Leopard 2 tank

2023 - 1 - 25

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Germany announces it will supply Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine (The Guardian)

Olaf Scholz confirms decision after weeks of pressure, with Berlin providing 14 tanks and allowing partners to re-export others.

Sevim Dağdelen, a Wagenknecht ally, tweeted that the announcement, “at Washington’s behest, paved the way into a war”. “That way, people in his circle say, he wanted to minimise the risk of Vladimir Putin using German Leopard tanks as a pretext for directly targeting Germany.” “Scholz has managed to get the US to change course,” it wrote. Kyiv had to be supported “until the Putin regime understands that negotiations are a better option than continuing the war”, Hofreiter told RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland. He claimed the diplomatic wrangling over the deliveries of the tanks showed that Nato was divided in its support for Ukraine. “This is an overestimation of the potential that this will add to the Ukrainian army,” Peskov told reporters.

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Image courtesy of "CNBC"

Germany announces it will send 14 of its Leopard 2 battle tanks to ... (CNBC)

A German Army Leopard 2 A7V main battle tank stands on the training ground. Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images. Germany has announced that it is ...

"In reality, there are few systems that can provide the combination of fire, protection, and maneuver that a tank can ... "But it is important to see the reality: it is not about five, or ten, or fifteen tanks. Watts, a nonresident senior fellow in the Forward Defense practice of the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security said in emailed comments Wednesday. The decision to allow the export of German tanks to Ukraine comes after months of deliberation. Ukraine has coveted Leopard 2 tanks, which run on diesel, are relatively easy to maintain and are readily available from Ukraine's neighbors, such as Poland. had heeded Ukraine's call, agreeing earlier in January to send 14 of its own Challenger 2 tanks. Germany was also reportedly reluctant to deliver its own tanks unless the U.S. But it is also frustrated at the lengthy time it has often taken allies to approve weaponry provisions for Ukraine. Kyiv has repeatedly pleaded for tanks from its allies, arguing it needs them to defeat Russia, particularly to combat Moscow's anticipated spring offensives. Germany said its goal was to "quickly assemble two tank battalions with Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine. As a first step, Germany will supply a company with 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from Bundeswehr stocks. We are acting in a closely coordinated manner internationally," the chancellor said.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Germany confirms it will provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks (BBC News)

Russia has downplayed the impact of the move, saying the tanks will "burn like all the rest".

So far, none has been delivered. "Tanks are one of the components for Ukraine to return to its 1991 borders," he wrote on Telegram. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann of the liberal FDP party, who chairs the defence committee of the German parliament had previously described reports that Germany had approved the tanks as a relief to "the battered and brave Ukrainian people." A German government spokesperson said the decision to supply the tanks "follows our well-known line of supporting Ukraine to the best of our ability". The US and Germany had resisted internal and external pressure to send their tanks to Ukraine for some time. Dmitry Peskov said there was an overestimation of the potential the tanks would bring to the Ukrainian army, and called the move a "failed plan".

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Scholz gives go-ahead to supply Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine (Financial Times)

Ukrainians rejoice at decision while Russia's ambassador to Germany describes it as 'extremely dangerous'

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Germany to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine (Sky News)

Kyiv has been pleading for months for Western nations to send tanks to give its forces the firepower and mobility it hopes will break through Russian ...

But geopolitically it sends a clear message albeit belatedly to Putin that the West remains united and determined to stop him whatever his clumsy attempts at nuclear blackmail. Their chancellor Olaf Scholz said as much in a speech when he said Germany has reached a Zeitenwende or historic turning point. But Britain had already taken the initiative, sending Challengers. It will be make a big difference perhaps decisively in a military sense. And the last year has proven Ostpolitik a relic of the past or at least in need of an urgent overhaul. On the one hand for clear historical reasons it does not want to be seen taking the lead against Russia. That at least is how German officials have explained their predicament over the Leopard 2 battle tank. "We are acting in a closely coordinated manner internationally." On the other it happens to produce and supply a weapon that could prove crucial in Ukraine's war against Putin. Their critics in the past week's furious tank debate say that is an excuse. we are united". The Russian embassy in Berlin condemned Germany's decision as "extremely dangerous" and an "escalation" of the conflict "to a new level of confrontation".

