The German government has approved the export of Leopard 1 main battle tanks from the manufacturer’s inventory to Ukraine.
“I don’t want to say anything more at this stage, but it will become more concrete in the coming days and weeks,” government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said in Berlin, confirming the export approval. said.
WILL BE GIVEN TO UKRAINE
According to the reports in the German press, 88 idle Leopard 1 tanks in the hands of the Rheinmetall company will be overhauled and put into use, and then delivered to Ukraine.
The Leopard 1 main battle tank is the first main battle tank produced for the German army after the Second World War.
The German army decommissioned the Leopard 1 tanks 20 years ago, but nine countries on different continents of the world still use the tank today.
WHAT HAPPENED?
From 1965 to the mid-1980s, 4,700 tanks were produced, later replaced by the more modern Leopard 2s.
Germany announced on January 25 that it would supply 14 Leopard tanks to Ukraine. (AA)