Spain sends its first Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine | outside

The Leopard 2A4 was decommissioned in Spain more than ten years ago and the tanks have been gathering dust in a warehouse near Zaragoza since 2012. Prior to shipment, they received an extensive refurbishment and were tested for use in Ukraine. In recent weeks, 40 tank crew members and 15 mechanics have been trained in Spain.

German-made Leopard tanks and armored transport vehicles were transported on a cargo ship. The ship will go to Poland, and the equipment will be transferred to Ukraine, which is expected to launch a counteroffensive in the spring. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said earlier this month that Spain would send 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks. The army is repairing the remaining four, which will be handed over later.

Ukraine relies on old Soviet-era tanks and has turned to the West for modern main battle tanks, which it says is important to its ability on the ground. The first Spanish tank deliveries come a day after US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the US plans to supply Germany with Abrams tanks to train Ukrainian soldiers in the coming weeks. Germany also promised Leopard tanks. NATO countries promised to send 48 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

See also: This is the Leopard 2 tank