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

M1 Abrams tank vs Leopard 2 and Challenger 2: What are the ... (Daily Mail)

The United States, Germany and more Western allies are poised to join Britain in sending heavy tanks to Ukraine in move that could prove a gamechanger in ...

More than 2,000 of those have been sent to over a dozen European countries and Canada. The 45-ton tank, which has a range of 290 miles, is equipped with a 125mm smooth bore gun as well as a 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm machine gun which are mounted on top of the roof. Its also features caterpillar tracks which helps it perform well as it moves across country. The £4million T-90 is supposed to be one of the best tanks in the world, and has upgraded armour and missile protection systems compared to the T-72 which make it harder to destroy - at least in theory. The tank is also fitted with a battlefield management system, which allows commanders to know the tank's location and the amount of ammunition and fuel they have left. Britain announced it would deploy 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine in the coming weeks and train Ukrainian troops to use them The 27ft-long Challenger 2 has a crew of four and a range of 340 miles on-road and 160 miles off road. Now with four main variants, its earliest version first came into service in 1979. Britain announced it would deploy 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine in the coming weeks and train Ukrainian troops to use them. The US is expected to send its M1A2 Abrams tank to Ukraine in the coming weeks to help with their war-effort The £5million tank is equipped with a 120mm smooth bore cannon which is loaded manually by one of the four crew members and has a range of effective fire in excess of 2.5 miles (4km). The US is expected to send its M1A2 Abrams tank to Ukraine in the coming weeks to help with their war-effort.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Ukraine war: German chancellor announces Leopard tanks to be ... (BBC News)

The decision is seen as a potential game-changer for Ukraine in its battle to defeat Russia.

A senior administration official said the tanks would give Ukraine a significant ability to fight in open territory. As the aggressor in two world wars, many Germans are wary of being the main provider of battle tanks in Ukraine. Without the tanks, it would be a long drawn-out war." Ukraine has requested 300 main battle tanks from its allies. Another sensitivity for Germany to overcome is that their Leopard 2s would be used against Russian soldiers. Biden says the US will send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, which he says is the equivalent of one Ukrainian battalion, on the recommendation of US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. A short while ago, President Biden confirmed that the US was pledging 31 M1 Abrams tanks. The Netherlands is considering giving Ukraine 18 Leopards that are currently on loan from Germany. as we're doing right now." The commitment to Ukraine is a "worldwide commitment", Biden added. Of huge significance is the weight of history felt by German modern-day leaders. “I just got back from Ukraine last week, the tanks will be outcome-determinative militarily.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Tanks for Ukraine: Germany to send Leopard 2s and allow others to ... (BBC News)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has decided to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, and allow other countries to do the same, reports in Germany say.

There has been no official statement from the German government yet. So far, none has been delivered. "Tanks are one of the components for Ukraine to return to its 1991 borders," he wrote on Telegram after the reports emerged of Germany agreeing to send tanks. A company is usually 14 tanks - the same number of Leopards Poland wants to send, and the same number of Challenger 2 tanks the UK has German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has decided to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, and allow other countries to do the same, reports in Germany say. Tanks for Ukraine: Germany to send Leopard 2s and allow others to export - reports

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Image courtesy of "POLITICO.eu"

European allies will send about 80 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine ... (POLITICO.eu)

Chancellor Olaf Scholz finally agrees to supply the German-made tank after the US also agrees to send American tanks.

