German-based defence equipment manufacturer Rheinmetall is preparing to supply 50 used Leopard 1 battle tanks to Ukraine, according to Handelsblatt newspaper.
CEO Armin Papperger tells the newspaper the first tanks could be delivered in six weeks’ time, with more to follow over the next three months through a subsidiary – Rheinmetall Italia – if the move is approved by the German government.
The Leopard 1, which first entered service in 1965, is the predecessor to the more modern Leopard 2 currently being fielded by Germany’s armed forces.
The tanks have been returned to the company by the countries using them for upgrades.
Papperger said that he believes Ukrainian soldiers could be trained to use the tanks in just a few days if they have previous military training.
BBC News
