The German defense concern Rheinmetall wants to buy Leopard 1 tanks from the Swiss defense company Ruag.
A firm from Switzerland bought these tanks in Italy in 2016, they may be used and non-working. The German concern Rheinmetall would like to buy combat vehicles and made it clear that they would be delivered to Ukraine after repairs. It is reported by Sky News.
It is noted that the inventory and transfer of the first Leopards to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ruag representative has already discussed with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. However, this idea was not approved in Bern. Despite this, it is believed that the agreement can still take place, because this issue will be raised at a meeting of the Swiss Federal Council.
As you know, Leopard 1A5 tanks are armed with a cannon, which is less powerful than the Leopard 2 tanks. Older models are also not as well armored as modern Leopards.
Recall, Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko said that the number of Challenger 2 tanks transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine will double. Ukraine asked London for 14 such tanks, but after the visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky, it turned out that their number would increase.
Source: Sky News
Source: Racurs
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