Germany to Deliver Promised Leopard 2 Tanks to Ukraine
Germany Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has announced Thursday that the promised Leopard 2 tanks will be delivered to Ukraine “at the end of March-beginning of April.” Pistorius said that Ukrainian soldiers will also receive training in Germany as well, with courses on the drive Marders light armor beginning “at the end of January” while training on the Leopards will follow “a little later.”
Wednesday marked a new stage in the military support for Ukraine from both the United States and Germany when they announced the deliverance of the heavy tanks. Kyiv has expressed that the deliverance of the tanks needs to be fast and in large amounts. Germany is expected to deliver 14 Leopard 2 type 2A6 tanks from the reserves of its army, the Bundeswehr. Other countries with German-made tanks of the same type are also anticipated to deliver, with Poland, Norway and Spain sharing their willingness. The Netherlands, Denmark and Finland have reportedly also been willing to part take. Germany’s goal is to set up two tank battalions equipped with 80-90 units of Leopard 2 tanks, while the US will send 31 Abrams tanks.