Ukraine to receive German Leopard tanks from Europe

Germany will supply Ukraine with modern Leopard 2 battle tanks and allow allies such as Poland, Finland and the Netherlands to do so as well. These countries had also declared their willingness to supply Leopard tanks to Ukraine. According to reports in several US media, the USA is planning to make its Abrams tanks available. The New York Times reports that 30 to 50 units are being discussed. The United Kingdom has already promised 14 Challenger tanks. The Leopard is one of the most modern and best battle tanks in the world, and is deployed in 14 European countries. For months Ukraine has been demanding Western-designed battle tanks to fight the Russian aggressors.

As a first step, Germany plans to deliver 14 state-of-the-art Leopard 2 tanks, said government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit, explaining that the goal was to quickly assemble two tank battalions with Leopard 2 tanks and that European partners would also provide tanks for this purpose. The German government will issue the necessary licences. A German battle tank battalion usually consists of 44 Leopard 2 tanks. The shipment to Ukraine therefore involves a total of almost 90 tanks.

The support package also includes training, logistics and ammunition. The tanks are to come from Bundeswehr stocks. “This decision is in line with our well-known policy of supporting Ukraine to the best of our ability. We are acting internationally in a closely coordinated manner,” said Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

 

Source: deutschland.de

 

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