Challenges to national defence in contemporary geopolitical situation

The increasing weight and technological complexity of modern main battle tanks (MBTs), particularly the Leopard 2 series, impose substantial demands on military transport systems and supporting infrastructure. This study evaluates the logistical and infrastructural constraints associated with the transport of heavy armoured vehicles within the Czech Armed Forces (CAF) in the context of NATO military mobility requirements. The analysis focuses on both road and rail transport systems, with emphasis on technical compatibility, regulatory compliance, and operational feasibility. The methodological approach combines comparative analysis of vehicle and transport system parameters, empirical axle load measurements, and assessment of compliance with national legislation and NATO transport standards. The study further integrates infrastructure-oriented evaluation to capture systemic constraints affecting mobility performance. The results indicate that road transport operations frequently exceed permissible axle load limits defined by national legislation, while rail transport is constrained by insufficient wagon load capacity and limitations in vehicle securing systems. These constraints collectively reduce the operational flexibility of heavy armoured vehicle deployment. The findings demonstrate that current transport capabilities within the CAF are only partially sufficient for the deployment of Leopard 2 MBT without operational restrictions or reliance on external logistical support. These limitations negatively affect strategic mobility and rapid deployment capability, particularly within multinational operational frameworks. The study therefore highlights the need for continued modernisation of transport assets, adaptation of transport infrastructure, and closer alignment with NATO standardisation and European military mobility initiatives.