Germany has given Ukraine a remarkable gift that could shift the momentum of the war effort against Russia.
German Battle Tanks
In a stunning twist, Ukraine is set to deploy a formidable arsenal against Russia – Cold War-era German battle tanks.
The New York Times reported that Germany’s generous move saw ten decommissioned Leopard 1A5 tanks shipped to Ukraine last month.
These tanks, designed by none other than Porsche, better known for its luxury cars, were manufactured by Krauss-Maffei in West Germany.
Springing Into Action
The Leopard tank, born in 1965, last saw action with the German army in 2000. The 1A5 model, a product of the 1980s, now rides into a new era.
Left dormant in European warehouses for years, over 100 German tanks were given a new lease on life when the German government approved their donation to Ukraine in February.
Despite their age, experts and German officials vouch for the Leopard 1A5’s combat prowess.
It Can Reverse
Lt. Gen. Andreas Marlow, overseeing Germany’s training program for Ukrainians, highlighted the Leopard’s night-vision and weapons-stabilization system. Unlike many older tanks in Ukraine’s arsenal, it can be driven in reverse.
Marlow further praised the Leopard 1A5 for its user-friendliness, easier maintenance, and repair compared to its modern counterpart, the Leopard 2A6.
A Ukrainian tank commander known only as “Bassist” emphasized that age is irrelevant in the hands of a professional.
A Solid Choice
Military expert Christian Mölling at the German Council on Foreign Relations deemed the Leopard 1 tanks a solid choice.
Since February, Ukrainian tank crews have been honing their skills in Germany, mastering the Leopard 1A5 and other vital weapon systems donated to Ukraine.
With a grueling six-day-a-week, six-week training schedule, these tank crews are ready to unleash their newfound expertise back home.
Germany Committed to Helping Ukraine
Germany’s commitment to Ukraine extends far beyond tanks. The Times reported that they aimed to train a whopping 10,000 Ukrainian troops in 2023.
Germany’s contribution aligns with the European Union’s promise to train 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers by the end of 2023, as reported by The Brussels Times.
Ukraine’s newfound weapon, the Leopard 1A5, emerges as a potential game-changer in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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