NATO countries plan to send six battalions of Leopard tanks to Ukraine. This was stated by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, RFI writes with reference to the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.
It is noted that these are two battalions of newer Leopard 2 models and four battalions of older Leopard 1 models.
The total number of tanks in the six battalions is about 300 units. However, according to Welt am Sonntag, Pitorius emphasized that deliveries in excess of the stated number are excluded.
"I don't see a scenario in which it will be possible to send additional Leopards beyond what has been announced," the newspaper quoted the German defense minister as saying.
In addition, Boris Pistorius emphasized that Germany would not transfer tanks from its reserves to Ukraine in order not to weaken its own defense capabilities.
Background. As a reminder, Germany has signed contracts with Rheinmetall to resume production of ammunition for Cheetah anti-aircraft systems that the country supplied to Kyiv.
It was also reported that Rheinmetall would lease a tank plant in Ukraine rather than build it.