Our editorial team participated in the recent Tasmanian Lizard 2024 exercise, which was attended by more than 300 soldiers from the 73rd Tank Battalion, 7th Mechanised Brigade, and supporting units. Ten Leopard 2A4 tanks were also deployed, marking the first time they have been used since the battalion began re-equipping to this Western tank type.

Video: Reportage on the first training of our tankers with Leopard 2A4 armoured vehicles / CZ DEFENCE

The main focus of the exercise, which ran from 1 to 14 December 2024, was live fire training, tank platoon and combat team coordination, and simulated high-intensity conflicts. The key task was to test the combat readiness of tank crews and the overall synchronization of units, including combat support and security units. The commander of the 73rd Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Tomáš Suchý, told our editorial staff that dozens of rounds of ammunition for the Leopard 2A4 tank were consumed during the exercise. The soldiers had a unique opportunity to fire live ammunition instead of training rounds. "They were firing at simulated armoured targets, so the soldiers could verify in practice what live ammunition does to such targets," said Colonel Suchý.

We were curious when soldiers in the active reserve, or more specifically, the active reserve company, which is part of the 73rd Tank Battalion, will also get acquainted with the Leopard 2A4 tanks. "Next year, we already expect that our active reserve company will start training for the operation of the Leopard 2A4 tank through theoretical preparation. Two fortnightly sessions are already planned for about 18 members of the active reserve company," replied the commander of the 73rd Tank Battalion.

One aspect of the exercise was the camouflage of equipment and techniques. Camouflage included the application of paint, the use of camouflage nets and natural materials to help break up the silhouette of tanks and other vehicles. These tactics were adapted to the terrain of the Doupov Mountains and the local vegetation to keep the equipment as inconspicuous as possible.

At Exercise Tasmanian Lizard 2024, soldiers focused on a range of skills that are critical to modern combat operations. Key areas of training included:

• Defense and offense – Soldiers learned to protect their positions from enemy attacks and to effectively plan and execute offensive operations.
• Live fire – Tank crews practiced destroying targets at long ranges and improving accuracy and rate of fire, which is critical in combat.
• Movement and camouflage – Soldiers tested the movement of equipment in the field and its camouflage, which helps minimize the risk of detection by the enemy. Camouflage techniques included both hiding the equipment and adapting the surrounding environment.
• Night operations – Training was conducted in the dark, when soldiers learned to orient, communicate and coordinate their actions in minimal visibility.

After successfully completing the Tasmanian Lizard 2024 exercise, the Leopards are scheduled to participate in international NATO exercises next year, such as in Poland or Germany.