The Ukrainian government has awarded Rheinmetall a contract to supply Leopard 1 systems, which includes 25 main battle tanks (MBTs) Leopard 1A5, five armoured recovery vehicles (Bergepanzer 2), and two driver training tanks.
The order, worth an amount in the upper-two-digit million-euro range and financed by Germany, also covers training, logistics, spare parts, maintenance, and other support services, with delivery scheduled for 2024.
Rheinmetall is currently overhauling and preparing the Leopard 1 systems for use in their plants in Unterlüß and Kassel. The group has previously provided Ukraine with 80 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, most of which are already in use and have proven their worth in ongoing operations against Russian forces.
The group is also ready to supply a further 20 Marder IFVs when requested. In addition to the vehicles, Rheinmetall is also providing ammunition, drones, medical facilities, and other assistance to the Ukrainian armed forces.
In late 2023 and early 2024, Ukraine will also receive five Caracal airmobile-capable vehicles, and the following year, the group will supply 14 Leopard 2A4 MBTs on behalf of the Dutch and Danish governments.