Germany discusses sending tanks to Ukraine. But that is currently not possible. “Even if it is decided tomorrow that we can send our Leopard tanks to Kiev, the delivery will take until the beginning of next year,” says Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger of “Bild am Sonntag”.
According to Papperger, the armament group still has 22 Leopard 2 vehicles and 88 Leopard 1 vehicles. “But we cannot repair these tanks without an order, as the costs are several hundred million euros. Rheinmetall cannot pre-finance that,” Papperger told the newspaper.
Repair takes a year
The repair of the decommissioned main battle tanks will take “a little less than a year,” Papperger continued. “The vehicles are not only being repainted, but also need to be converted for war use.” The tanks would be “completely disassembled and then rebuilt”.
The Leopard could play a decisive role in the war, the CEO said: “With main battle tanks, an army can break through enemy lines and put an end to long trench warfare. With the Leopard, the soldiers can advance tens of kilometers at a time.”
Britain agrees
Ukraine has long demanded the delivery of Leopard tanks. The debate gained momentum this week after Polish President Andrzej Duda said his country was willing to do so as part of an international coalition. However, this requires approval from Germany, the country of manufacture.
Finally, on Saturday, Britain became the first country to announce the delivery of heavy battle tanks to Kiev. The delivery of the Challenger 2 tanks and additional artillery systems should help the Ukrainian army “push back Russian forces,” British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said. The British commitment increases the pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) to also send main battle tanks to Ukraine. (SDA/euc)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
