Süddeutsche Zeitung: Germany to supply Ukraine with Leopard 1 tanks from own stock

Germany’s authorities have approved supplying Ukraine with 88 Leopard 1 tanks from its own stock, Süddeutsche Zeitung has found out, confirmed by DW.

The tanks will be supplied after they are repaired, Süddeutsche Zeitung learned from its sources in the German government; Rheinmetall and Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft might be involved in repairs. Ukraine will not get the tanks for free, instead, it will have to pay over €100 million to Rheinmetall.

Süddeutsche Zeitung also says Germany is negotiating to buy 15 Flakpanzer Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns from Qatar; the latter purchased those to maintain security during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“Gepard tanks gained some great reputation in the Ukraine War. If we could get more from our partners here, this would definitely help Ukrainians,” Boris Pistorius, Germany’s Defence Minister, said.

Leopard 1 is one of the first tank models designed by Germany after WW2, manufactured since 1965. Most countries have already removed those from service. More advanced Leopard 2 tanks replaced those in the German military.

Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz previously announced that Germany and the allies would supply Ukraine with 112 Leopard 2 tanks in total. Kyiv is set to start receiving Leopard tanks in three months. Biden also previously stated that the US would provide Ukraine with 31 Abrams tanks.