Germany to Send 'Leopard 1' to Ukraine as Well

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 7th (local time), the German government approved the export of 178 Leopard 1 tanks, the previous model of its main battle tank Leopard 2, to Ukraine. This decision came just two weeks after agreeing to support the new Leopard 2 tanks.

The German weekly magazine Der Spiegel reported earlier this week that the German government approved the export of Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine. The Leopard 1 tank was the main battle tank used in West Germany during the 1960s and 1970s. Compared to this, the Leopard 2 is equipped with a more powerful main gun and improved targeting capabilities.

German main battle tank Leopard 2 [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

These Leopard 1 tanks are from defense industry stockpiles, and supply to Ukraine is expected to begin as early as this summer. Most of the units will be delivered next year. Germany's public broadcaster ZDF reported, "German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that 20 to 25 tanks are scheduled to be delivered to Ukraine by summer, and more than 100 tanks will arrive by early next year."

Additionally, on the same day, Boris Pistorius, the newly appointed German Defense Minister, made a surprise visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, and promised to supply more than 100 Leopard 1 tanks, the previous model, together with Denmark and the Netherlands, in addition to the 60 Leopard 2 main battle tanks pledged by Western allies.

Minister Pistorius also stated that parts and ammunition will be supplied along with the Leopard 1 tanks to form at least three battalions. Furthermore, training for about 600 non-commissioned officers has already begun.

The defense ministers of Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark issued a joint statement saying, "Primary supplies, including spare parts and ammunition, will arrive in Ukraine within a few months," and "Ukraine will be able to receive at least 100 Leopard-1A5 tanks within a few months."

With this export approval, the German government has taken a frontline role in weapons support for Ukraine.

Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced two weeks ago that 14 Leopard 2 tanks from the German Bundeswehr stockpile would be provided to Ukraine. These units are expected to be delivered to the Ukrainian military by the end of next month.