Although the Netherlands does not currently possess German-made Leopard 2 tanks, the Netherlands announced on Wednesday that it is ready to purchase the tanks, which it currently only leases, to send to Ukraine, CNN reports.
- What are Leopard tanks and why did Ukraine want them so much?
According to the UN Conventional Arms Register, the Netherlands has no main battle tanks as it sold all of its Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Germany in 2018 and 2021. The Netherlands is currently leasing 18 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks from Germany.
Rutte suggested that the Netherlands could buy these tanks directly and then send them to Ukraine.
- “If it will be useful for the Netherlands to participate, then we are ready to do it.
- These discussions are ongoing, we have told the Germans that we are ready to seriously consider this scenario,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told RTL News, however, noting that no decision has yet been made.
How many tanks would be sent to Ukraine
On Wednesday, Germany approved the shipment of Leopard tanks to Ukraine.
Britain was the first country to announce that it would send its Challenger 2 tanks, while Poland insisted that Berlin approve the shipment of its Leopard 2 tanks.
Germany, which has been negotiating with the United States and other allies, has announced that the overall goal will be to provide Ukraine with two battalions of Leopard 2s. A battalion is usually made up of three or four companies, each with about 14 tanks, so this could mean sending a total of 80 up to 110 German-made tanks.
Which countries could send tanks to Ukraine
GERMANY
Germany has said it will supply Leopard 2 main battle tanks, a machine made by the manufacturer Rheinmetall with a 120 mm gun, one of the most widely used in the West. He stated that he would send an initial company of 14 tanks.
THE UNITED STATES
U.S. officials say Washington is ready to send several dozen M1 Abrams battle tanks in contrast to the previous position. The tank has a 120 mm barrel gun.
United Kingdom
In January, the British government announced it would send a squadron or 14 of its Challenger 2 battle tanks, which carry a 120mm gun.
POLAND
Warsaw has said it is ready to send up to 14 of its Leopard 2 tanks and has asked Berlin for approval.
NORWAY
The Norwegian government is considering the idea of sending its Leopard tanks, the press reports.
FINLAND
Finnish Defense Minister Mikko Savola said Finland would join a group of countries sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, but the contribution would be limited because Helsinki is not yet part of NATO and cannot jeopardize its own defense.
NETHERLANDS
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte said that the Netherlands is ready to supply battle tanks to Ukraine if necessary.
SPAIN
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said that Spain is open to the idea of supplying Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks.
FRANCE
The French government is considering sending its Leclerc tank, which has a 120mm smoothbore gun, saying all options are being considered. He has previously rejected requests to do so, arguing that French missions abroad limit the number of available tanks and that the heavy maintenance of his tank makes it less than ideal fighting vehicle for Ukraine. (Source: News.ro)
Source: Hot News
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