Leopard 1 bought in Belgium
Rheinmetall wants to deliver more battle tanks to Kiev
08/09/2023 08:23
Rheinmetall is apparently planning to provide more battle tanks for Ukraine. According to a newspaper report, the armaments company bought dozens of Leopard 1 tanks in Belgium and now wants to refurbish them. Then they are to be exported to Ukraine.
According to a media report, the armaments company Rheinmetall is preparing to export more battle tanks to Ukraine. For this purpose, the company has acquired 50 Leopard 1 tanks from the Belgian company OIP Land Systems, as reported by the “Handelsblatt”, citing industry circles.
The vehicles are now to be re-equipped at the German locations of the Düsseldorf group for use in the Ukraine. Ultimately, around 30 of the 50 main battle tanks can be delivered to Ukraine. Initially, Belgian media reported on the purchase of the 50 main battle tanks. However, it was unclear who bought the Leopard 1 from OIP Land Systems.
The main battle tank is the forerunner of the Leopard 2 currently used by the Bundeswehr, a few dozen examples of which have already been exported to the Ukraine. The country relies on arms supplies from the West to ward off Russia’s attack on its territory. So far, no statement has been received from the Ministry of Defense and from Rheinmetall.