Rheinmetall Delivers Leopard Tanks to Ukraine's Defense
Rheinmetall, a German defense company, has unveiled plans to send 25 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks to Ukraine, backed by the German government. Alongside these battle tanks, five armored recovery vehicles and two armored driving school vehicles, known as Düsseldorf's Leopard 1 drivers, will be included in the package.
The agreement comes with a hefty price tag, estimated to be in the "upper double-digit million euro range." It also covers training, logistics, spare parts, and maintenance, with financing arranged by the German government. The delivery of these tanks is scheduled for next year.
Following the Russian invasion, Rheinmetall has seen increased demand from Ukraine. The company plans to supply 14 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks to Ukraine's armed forces on behalf of both the Dutch and Danish governments in the upcoming year.
Though Rheinmetall remains committed to supporting Ukraine, exact details about the number of Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks to be delivered next year have not been disclosed. However, this much-needed assistance will bolster Ukraine's defenses in the face of threats, such as those from the Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks provided by Rheinmetall itself.
[Enrichment Insight] Rheinmetall's contributions to Ukraine's defense extend beyond just Leopard tanks. The company has also supplied over 100 Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) directly to Ukraine and offered unspecified support through other ring exchange programs. In addition, Rheinmetall has trained Ukrainian specialists in Germany, improving defense manufacturing capabilities, and provided various types of ammunition, including mortar and 155mm artillery ammunition. Rheinmetall is also involved in establishing a Ukrainian Centre of Excellence for Ammunition, which aims to produce large quantities of 155mm rounds annually, and signed a large-volume framework agreement with the German government.
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