[to send “a significant number”](https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/24/u-s-approving-abrams-tanks-ukraine-00079218) of American M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine facilitated the chancellor’s decision. Möller wrote that Ukrainian tank crews will undergo a six-week-training on the Leopards, in Germany which is supposed to start in early February. “At a critical moment in Russia’s war, these can help Ukraine to defend itself, win & prevail as an independent nation.” “But speaking frankly, the number of tanks and the delivery time to Ukraine is critical,” he said, in an interview with Sky News. Other European partners will also hand over Leopard-2 tanks,” the spokesperson added. “Sincerely grateful to the Chancellor and all our friends in” Germany, he said. that this support is provided without the risks for our country rising in the wrong direction.” He remained adamant that such a move had to be closely coordinated and replicated by Western allies, most notably the United States. The spokesperson also said the training of Ukrainian crews on the tanks “is to begin rapidly in Germany.” Berlin would also provide “logistics, ammunition and maintenance of the systems.” Scholz had come under huge pressure from European partners like Poland, [as well as his own coalition partners](https://www.politico.eu/article/olaf-scholz-leopard-tank-ukraine-reluctance-causes-growing-rifts-in-german-ruling-coalition/) in government, to no longer block the delivery of the German tank. [statement](https://russische-botschaft.ru/ru/2023/01/25/kommentariy-posla-rossii-v-germanii-s-4/) the decision was “extremely dangerous,” and took the conflict “to a new level of confrontation.” BERLIN — Germany and its European partners plan to “quickly” send two Leopard 2 tank battalions to Ukraine — suggesting about 80 vehicles — the government in Berlin announced Wednesday, adding that Germany would provide one company of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks “as a first step.”

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Image courtesy of "iNews"

How many Leopard 2 tanks does Germany have? What sending 14 ... (iNews)

Ukraine has been appealing for tanks from its Nato allies, but Germany had so far resisted due to concerns it might escalate the war.

Germany must approve any decision to re-export the tanks to Ukraine from other countries. “We are acting in a closely co-ordinated manner internationally.” They weigh 55 tonnes and can reach a top speed of 45mph. [export of Leopards by third countries](https://inews.co.uk/news/world/leopard-2-tank-what-germany-sending-tanks-ukraine-explained-how-many-2103199?ico=in-line_link), including Poland, which has already submitted a formal request to Berlin to send tanks to Ukraine from its stock. [Germany has agreed to send a batch of its Leopard 2 tanks](https://inews.co.uk/news/germany-send-leopard-2-tanks-ukraine-war-breakthrough-2105243?ico=in-line_link) to Ukraine, in a significant development in the continuing war with Russia. [German-made Leopard 2](https://inews.co.uk/news/ukraine-criticises-western-indecision-amid-disagreements-on-sending-german-made-tanks-2098779?ico=in-line_link) is one of the most widely used tanks across Europe.

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Image courtesy of "ITV News"

Germany approves sending heavy Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine after ... (ITV News)

The goal is for Germany and its allies to provide Ukraine with a total of two battalions, or 88 tanks, to help repel Russian forces. | ITV National News.

It was one of the biggest news stories of our time - and it's still not over. With fresh revelations from our Number 10 sources, in their own words, listen to the inside story... It has also been said that the move to allow such re-exportations would unlikely be a game-changer for Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces. We are acting in a closely coordinated manner internationally," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a statement. Germany had previously resisted mounting pressure either to supply its own tanks or clear the way for other countries, such as Poland, to send the German-made tanks from their own stocks. Germany and the United States will send tanks to Ukraine, the first stage of a coordinated effort by the West to provide dozens of the heavy weapons to Kyiv.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Why Germany delayed sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine (BBC News)

Ukraine's argument for wanting battle tanks is clear. It insists they can make all the difference - helping to push Russia back from Ukrainian territory and ...

Even the use of nuclear weapons. A real break with Berlin's post World War Two timidity and preference for allies to lead in security matters. was the slogan shouted at regular demonstrations outside the German parliament, while inside the debate to send, or not to send tanks, raged amongst German MPs. "Free the Leopards!" And Germany owns all the export licenses for them. They lacked the green re-export light from Berlin.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Why Germany delayed sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine (BBC News)

Germany produces the vast majority of modern heavy tanks in Europe - the Leopard 2s. Around 2,000 of them are spread out amongst European allies. And Germany ...

Even the use of nuclear weapons. A real break with Berlin's post World War Two timidity and preference for allies to lead in security matters. was the slogan shouted at regular demonstrations outside the German parliament, while inside the debate to send, or not to send tanks, raged amongst German MPs. "Free the Leopards!" And Germany owns all the export licenses for them. They lacked the green re-export light from Berlin.

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Image courtesy of "iNews"

Is the Leopard 2 the best tank in the world? How German battle ... (iNews)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz approved the supply of Leopard 2 to Kyiv after weeks of diplomatic deadlock between Nato members. (FILES) This file photo ...

