Trebišov-based ​​​​​​​Leopard 2A4 MBT tank crews undergo their first-ever live-fire training exercise

A historically first-ever Leopard 2A4 live-fire training exercise involving tankmen of 14 Tank Battalion Trebišov is being conducted at the Training Centre (TC) Lešť as the culmination of the first eight-week Leopard 2A4 Tank Crew Training Course, delivered by the Bundeswehr's instructors. Under an equipment exchange programme, Slovakia is getting 15 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks (MBTs) from Germany after gifting 30 BVP-1 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine.

In a statement, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: “Undoubtedly, the ongoing training exercise has created the necessary prerequisites for further professional development of Trebišov-based tankies. The Leopard tanks will complement the capabilities of our Tank Battalion and add to the warfighting capability of the Heavy Mechanised Brigade, thereby strengthening Slovakiaʼs defences.”

The aim of the ongoing course is to train tank crews on the Leopard 2A4 tank, including on all aspects of maintaining and operating the Leopard 2A4, and to develop their practical skills whilst benefiting from German tank instructors' experience and expertise.

According to members of the 4th Tank Company (Squadron) from 14 Tank Battalion Trebišov, the performance of live-fire tasks with the Leopard tank was somewhat more demanding than with the T-72 tank. This was especially true when live-firing was conducted on the move while reversing or at moving targets. On the main pluses of the Leopard 2A4, it is worth noting the tank's fire control system and battlefield situational awareness system.

So far, the Slovak Army has taken delivery of three Leopard 2A4s. An additional 12 Leopard 2A4 MBTs are expected to be delivered by the end of this year. Prior to their handover, industry-level maintenance and repairs on the Leopard 2A4s are conducted by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH.