Production in Ukraine possible
Rheinmetall wants to deliver Panther battle tanks to Kyiv
2/9/2023 2:02 p.m
The names Panther and Lynx are not mentioned in the currently discussed tank deliveries to Ukraine. This is due to the fact that the Rheinmetall models were only newly developed. Nevertheless, they could soon defend Kyiv. The armaments giant is negotiating with the country attacked by Russia.
According to CEO Armin Papperger, the armaments group Rheinmetall is talking to Kyiv about the delivery of state-of-the-art tanks. “Ukraine is interested in the Lynx and the Panther,” which are “currently the most modern armored personnel carriers and main battle tanks,” Papperger told the “Handelsblatt”. Talks were already underway.
His company can produce new tanks, which has the advantage that no state has to give up anything it has in stock. According to the newspaper report, Kyiv would be the first customer for the Panther main battle tank. A sale of the two models to the Ukraine is only possible with the approval of the federal government. In the interview, Papperger rated the chances of approval as good. “Ukraine has to hold its own in this war – and once it’s over, the country needs security,” he said. The country must be able to defend itself, this is the only way it can protect its borders.
Rheinmetall presented the Panther last summer at a “Eurosatory 2022” arms fair in Paris and touted it as the strongest battle tank in the world. There is still only a demonstration model of the Panther. Nevertheless, Papperger promises a delivery “in 15 to 18 months”. The tanks could be built in Germany or in Hungary, but not only.
“We are therefore prepared to set up a plant for the production of the Panther in the Ukraine as well,” said Papperger – provided the war was over and the necessary permits from the federal government were in place.