellite, and the TITUS has a high level of off-road capability thanks to its Tater chassis. We were also interested to know how long it takes to deploy the communications vehicle into the operational mode for communication over longer distances, to which Sergeant Cervenka replied that the deployment of the system usually takes up to 15 minutes, when the vehicle first needs to be deployed using hydraulics, which is the driver's job, then grounded, and then the automatic deployment of the mast can start.

Staff Sergeant Pavel Vašíček added that the TITUS vehicle has its own armament –  a 7.62 mm machine gun, which is controlled by the vehicle commander. Rotný Vašíček also appreciated the performance of the vehicle, which is taken care of by an 11-litre engine with a capacity of 502 horsepower and a great advantage is also all 3 steerable axles. Last but not least, the soldiers are satisfied with the self protection, where the operators feel safe in the vehicle.

Conclusion

From the above, it is evident that our only heavy brigade will be facing a well-deserved upgrade of its core combat equipment in the future, in the form of new Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks or CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles, when the brigade will definitely switch from Soviet-origin equipment (T-72 or BVP-2) to Western systems. Not only thanks to this, the 7th Mechanised Brigade will be able to perform its tasks, whether within the Czech Army or the Alliance, much more efficiently.