LONDON

The Czech Defense Ministry signed a contract Tuesday to purchase 14 Leopard 2A4 battle tanks from Germany, according to Radio Prague.

The deal was signed between the Defense Ministry and German company Rheinmetall Landsysteme for $166 billion, it said.

The purchase which is part of the ministry’s drive to modernize its arsenals and increase its action capability, will be completed by end of 2026.

It was approved last month by the Czech government.