Hungary can get ahead of the Ukrainian authorities and start production of the latest German tanks first.
Hungary intends to be the first country to receive the latest Panther KF51 tank produced by German defense concern Rheinmetall. This was reported by the Handelsblatt newspaper, citing sources, on Wednesday, September 27.
According to the publication, Rheinmetall has already found the first customer for its new Panther tank. It will be made entirely in Hungary. But the contracts have not been signed yet.
“Work on Panther should start in cooperation with Hungary. According to sources in the circles, the government of Viktor Orban is expected to pay Rheinmetall about 300 million euros. Rheinmetall refused to comment,” the publication wrote.
It is emphasized that even the Bundeswehr has not yet ordered the Panther, because it sticks to the Leopard 2 tank already produced by the concern.
Meanwhile, Hungary has been a major customer for Rheinmetall in recent years. In mid-August, the Düsseldorf concern opened production of the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle in Hungarian Zalaegerszeg. When the plant opened, a Panther tank was on display.
It was previously reported that Rheinmetall intends to build a tank plant in Ukraine. The head of the company, Armin Papperger, said that for 200 million euros it is possible to build a business that will produce up to 400 Panther tanks per year.
It has also been reported Ukroboronprom and Rheinmetall will create a joint venture that will begin production of Fuchs armored personnel carriers.
Source: korrespondent
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