This third-generation battle tank was developed from the T-72, and first entered service in 1992. Exported versions are used by the armies of Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Iraq. The Abrams is a full-tracked, low-profile, land combat assault weapon enabling expeditionary warfighters to dominate their adversaries through lethal firepower, unparalleled survivability, and audacious manoeuvre. Each regiment operates 56 Challenger 2 tanks and a similar number of supporting vehicles in tasks such as reconnaissance and ammunition supply. They have also been exported to countries including India, Algeria, Azerbaijan and Venezuela. The tank was initially built in the UK by Vickers Defence Systems, now BAE Systems and Land Armaments. The Challenger 2 is a main battle tank, designed to destroy other tanks. The Challenger 2 is used by four armoured regiments, based in the South West of England at Tidworth, Wiltshire, and Bovington, Dorset. They were designed by Chrysler Defence, now known as General Dynamics Land Systems. They weigh 55 tonnes and can reach a top speed of 45mph. Germany must approve any decision to re-export the tanks to Ukraine from other countries. Poland is now free to send tanks after submitting a request to Berlin.

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Will Leopard 2 tanks actually boost Ukraine's battlefield chances? (Financial Times)

Leopard 2s would ideally be deployed alongside armoured infantry fighting vehicles, self-propelled artillery, air defence systems, and electronic warfare. This ...

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Explainer: Why has Ukraine sought Leopard 2 battle tanks? (Reuters)

Germany has agreed to send its Leopard 2 tank to Ukraine and allowed other countries using the German-built tank to re-export them, responding to months of ...

France has said it was considering sending its Leclerc tank, which has a 120 mm smooth bore gun, saying all options are on the table. Operating a large number of one model would make it easier for Ukraine to train crew and manage maintenance. Germany's defence industry is banned by law from producing them for stock-keeping. One advantage of the Leopard 2 tank is that, as well as being one of the best tanks in the West's arsenal, it is also one of the most widely used. At the same time, it is all but impossible to buy a large amount of Leopard 2 tanks quickly. Kyiv has been pushing for the Leopard 2 tank in particular because it has several advantages over the alternatives, such as Britain's Challenger 2 and the U.S.

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Image courtesy of "EURACTIV"

Denmark, Sweden open to sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine (EURACTIV)

Leopard 2 is “the best heavy tank of all time”, the Swedish Defence Force said about the tank many view as a 'game-changer' and which has been requested by ...

For Sweden, delivering some of its 120 Leopard 2 tanks is “a possibility, but only in the future” as no such plans are being enforced right now, Defence Minister Pål Jonson said in a written statement for Svenska Dagbladet that was published Wednesday. There is no doubt that Denmark should donate its Leopard 2 tanks, Denmark’s defence spokesperson, Rasmus Jarlov of the Conservative party that is currently in the ruling coalition, said. Leopard 2 is “the best heavy tank of all time”, the Swedish Defence Force said about the tank many view as a ‘game-changer’ and which has been requested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on several occasions.

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

Germany agrees to send its Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine after ... (NPR)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Wednesday his country will export more than a dozen of its Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine. The move follows weeks ...

Scholz has asserted throughout the nearly 11-month Russian invasion of Ukraine that Germany is already and its European allies were wrong to think the tanks would influence the outcome of the war. Anything else would be irresponsible in such a dangerous situation," the [He wrote on Telegram](https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/4890) that Germany's donation of the tanks pave the way for Ukraine's western partners to supply similar weapons. "This is an overestimation of the potential that this will add to the Ukrainian army." But according to a "Two, he's had a lot of pressure within his own party about getting dragged into the war. "I'm sure that many specialists understand the absurdity of this idea. Germany will also authorize other countries that have their own stocks of Leopard 2 tanks to export them to Ukraine. "Ladies and gentleman, that is the right principle. [Forsa survey](https://www.n-tv.de/politik/46-Prozent-fuer-Lieferung-von-Kampfpanzern-article23850376.html) last week, German public support for supplying battle tanks to Ukraine grew to its highest level ever: 46% of those polled are in favor of delivering Leopard tanks and the same percentage is against it. One reason "is because there has not really been a clear majority in the German electorate electorate for sending tanks," said Sudha David-Wilp, who heads the Berlin office of the German Marshall Fund.

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