The German government has given the go-ahead for the export of Leopard 1 main battle tanks to Ukraine. Now it’s clear how many. In Kyiv, Defense Minister Pistorius also gave specific figures.
The Federal Ministry of Economics has approved the export of up to 178 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks to Ukraine. This was announced jointly by the Economics and Defense Ministries in Berlin. “How many Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks will actually be delivered to Ukraine depends on the necessary repair work,” the statement continued.
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck hopes that the deliveries will help fend off an expected new wave of Russian attacks. “There are large numbers that are made available there in order to ward off the Russian spring offensive,” said the Vice Chancellor in the US capital Washington.
Since the tanks still have to be prepared, the exact timetable is not foreseeable, said Habeck. “But of course it should go as quickly as possible.” If you ask yourself afterwards whether such decisions could not have been made earlier, “then of course you have a point,” said the Green politician. On the other hand, the question is probably pointless because the political and military situation always plays a role.
decision after a lengthy discussion
The federal government had already given its general approval for the export last week. The Leopard 1 is the first main battle tank built for the German Army after World War II. 4700 examples were produced from 1965 to the mid-1980s. The Bundeswehr retired its last Leopard 1 tanks 20 years ago.
After a lengthy discussion, the federal government had already decided two weeks ago to hand over 14 more modern Leopard 2 to Ukraine and to allow allies such deliveries of the weapon system developed in Germany. Marder armored personnel carriers and the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system are also to go to Ukraine. Ukrainian soldiers are already being trained in Germany.
Pistorus in Kyiv: Ukraine will receive more than 100 Leopard 1 tanks
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) said during his first visit to Kyiv that the Leopard 1 would be delivered in stages. 20 to 25 tanks should be delivered by the summer, and up to 80 by the end of the year. The aim is to have more than 100 in the course of the first or second quarter of 2024. This means that at least three Ukrainian battalions should be equipped, including the material to be procured for spare parts and ammunition. In addition, the training of 600 sergeants has begun.
Ukraine is to receive the tanks from a group of several European countries. In a joint statement with the defense ministries of the Netherlands and Denmark, it was said that the two countries are also involved in the Leopard 1 delivery. “Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands are providing refurbished Leopard 1A5s from industrial stocks,” it said. The initiative is open to other countries. Belgium has signaled initial interest in participating.
Resnikov: “Germany is on Ukraine’s side”
With the current commitment to deliver the Leopard 1 tanks, he connects “the wish and the great hope that this contribution can also help Ukraine remain defensible and withstand the attack,” said Pistorius. The will of the Ukrainian people to defend their homeland is unbroken. “I have my greatest admiration for that,” said the minister at a joint appearance with his Ukrainian colleague Oleksiy Resnikov.
Resnikov was delighted with the announced tank delivery. “There is no doubt – Germany stands by Ukraine,” he wrote on Facebook. This is a significant contribution by Germany to Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression. “The support is enormous, it can only get better.”
Selenskyj thanks Germany for support
Selenskyj rated the visit as “a signal of support for Ukraine”. “Ukraine is very interested in the support of one of the leaders of the European Union – Germany, especially at this difficult time for us,” Zelenskyy was quoted as saying in a statement from his presidential office. “We are grateful for the recent decisions, for all decisions,” he said. The tank delivery announced later by Pistorius was not mentioned in the communication.
Pistorius emphasized that there should be no doubt that Germany and the other partners in Europe and beyond “will continue to stand firmly by Ukraine’s side in the future and we will continue to support them with everything that is necessary”. According to Pistorius, Ukraine will receive more guided missiles by the end of the month, as well as five Cheetah anti-aircraft tanks and another five Badger engineer tanks. Five Biber tank bridge-laying vehicles would be delivered in March.
Source: Stern
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